The Beauty of Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music

The Beauty of Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music – an exploration of the history, meaning and impact of this beautiful music.

What is Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music?

Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music, also called Arabo-Turkish music, is a type of music that arose in the Ottoman Empire during the 14th century. It is characterized by its use of Arabic and Turkish musical scales and instruments, as well as its focus on religious themes.

One of the most notable aspects of this type of music is its emphasis on spirituality and mysticism. In fact, the word “tasavvuf” comes from the Arabic word for “mysticism.” This focus on the mystical and spiritual side of life is one of the things that makes Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music so unique.

Another important aspect of this type of music is its use of classical Arabic and Turkish musical scales. This gives the music a very distinct sound that is immediately recognizable to those familiar with these types of scales.

Instrumental tasavvuf music was traditionally used in Sufi ceremonies and rituals. Sufism is a branch of Islam that emphasizes interior purity and mysticalunion with God. The use of this type of music in Sufi ceremonies helped to create an atmosphere that was conducive to contemplation and introspection.

While Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music has its roots in religious ceremonies, it has also been adapted for use in more secular settings. Today, this type of music is often used as background music in restaurants and cafes, as well as in public squares and parks. Its popularity has even spread beyond the borders of the Ottoman Empire, with versions of this type of music being performed in other parts of the Arab world and beyond.

The History of Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music

Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music is a form of devotional music that originated in Turkey and spread to other parts of the Ottoman Empire. The style is characterized by its use of simple melodies and rhythms, often based on folk songs, and its focus on the devotional aspects of music.

Instrumental tasavvuf music was first developed in the late 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Murad III. At that time, the Ottoman Empire was at the height of its power, and its capital, Istanbul, was a vibrant center of culture and learning. The city’s mosques were filled with people from all over the world who had come to study Islam.

During this period, two pivotal figures in the history of Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music emerged: Dede Efendi and Ali Ufki Bey. Dede Efendi was a well-known composer who wrote many pieces for the Sultan’s court orchestra. Ali Ufki Bey was a student of Dede Efendi’s who went on to become one of the most important figures in Tasavvuf music.

Under their influence, Tasavvuf music began to spread throughout the empire. It soon became popular among Sufi orders, who used it as a means of devotional expression. In addition, it began to be used in ceremonial settings such as weddings and funerals.

The popularity of Tasavvuf music continued to grow in the centuries that followed. In the 19th century, it underwent a major transformation thanks to the work of two important figures: Ismail Pasha and Mustafa Necati Bey. Ismail Pasha was a composer who created many new pieces for Tasavvuf ensembles. Mustafa Necati Bey was a musician who helped to popularize Tasavvuf music among the general public.

Today, Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music is enjoyed by people all over the world. It continues to be an important part of Sufi ceremonies, and its popularity as a form of devotional expression shows no signs of waning.

The Instruments Used in Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music

The Ottoman classical music tradition is a unique and highly sophisticated form of music that has its origins in the court musicians of the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman classical music is characterized by a particularly complex and intricate system of notation, which allows for a great deal of flexibility and improvisation within the strict framework of the composition.

One of the most distinctive features of Ottoman classical music is the use of instrumental tasavvuf music, which is based on the Islamic Sufi tradition of mystical poetry and devotional music. Tasavvuf music is typically performed by ensembles consisting of a lead singer (usually a woman) and a small group of instrumentalists, who accompany her with mallets, strings, percussion instruments, and occasionally wind instruments.

The instruments used in Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music include the ney (a flute-like instrument made from reeds), the oud (a lute-like stringed instrument), the kanun (a zither-like stringed instrument), and the rebab (a bowed stringed instrument). In addition to these traditional instruments, modern ensembles may also include guitars, keyboards, and other Western orchestral instruments.

The Styles of Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music

Different styles of Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music emerged in different geographical areas, often reflecting the influence of the local vocal tradition. In general, however, the music can be divided into two broad categories: the “sofyan” style of Istanbul and its environs, and the “evc” style of central Anatolia. Although there are many similarities between these two styles, they also exhibit some significant differences.

The sofyan style is characterized by a number of features, including a predominance of drone tones (provided by a bass stringed instrument called the santur), a relatively slow tempo, and a lack of key changes throughout the course of a piece. This last feature is perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of sofyan music; unlike evc pieces, which typically move through several different keys over the course of their duration, sofyan pieces remain in a single key throughout. The result is a sense of stasis or storied immobility, which is often suggestive of Sufi meditation or prayer.

The evc style, on the other hand, is distinguished by its use of key changes (typically achieved through modulations in the melodic line), faster tempos, and greater rhythmic variety. Although it shares some similarities with sofyan music (such as the use of drone tones), these similarities are generally outweighed by the evc style’s more active approach to melody and rhythm. Consequently, evc pieces tend to have a more energetic feel than their sofyan counterparts.

Both styles of Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf music are deeply rooted in the spiritual tradition of Sufism, and both offer listeners a unique insight into this rich and complex religious tradition. Whether you prefer thesoothing immobilityof sofyan music orthe dynamic energyof evc pieces (or both!), there’s sure to be an Ottoman instrumental tasavvuf piece that you’ll enjoy.

The Benefits of Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music

The Ottoman Instrumental Tasavvuf Music has been shown to provide a number of benefits. These include:

-Reducing stress and anxiety
-Improving sleep quality
-Lowering blood pressure
-Enhancing concentration and memory
-Reducing pain perception

Instrumental Tasavvuf Music has also been shown to be effective in treating a number of conditions, such as:

-Migraines and headaches
-Insomnia
-Depression
-PTSD
-ADD/ADHD