A Brief History of Zildjian

The Zildjian Cymbal Company is one of the oldest and most renowned cymbal manufacturers in the world. Its history dates back 400 years to the early 17th century in Turkey. In honor of Zildjian's 400th Anniversary, here is a brief history of the Zildjian Cymbal Company from its founding to the present day!

Founding in the Ottoman Empire (1623): The Zildjian Cymbal Company was founded in 1623 by Avedis Zildjian I, an Armenian alchemist and metalworker based in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). Legend has it that Avedis discovered a unique alloy that produced musical tones with exceptional clarity and sustain while attempting to create gold. This alloy, a combination of copper, tin, and traces of silver, became the secret family recipe for crafting Zildjian cymbals.

Early Success and Demand: Word of the Zildjian cymbals' exceptional quality spread rapidly, and they gained popularity among the Ottoman military bands and Mehter ensembles. As demand grew, the Zildjian family kept their cymbal-making techniques a closely guarded secret, passing them down through generations.

Relocation to the United States (1929): In the early 20th century, with geopolitical changes in Turkey and a desire to expand their business, the Zildjian family made the difficult decision to leave Turkey and relocate to the United States. In 1929, Avedis Zildjian III, the head of the company at the time, established the Avedis Zildjian Company in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Continued Success and Innovations: Under the leadership of Avedis Zildjian III, the company continued to thrive and innovate. They expanded their product line, introducing various cymbal series and sizes to cater to different musical styles and preferences. Zildjian cymbals became increasingly popular among drummers and percussionists worldwide, solidifying their reputation as a top cymbal manufacturer.

Entry into the Rock Era (1950s-1960s): As rock 'n' roll and popular music exploded in the mid-20th century, Zildjian cymbals found their way into the hands of many iconic drummers, contributing to the development of the rock sound. Drummers like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Ringo Starr and later, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, were known for their use of Zildjian cymbals, cementing the company's place in music history.

Expansion and Family Transition: In the latter half of the 20th century, the Zildjian family business went through some changes. The company expanded its production facilities and distribution networks to meet growing demand. In the 1970s, the leadership passed to Robert Zildjian, who founded Sabian Cymbals after a dispute with his brother Armand Zildjian over control of the company.

Modern Era and Legacy: In the modern era, the Avedis Zildjian Company continued to thrive, producing an extensive range of cymbals for various musical genres and expanding its product line to include drumsticks and other percussion accessories.

Today, the Zildjian Cymbal Company remains a significant influence in the music industry, providing top-quality cymbals to drummers and percussionists around the world. With four centuries of history, the Zildjian family's legacy endures as a symbol of craftsmanship, innovation, and contribution to the world of music.