The rich history of Turkish music A melodic journey from ancient times to the present day

Mondo History Updated on 2024-01-29

Turkey has a long history, from orchestral music to unique instruments and unique styles, Turks have a soft spot for them, and these are still remembered and revisited today. For those who don't know the type of Turks love, here's a guide to the Turkish dynasties.

Below is a timeline of ** development and performance on this land. Having always played an integral role in Turkish culture, it boasts a colourful blend woven over the centuries that reflects the cultural, historical, and geographical diversity of the region.

Ancient roots (before the 7th century).

Turkey's roots are closely linked to the ancient civilizations that thrived in Anatolia. The influence of Hittite, Phrygian and Ural cultures laid the foundation for the unique melodies and rhythms of Turkey.

Byzantine era (4th-15th centuries).

With the advent of religion, Byzantine hymns and religions left an indelible mark on the realm. With the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, the influx of Turkic tribes brought with it new instruments and vocal styles, forming a melting pot of influences.

Ottoman Empire (14th-20th centuries).

The Ottoman era was the era of Turkey. The court of the Ottoman Empire** was a blend of Persian, Arab, and Byzantine traditions. The Ottoman classical tradition, known as the "Turkish Classical" or "Ottoman Classical", arose with complex maqam compositions and intricate rhythmic patterns. Performances are traditionally performed as soloists, with ensembles of small and medium-sized instruments.

19th century

The Tanzimat reforms of the 19th century had a profound impact on Turkey**. The adoption of Western instruments and symbolic systems ushered in a new era of fusion. Composers such as Hac Arif Bey were the first to incorporate Western ** elements into Turkish compositions.

Early 20th century

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Turkish Republic under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk brought about a seismic cultural change. As part of the modernization effort, a new form of Turkish ** known as "türk sanat müzi i" (Turkish art**) emerged, which blended Western harmony with the traditional Turkish scale.

The "Turkish Five" is a term for five composers, all born in succession in the years of the turn of the 20th century, who set the tone for the transition of Turkish classical ** to this new genre that combines Western and Turkish elements, and has been revered ever since. They are: Ahmet Adnan Saygun, Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Cemal Re It Rey, Hassan Ferit Alnar and Necil Kaz M Akses.

Mid-20th century

After the Second World War, Turkish art arose, and artists such as Zeki Müren often performed on television with orchestral accompaniments. At the same time, during the period from the 50s to the 60s of the 20th century, the Barama player Neshet Erta played a folk ** with Anatolian influences, which came to be known as "Türk Halk Müzi I" (Turkish folk**).

60s of the 20th century: The rise of the Turkish pop**

In the 60s of the 20th century, under the influence of Western rock music, Turkish pop ** arose. Artists like Ajda Pekkan, who is regarded as a Turkish pop "superstar", incorporate Western elements into their songs, many of which are also Turkish variations of foreign pop songs. Ajida Pekan remains one of the most influential artists in Turkish history, as not only is she still performing today, but almost every generation in Turkey knows and loves her. Fikret K Zlok and Zdemir Erdoan were other pop artists of the time, and their ** blended pop and folk elements.

At the same time, a genre known as "turkish hafif müzi i" (Turkish classical**) also began to emerge among pop singers, characterized by the incorporation of Turkish lyrics into Western songs and arrangements. In other words, it was then that the emergence of Turkish cover songs, such as Ajda Pekkan's Turkish adaptation of the famous Glora Gaynor song "I Will Live".

70s of the 20th century: The birth of Anatolian rock music

The 70s of the 20th century was the heyday of Turkey's **, with the rise of Anatolian rock, a genre that blended rock and roll with traditional Anatolian folk songs. Bands such as Mo Ollar and the likes of Erkin Koray, Bar Mano, Selda Bacan and Cem Karaca became synonymous with the movement and the movement.

80s of the 20th century: The Arabic style ** was formed

In the 80s of the 20th century, the "Arabesque" (Arabesque) was carried forward by artists such as Ibrahim Tatl Ses and Orhan Gencebay. The "Arabic style" is a genre of Turkish folk ** combined with Arab and Byzantine elements, reflecting the social and economic struggles of the time, which was characterized by a large migration of people from the countryside to the cities, so the style deeply resonated with the rapidly changing society of Istanbul, especially Istanbul.

At the same time, Turkish pop** also flourished during this period, with the emergence of artists as world-renowned as Sezen Aksu, building a bridge between Turkey** and the international**. These artists keep holding ** meetings, and they also train singers to become the next generation of pop ** idols, and they do it.

The 90s of the 20th century: Turkish pop** went to the world

The 90s of the 20th century was a turning point, when the global success of Turkish pop star Tarkan's "Mar K" ("Kiss Kiss") made the singer an international sensation and opened the door for Turkish artists to enter the world stage. Part of Talkan's popularity is due to his incorporating Turkish folk elements into his popular songs. As Turkey's ** followed two different trajectories, the popular ** absorbed Western elements, while the Arabic style drew on the country's Anatolian ** heritage, but ** families such as Talkan managed to bridge this gap and his ** gained unprecedented popularity.

This era also saw the rise of Turkish rock music, with bands such as Duman, Athena, and M**i Sakal, influenced by their predecessors in Anatolian rock, also creating a whole new genre of Turkish rock music.

2000s: The era of the Eurovision Song Contest

In 2000, Turkey participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in Stockholm, Sweden, with Pinar Ayhan and SOS singing the song "Yorgunum Anla". Three years later, in 2003, Turkey won the Eurovision Song Contest in Riga, Latvia, with "Everyway That I Can" sung by Sertab Erener. The win marks a major achievement in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest and makes Erena and her former husband Levent Yuksel, who for many years served as the lead singer of Sezen Aksu, become household names.

The 21st century has brought a wave of diversity, with artists such as Ceza combining tradition with modern beats to make Turkish rap shine. Independence and electronics are also thriving, showcasing the experimental spirit of Turkey.

2010s: Turkey** diversification

In the 21st century, genres such as rap, electronic, and indie** are juxtaposed with pop and rock music, and artists such as Ceza, Gaye Su Akyol, and Büyük ev Ablukada continue to push the boundaries of**.

The 2020s: Continued innovation, global collaboration

Turkey** is constantly innovating on a global scale. Artists such as Aleyna Tilki and Sera explored new frontiers and collaborated with international artists, Gaye Su Akyol toured the world with his unique electronic beats and Anatolian medleys, and Evrencan Gündüz led the revival of Anatolian rock 'n' roll.

Related Pages