Turkish Music: The Best Instrumental Songs

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Turkish music is some of the most beautiful and expressive in the world. The best instrumental Turkish songs are characterized by their passionate melodies and dynamic rhythms. If you’re looking for some great Turkish music to add to your collection, check out this list of the best instrumental Turkish songs.

Turkish Music Basics

Turkish instrumental music is some of the most beautiful music in the world. It is both moving and mysterious, and can transport you to another place and time. If you’ve never heard Turkish music before, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the basics of Turkish music, including its history, key instruments, and popular songs.

What is Turkish music?

Turkish music is a combination of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman, and Balkan influences. The music has taken on various forms throughout the centuries from folk and dance to Classical, modern pop and rock. The earliest known Turkish musical instruments date back to the Paleolithic era. Turkish music has been influenced by neighboring cultures since the time of the Ottoman Empire. Turkish people usually sing about topics such as love, nature and religion.

The history of Turkish music

Turkish music has a long history. Singing and playing instruments have always played a major role in Turkish life and culture. From folk songs and dances to classical music, Turkish music has evolved over the centuries.

Turkish folk music is an important part of the country’s musical heritage. Folk songs are typically sung by groups of people and often reflect the daily lives of the people who sing them. These songs often have a strong beat, which makes them ideal for dancing. Folk dances are an important part of Turkish culture, and many of these dances are still performed today.

Classical Turkish music, also known as Ottoman classical music, is another significant genre in the country’s musical history. This type of music was developed during the Ottoman Empire and was influenced by both Central Asian and Persian musical traditions. Classical Turkish music is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and intricate melodies. It is often performed by small ensembles of musicians, typically using traditional instruments such as the ney (a type of flute) and the oud (a stringed instrument).

Today, Turkish music encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, from traditional folk songs to modern pop hits. Regardless of genre, Turkish music is typically characterized by its use of complex rhythms and intricate melodies.

The different genres of Turkish music

Turkish music can be divided into two main genres: folk and classical. Folk music is often based on regional traditions and includes forms such as Anatolian folk rock and Roma music. Classical music, on the other hand, developed in the courts of the Ottoman Empire and draws inspiration from Arabic, Persian, and Central Asian traditions.

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the work of artists like Tarkan and Mercan Dede. Classical music, meanwhile, continues to be performed by ensembles like the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra and is a staple of Turkish radio and television.

The Best Turkish Instrumental Songs

Turkish music is some of the most beautiful and moving in the world. The best Turkish instrumental songs are the ones that can transport you to another place and time, evoking all the emotions of the human experience. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the East to the lively and upbeat anthems of the West, Turkish music has something for everyone.

“Çiftetelli” by Aşık Mahsuni Serif

Aşık Mahsuni Serif is a popular Turkish musician who is well-known for his traditional instrumental songs. One of his most famous songs is “Çiftetelli”, which is a type of Turkish folk music. This song is often played at weddings and other special occasions.

“Düş Güzeli” by Gülden Karaböcek

This song is one of the most popular and well-known Turkish instrumental songs. It was composed by Gülden Karaböcek, a famous Turkish musician, and it quickly became a hit after its release in 1982. The song is often used in movies and TV shows set in Turkey, and it has been covered by many other artists.

“Hüzzam” by Kemani Tatyos Efendi

Kemani Tatyos Efendi was a famous composer and instrumentalist of Turkish classical music. He was born in Istanbul in 1873 and died in Ankara in 1938. He was a member of the Ottoman imperial court orchestra, and later the republican presidential orchestra. He composed many works for orchestra, as well as for Turkish instruments such as the Kemane, Tanbur, Ud, Kanun and Ney. One of his most famous works is “Hüzzam”.

“Karsilama” by Hüseyin Sadedin Sazende

Hüseyin Sadedin Sazende is a renowned Turkish musician and sazende, or traditional Turkish lute player. He is known for his work in both traditional and contemporary Turkish music. “Karsilama” is one of his most popular instrumental songs.

“Saz Semaisi” by Hafız Burhaneddin

Hafız Burhaneddin is one of the most popular and prolific Turkish musicians and has been praised for his work in both traditional and modern music. “Saz Semaisi” is one of his most famous instrumental songs and is often played on the saz, a traditional Turkish string instrument.

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