Zildjian

A Family Business for 14 Generations

When you talk about cymbals, chances are you're talking about Zildjian cymbals. But did you know that the company is four centuries old and still run as a family business?

Nearly 400 years ago, in 1623, Avedis Zildjian founded a cymbal-manufacturing company in Istanbul.
Now run by 14th generation family member Craigie Zildjian, along with her sister Debbie, the company has outlasted empires, survived a move overseas to the US, and thrived during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and two World Wars.
Today, the company controls 65% of the world's cymbal market, and took in more than $50m in revenues last year.
But for the Zildjians, it's more than just a business.

Kim Gittleson of the BBC has a fascinating look into the oldest family firm in the USA: here.