There are few musical instrument manufacturing companies whose history can compare with Zildjian. Perhaps there are none. Look up "venerable" in the dictionary and the listing reads, "See Zildjian." Founded in Istanbul, Turkey during the Ottoman Empire, Zildjian is undebatably the first name in cymbals. They are closely linked to the development of both jazz and rock and roll in the 20th century, and they have a centuries-old association with orchestral percussion. From affordable student crash cymbals to 40" symphonic gongs, Zildjian is the standard bearer for cymbals. Several other cymbal manufacturers compete effectively with Zildjian, but none will ever create a comparable legacy.