Turkish Musical Instruments

The Turks, who have existed for thousands of years, have cultivated civilizations throughout their history and developed their unique artistic style, musical culture, and many instruments that embody the sound of this deeply rooted ancient culture. This civilization, spread across Anatolia, composed heartfelt folk songs, and matured spiritually with love in dervish lodges.

One of these instruments is the Bağlama! The ancient instrument of the Turks.

The ancestor of the Bağlama is the Kopuz, which is frequently mentioned in the stories of Dede Korkut. The Kopuz, with a history of approximately 1,500 years, was used by the Turkic tribes of Central Asia.

It was initially brought to Anatolia by the minstrels of that region and started to be called the Bağlama. Though juniper, spruce, fir, walnut, and hornbeam woods have replaced mulberry for its carved body, the emotion it conveys remained unchanged. Played by troubadours, infused with the spirit of Bektashism, it has been brought to life through folk songs, laments, and ceremonies.

The Kopuz, which encompasses several multi-stringed instruments, is called the Iklığ, the ancestor of the Kabak Kemane, when played with a bow made from horsehair. After a gourd is covered with the “heart membrane” taken from large animals, this ancient instrument, played with a bow, produces a poignant sound that touches the hearts.

Our civilization, adept at touching hearts, has also utilized another instrument to reach souls.

The Ney.

Made from hollow cane or reed, the Ney has deep roots in Turkish culture and holds a significant place in Sufi music.
The term ‘blowing the Ney’ is likened to Allah, the creator of human beings, breathing life into a lifeless body in Islam, symbolizing the act of giving vitality. It means blowing into a hollow reed to give it sound and bring it to life. The reed used is fragile. It represents the fragility and transience of humans. Ney players (Neyzen) breathe into the instrument, sharing the secrets of their inner world. The Ney, in turn, keeps this secret and reflects it to listeners through a heartfelt, sincere, and impressive melody. Due to its deep and spiritual meaning, the Mevlevi order treats the Ney with great reverence and respect, kissing it before playing and using it in Sema Ceremonies, which are a way of drawing closer to Allah.