By Dr. Halim Gençoğlu The multicultural structure of the Ottoman Empire also created a distinct sphere of integration and mutual interaction in the art of music. Composers of Armenian origin assumed important roles in the development of Classical Turkish Music and actively contributed to the palace, Mevlevi circles, and the folk music repertoire. This study examines the works and social ...
As Bob Dylan once sang, the times they are a-changin’, only now, this sentiment likely seems quite obvious to everyone. Our sources for knowledge, information and views are increasingly being defined online on platforms like YouTube, giving the traditional centers of knowledge a run for their money. As a Turkish musician born in the 1970s, most of my life I ...
In Turkey, we have an interesting musical tradition that stretches back centuries, originally rooted in religious traditions. Every year during holy Ramadan, for a full month at around 3 am, traditional drummers roam the streets playing loudly and sometimes reciting rhymes to wake people up for their “sahur” meal and to get ready for the next day’s fasting. People donate ...
There is a monster that has been with us from the very beginning, in all cultures, even before language. It’s a very helpful monster. You can attach almost anything to it. Love, sex, power, religion, politics, economics, manufacturing, trade, fashion, education, indoctrination… whatever you like, whatever you need. This monster is capable of serving all. Yet, it has a secret ...