1901
Early roots in Damascus
Long before the family became known for oud making, the Halabi family’s relationship with craftsmanship began in Damascus through fine woodworking and the making of refined wooden pieces. In those early years, a deep respect for wood, precision, and disciplined handcraft became part of the family’s identity.
1928
Joudat Halabi begins the oud-making tradition
In 1928, Joudat Halabi opened his workshop in Damascus to build musical instruments, especially the oud. With him, the family’s craft took on a new direction. What began as a broader tradition of woodworking became a lasting musical legacy rooted in the art of Damascene oud making.
1955
A defining moment in the family legacy
As Joudat Halabi’s reputation grew, his work became recognized for its beauty, refinement, and musical sensitivity. In 1955, he crafted a distinctive oud and presented it to Umm Kulthum — a moment that remains one of the clearest expressions of the artistic and cultural stature the family’s craft had reached.
1980
Bashar Halabi carries the tradition forward
The next chapter was carried by Bashar Halabi, who took forward the values established by Joudat Halabi and brought the craft into a new stage of refinement. In addition to building ouds, Bashar devoted himself to the restoration of antique instruments, helping preserve not only their structure, but also the heritage and artistic spirit they carried.
2005
Mastery recognized in Damascus
In recognition of his experience and contribution to the craft, Bashar Halabi was awarded the title Master of Oud Makers in Damascus. It was an important affirmation of the family’s standing within one of the oud’s most respected traditions.
2011
Khaled Halabi preserves the legacy through upheaval
As Syria entered a period of upheaval, the responsibility of carrying the family tradition forward passed to Khaled Halabi, Bashar’s son and the third generation of oud makers in the family. Determined to preserve the craft and protect its future, he carried that legacy beyond Damascus.
2013
From Damascus to Beirut
Khaled Halabi brought the family’s oud-making tradition to Beirut, where its first chapter outside Syria began. There, he continued building ouds and working closely with musicians, proving that the legacy of Damascus could endure even in displacement.
2016
Tarablic begins in Canada
When Khaled Halabi brought the family tradition to Canada, a new chapter began. Tarablic was founded not simply to continue making ouds, but to carry this heritage forward with a new level of clarity, presentation, and trust. Rooted in Syrian craftsmanship and handcrafted in Canada, Tarablic became the modern continuation of a real family legacy.
Today
A living legacy, carried forward
Today, Tarablic continues the Halabi family story from Canada. What began with early craftsmanship in Damascus, was shaped into oud making by Joudat Halabi, refined by Bashar Halabi, and carried forward by Khaled Halabi, now lives on through instruments that unite Damascene heritage, refined craftsmanship, and a modern vision for the oud.