The First Military Band: Mehter

Long ago, Turkish army commanders understood that wars are not always won with weapons, but sometimes with different instruments.
Imagine a military unit that carries not only weapons but also musical instruments, creating an effect on the enemy not with cannons and rifles, but with the power of music.

Recognizing the role of music in inspiring soldiers, early Turkish commanders used bands called “Mehter”, which played music at front lines to boost morale of soldiers during battles. These bands served not only in times of war but also as artistic ambassadors during peace.

The history of Mehter, which is the world’s first military band, dates back to the Turkic states of Central Asia and the Huns. The Great Seljuk Empire and the Anatolian Seljuks preserved this tradition of Central Asia. This tradition was later passed to the Ottomans from the Anatolian Seljuks.

Throughout history, Turkish states, especially the Ottomans, used Mehter to give courage and glory to the soldiers in their armies and to terrorize and terrify the enemy.

Since the 13th century, this tradition, initiated by the Ottomans, has been adopted by many nations, including England and the United States, leading to the formation of their own military bands. In Europe, during the Second Siege of Vienna, which took place in a century when the art of music was at its peak, Mehter bands had a great influence on the public, and the costumes of the band members, as well as some of the Mehter instruments, including drums, were included into orchestras.

Renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Gluck were influenced by Mehter and composed pieces featuring rhythms reminiscent of Ottoman military music.
Today, Mehter is still widely used during ceremonies and major events.