The instrument is used in Asia more than anywhere else in the world, and every country uses it which is suitable to its musical mood such as;

Iran, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, China, Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan. Def has same principles even in European countries such as Germany, Southern Spain, and the US.

But, Iran is the only country which has brought this instrument to its peak as one of the national and orchestral instruments. In pre-Islamic era, Def was used in Iranian and Kurdish music that its rhythm trace can be seen in Kurdish music roots. By Entering Islam, the instrument was only played in the shrines because of its survival. For over 13 centuries, it had been a companion of dervishes in the shrines and mingled with praise and Sama. This process continued until 1974 (1353 AH[1]) until Mohammad Reza Lotfi with the efforts of Bijan Kamkar ended this process and Def used in public performances after centuries.

---

[1] After Hijrat. It means after prophet Mohammed moved from Mecca to Madinah. It is also called Jalali Calendar.