FOLK TRADITIONS

FOLK MUSIC
The lively Turkish folkmusic, which originated on the steppes of Asia, is in complete contrast to the refined Turkish classical music of the Ottoman court. Until recently, folkmusic was not written doen, and the traditions have been kept alive by the "asiklar" (troubadours). Distinct from folkmusic 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" and can be heard in Konya during the mevlana Festival in December.

FOLKDANCES
Each region in Turkey has its own special folkdance and costume and the best-known of these are listed below:
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 im each hand

c) "Kilic Kalkan" - The Sword and Shield Dance of Bursa represents the Ottoman conquest 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 called "efe" symbolize courage and heroism.

FOLK HEROES
a) "Nasrettin Hoca" - A 13th century humorist and sage Aksehir. His witticisms are known throughout Turkey and are often used to make a point.

b) "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 ribald 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

c) "Yunus Emre" The 13th century folk philosopher-poet is one of Turkeys 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 though provoking.

d) "Koroglu" A 15th century folk poet. Koroglu was a role model for his contemporaries and a hero of his time. His adventures have been recounted for centuries with prestige and vigor and perheps now with more interest than ever. Korogli 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.