The first Zildjian cymbals were created in 1618 in Constantinopel (Now Istambul), Turkey by Avedis the first. He was an Armenian metal smith and alchemist, searching for how to make gold by created a sheet alloy combining tin, copper and silver. It was discovered that the strange resonant alloy when flattened into a sheet would make musical sounds when struck.

At the time he worked for the court of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople. In 1623, the Sultan granted Avendis the family name “Zildjian” which means “cymbal smith” – Turkish “zilci” (cymbal maker) and “yan” (son of).

Later on Avedis was granted permission to create cymbals commercially. This makes the Zildjian company one of the oldest in the world. The recipe for the cymbals remained secretive for generations. It was traditionally passed from father to eldest son only.

Avedis I passed the cymbal making process to his first son, Ahkam in 1651. During the end of 17th century classical composers began to accommodate cymbals in their compositions like the German opera “Esther” in 1680. Mozart then included cymbals and it gained much popularity during the 1700’s era.

In 1928 and 1929, Zildjian company made big steps when Avedis III and Aram Zildjian began manufacturing cymbals in Massachusetts and formed Avedis Zildjian Company in USA on September 19, 1929. 

Avedis developed many improvements and changes in cymbals, setting the standard for modern cymbals today. He was the first to create cymbal set for drums and gave specific names for their purpose : ride cymbal, crash cymbal, splash cymbal and hi-hat.

From there the company started to work together directly with drummers to deliver the best quality product. Chick Webb and Papa Jo Jones helped Avedis refined the hi-hat and cymbal making.