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 TURKISH FOLK TRADITION Folk Music : The lively Turkish folk
music, which originated on the steps of Asia, is in complete contrast to the refined Turkish classical music of the Ottoman
court. Until recently, folk music was not written down and the tradition have been kept alive by the
'ASIKLAR'
(troubadours). Distinct from folk music is Ottoman military music, now performed by the
'MEHTER TAKIMI'
(janissary band) in Istanbul, which originated in Central Asia, and is played with kettle
drums, clarinets, cymbals, and the bells. The mystical music of the Whirling Derwishes
(MEVLEVILER) is dominated by the haunting sound of the reed pipe or Ney. Folk Dances : Each region in TURKIYE has its own special folkdance and
costume, and the best known of these are listed
below: a) HORON : This Black Sea dance is performed by men
only, dressed in black with silver trimmings. The dancers link arms and quiver to the vibrations of the " KEMENCE " (a primitive kind of
violin). b) KASIK OYUNU : The spoon dance is performed from Konya to
Silifke,Bolu,Bursa, and consist of gaily dressed male and female dancers clicking out the dance rhythm with a pair of wooden spoons in each
hand. c) KILIC KALKAN : The sword and Shield dance of Bursa represents the Ottoman conquest of the
city. It is performed by only men, dressed in early Ottoman battle dress, who dance to the sound of clashing swords and
shields, without music. d) ZEYBEK : In this Aegean
dance, colorfully dressed male dancers, called " EFE " symbolize courage and
heroism. The spoon dance is performed from Izmir,Aydin,Bodrum,Fethiye. e)
HALAY : The region West and south of the Turkiye. Diyarbakır, Urfa, Adana,
Hatay, Gaziantep.
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