The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Thursday, September 17, 2026
The history of the bagpipes is ancient, with music historians generally agreeing that the instrument originated in the Middle East. While Egypt is often suggested as a potential origin, the instrument is closely associated with regions where shepherds were common.
“There's the bagpipe dates back thousands of years. Music historians tend to align on the fact that pipes come from the Middle East. That's that they're certain on.”
“Lots of people suggest Egypt. Basically where they had shepherds, sheep, goats, they had bagpipes.”
“But then certain countries kind of claim them. We've got Iran and and Persian.”