Other evidence points to this instrument having a very ancient origin. The kanun was not known by Europeans until relatively recently, however. The French, for example, only made its acquaintance after Napoleon's Egyptian campaign
in 1792.
With its bright, clear sound capable of expressing all kinds of emotions, this instrument was widely used in Ottoman Turkey. In the 18th century it was particularly popular with women, as we gather from accounts of palace life and illustrations. Drawings of an Ottoman orchestra, including kanun players, by the Swiss artist J. E. Liotard, who lived in Istanbul and Izmir from 1738 to 1742, provide further evidence of its widespread use at that time.
VIRTUOSO HACI ARIF BEY
The kanun has undergone various changes since its invention. The strings used to be made of gut, but since the early 20th century these have been superseded by nylon strings, which give a more powerful sound and are easily available in various gauges. The pegs used today are another recent modification which did not exist in the original instrument.