Virginia Danielson & Scott Marcus 
The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music [PDF ebook] 
The Middle East

Expert writers present the major traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, together with personal accounts of performers, composers, teachers, and ceremonies. A special feature of this volume is the inclusion of dozens of brief snap-shot essays that offer ‘lifestories’ of typical musicmakers and their art, as well as first-person descriptions of specific music performances and events. Also includes maps and music examples.