Issues of Musical Identity During The Foundation of The Turkish Republic (1923-1950)

Özet

In the early years of the Turkish Republic, music was a central topic in the cultural reforms thataimed to guide Turkey in the modernism and progressivism that defined the first half of thetwentieth century. Several issues were involved, including the “change of civilizations” from anOttoman and Eastern identity to becoming more like a Western European nation-state. This wasa period that saw the establishment of Western-style music conservatories and the employmentof musicians and musicologists to help establish a national classical music based on Turkishfolk elements. At the same time, media outlets such as radio helped to shape and disseminate anational folk musical style. Private music making and cultural exchange with the West alsoplayed an important role in shaping a new Ottoman style. All of these elements worked togetherto form a rich and complex fabric of musical identity during the early days of the TurkishRepublic.