The instruments resembling the darbuka in various shapes and sizes were used by civilizations in Anatolia, Mesopotamia and Central Asia in ancient times. In more recent periods the darbuka changed and developed further. The instrument is known by different names, given at different times and in different places. These include: dümbek, dümbelek, deplek, deblek, dönbek, tömbek, darbeki and debulak.

This percussion instrument was originally made from fired clay, copper, aluminum, various metals, plaster and porcelain fibers. Generally speaking, the darbuka resembles a pipe with a narrow end and was previously covered with leather - today synthetic materials are preferred for production. The skin is passed over a hoop and the instrument is tuned by stretching it with screws. The body bears various forms of decoration, which vary from region to region.