FOLK MUSIC
The lively Turkish folk music, which originated on the steppes 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 traditions 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 bells. The
mystical music of the Whirling Dervishes ("Mevleviler") is dominated by the
haunting sound of the reed pipe or "ney" can be heard in Konya during the
Mevlana Festival in December.
FOLK DANCES
Each region in Turkey has its own special folk dance and costume. The best known of these
are:
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 and
consists 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 conuest of the city It is performed by men only, 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
("efe") symbolize courage and heroism.
FOLK HEROES
Nasrettin Hoca - a 13th-century humorist and sage from Aksehir. His witticisms are
known throughout Turkey and are often used to make a point.
Karagoz - Another jester, said to have lived in Bursa in the 14th century and now
immortalized as a shadow puppet. Karagoz is a rough man of the people, who uses his
ribribald wit to get the better of his pompous friend, Hacivat. The puppets are made from
gaily painted, translucent animal skin and are projected onto a white screen.
Yunus Emre - The 13th-century philosopher-poet is one of Turkey's national
treasures. His basic themes were universal love, friendship, brotherhood and divine
justice. His simple and pure writing brings out a deep meaning for his readers and
although he lived over 700 years ago, his work is still timely and thought provoking.
Koroglu - A 15th-century folk poet, Koroglu was a role model for his contemporaries
and a hero of his time. His a ventures have been recounted for centuries with prestige and
vigor and perhaps now with more interest than ever. Koroglu was one of the first people to
pioneer the ideal of unconditional help for the poor and down-trodden. He was also a great
champion against the confines of government control and harassment.
TRADITIONAL SPORTS
Yagli Gures
"Grease Wrestling" is the Turkish national sport and every year, in July,
Wrestling championships are held in Kirkpinar, outside Edirne The contest is made more
difficult by the fact that the wrestlers smear themselves with oil.
Cirit Oyunu
The "Javelin game" of daredevil horsemanship is a sport where wooden javelins
are thrown at horsemen of opposing teams to gain points. The game is played mainly in
Eastern Turkey
Also, in Seljuk,
in the Aegean Region you can watch camel fights (in January), but if for some reason,
weather does not permit, don't despair, camel fights are held in many small towns
throughout the springtime. Also, a type of bullfight is held in June in Kafkasor, Artvin.
POPULAR CUSTOMS
Hospitality
Hospitality is one of the cornerstones of the Turkish way of life. Following Koranic
tenets and naturally friendly instincts, the Turk is a most gracious and generous host.
Even the poorest peasant feels bound to honor his guest ("misafir") in the best
possible manner. Hospitality is taken to such lengths that a foreigner often feels he is
suffering from an overdose of it after being plied with food and drinks for hours and
being unable to host's refuse anything, lest he hurt hi, feeling,. In addition to ensuring
a guest's material well-being, the Turk makes every effort to converse, no matter what
linguistic barriers might exist. While most middle-class urban-dwelling Turks speak at
least one European language, even the uneducated bravely struggle to make themselves
understood, with remarkable success.
Turkish coffee
houses
Even the smallest Turkish village has its coffee house or "kahvehane", where men
can talk, sip coffee, and play the national game of backgammon ("tavla"). In
Istanbul especially, men can still be seen smoking their bubble bubble pipes
("nargile") in these coffee houses.
