We think the oldest surviving ouds are in Europe, preserved as a result of French, Belgian and English research and collecting. Their journeys shadow the routes of imperialist acquisition. But ouds have long been associated with journeys. And as time moves on towards the end of the 19th century, others ouds reveal the travels of musicians and instrument makers who went in search of new experiences and opportunities.

If you know about an interesting journey made by an oud please get in touch to share it here.