For my last blog I really wanted to expand into something I've never really looked into before. So, we're going to be looking into some Turkish folk music!
Turkish music is like, the ultimate example of syncretism. Taking aspects from Islam, Persian, Byzantine, and Balkan cultures, Turkish music has become it's own unique staple to the culture of it's people.
The music of rural Turkey is more on the folk side, performed by a vast variety of just, people telling life experiences. The music is performed by both men and women (which is awesome!) but by two specific sources.
The first of those sources being Türkü singers, who perform songs at gatherings of all types. Their songs are usually repetitive, but the singers incorporate their own words and aspects that make the songs unique to them. However, these songs usually remain anonymous. The second source are the aşıks, who create their own lyrics and music completely, and are not anonymous.
The structure of Turkish folk music is centered around tetrachords, using heptatonic scales. It is also melodically modeled on structures called ayak, which means foot/step. The melodic range of folk music usually has a range of 4 to 15 notes, with that range being broader in more urban areas.
To put some music to some words, here is an example of Turkish folk music, which I personally really enjoyed listening to:
Now lets look at some instruments popular in Turkey.
First up is the tar. This instrument is a chordophone primarily used in folk music, and is even seen in Iran, Uzbekistan, and Georgia. The body of the instrument is made of two different sized bowls made from mulberry trees. There are two groups of strings, the first being the ones responsible for playing the tune (with 2-3 strings here.) The second set of strings are used only to enhance the tone of the music being played, and are tuned accordingly.
Next we have the zurna, a Turkish folk aerophone. This instrument is used in special occasions and ceremonies because of its loud, prominent sound. Usually it is accompanied by a drum, but isn't used in musical ensembles due to its loud sound and funky intonation. The instrument is kind of complicated to describe, so a picture will be easier to show you. But I would go with a wooden recorder/oboe type thing, for casual terminology.
I think the zurna is actually kind of cool. So here's a video of a professional zurna player.
To end our little Turkish folk journey, lets finish with some dance. The dance is actually pretty essential to Turkish folklore, and are played at all of the different types of events that require celebration and music! The dance is important in learning self-expression and individual growth, also retaining a sense of mental, physical, and spiritual unity between the dancers. In Turkey, dance is a sense of identity, and is usually unique to the village/region that it is performed in. The clothing is also specific to the mood of the dance being performed, with vibrant colors representing happiness and cheer, while dull colors represent slow and melancholy dance.
Above is an example of these folk dances, and honestly it's mesmerizing how in sync all of the dancers are. Very beautiful and fun to see!
Sources:
Culture Trip. “How Turkey's Classical and Folk Music Continues to Survive.” Culture Trip, The Culture Trip, 18 Dec. 2012, https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/keeping-tradition-alive-classical-and-folk-music-in-turkey/.
“Guide to Turkish Music - All about Turkish Music.” Sala Muzik, https://salamuzik.com/blogs/news/guide-to-turkish-music.
Lesartsturcs. “Home.” Les Arts Turcs Cultural Center, 17 Feb. 2021, https://www.lesartsturcs.com/history-of-turkish-folk-dances/.
Sansal, Burak. “Musical Instruments of Turkey.” Musical Instruments of Turkey | All About Turkey, https://www.allaboutturkey.com/music-instruments.html.
I found it intresting how you said Turkish music is like syncretism. Listening to the music you added I can't say im a fan of this type of music lol. But I enjoyed learning about Turkish music.
First of all I don't know what I was expecting but Turkish music sounds way different than I thought! It's got a good beat I could dance to this. I thought it was really cool to learn more about the Turkish culture since I never really considered it. I also really liked all the different videos and thought it was really cool to hear/see! Good end the the semester :)
Listening to the traditional folk music I can definitely hear the middle eastern/Arabic influence. It was very catchy and honestly the beginning sounded like something you could hear in today's time.
I found it intresting how you said Turkish music is like syncretism. Listening to the music you added I can't say im a fan of this type of music lol. But I enjoyed learning about Turkish music.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I don't know what I was expecting but Turkish music sounds way different than I thought! It's got a good beat I could dance to this. I thought it was really cool to learn more about the Turkish culture since I never really considered it. I also really liked all the different videos and thought it was really cool to hear/see! Good end the the semester :)
ReplyDeleteListening to the traditional folk music I can definitely hear the middle eastern/Arabic influence. It was very catchy and honestly the beginning sounded like something you could hear in today's time.
ReplyDelete