The Ottomans sultans were enthusiastic patrons of the arts, commissioning songwriters and composers often to create for the entertainment of the royal court. Sanat Musikisi, or art music, as the genre later became known, was a vibrant a blend of the traditions with influences from the many ethnic groups that lived under Ottoman rule. And this was so because the Ottoman sultans themselves encouraged it.

Ottoman musical genres included court music, harem music, and village folk music. Systematically varied and complex, a full concert in the court style encompassed several musical sections differentiated by the prominence of certain instruments, and also by certain musical and vocal formats. The stringed kemence, similar to a violin, was an important part of the tradition, as was the sarki, or singing composition, and the oyun havasi, or dance piece. By comparison, harem music was performed by women for the women of the harem. Performances included belly dance. However, these dancers did not perform publicly. Instead, it was the male entertainer who performed dances for the public, for example at court celebrations and street festivals.

At the end of the spectrum was folk music, less grandiose than court music, but perhaps not less lively than harem music. Folk dance continues to accompany folk song in many areas of Turkey, although exact dance styles and lyrical themes vary according to region. Still, social and political issues are frequently the subject matter, although often lyrics recount the simple pains and pleasures of life. Song verse is intended as poetic, and often melodies reflect the temperament of the region, whether it be lively or melancholic. Folk styles throughout Turkey are characterized by the saz, a long-necked flute.

At the end of the spectrum was folk music, less grandiose than court music, but perhaps not less lively than harem music. Folk dance continues to accompany folk song in many areas of Turkey, although exact dance styles and lyrical themes vary according to region. Still, social and political issues are frequently the subject matter, although often lyrics recount the simple pains and pleasures of life. Song verse is intended as poetic, and often melodies reflect the temperament of the region, whether it be lively or melancholic. Folk styles throughout Turkey are characterized by the saz, a long-necked flute.

Mystical song plays a role in Turkish music tradition, especially in the music of the Alevis, which revolves primarily around religious revelations. Musician will dedicate hymns to those considered saintly figures. Best known of Turkish mystery cults is the Mevlevi Order, or the whirling dervishes. Unique to Turkey, this sufi sect is defined by its turning rituals, intended to bring participants in touch with their spirituality. The Alevi sound is fairly simple in concept. While an instrument called the ney is featured in musical compositions, the poetry of founder Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi forms much of the verse.

Interest in Western popular music in Turkey began at the early part of the 20th century, and by the start of the 60s, Turkey had produced pop singer Sezen Aksu, an artist who successfully integrated various imported styles for a sound that was uniquely Turkish. Since then, Turkish pop has been represented on the world stage by singers Deniz Seki, French-bred Gulseren, Turkish-Cypriot Ziynet Sali, singer-songwriter Nil, and sex-symbol Gulsen.

By far the famous of Turkey’s pop artists are Tarkan and Mustafa Sandal, although musician and singer Kenan Dogulu is considered amongst the most influential artists of his generation. Through his music, Dogulu maintains a commitment to elevating the spirit of Turkish culture in the minds of the country’s youth. By comparison, singer-songwriter Yalin has captured the hearts of fans of all ages, with his dedication to quality music that goes beyond the canned sounds prominent in the music world today.

Hip hop is widely popular among the young generation of Turks - as are rock, arabesque, Dj-ed club sounds, and dance music. From the community of Turkish migrant workers in Germany emerged a variation of hip hop that has since gained increasing audiences back in Turkey. The group Cartel, out of Germany, is perhaps most notable for the use traditional Turkish instrumental music in rap songs, and for controversial lyrics in German, Turkish, and English.

Always enjoyable to the listener are musical compositions which cross genres by mixing vastly different sounds. Club music in Turkey is another area of music where such blending of styles has occurred. Some of Turkey’s most successful Djs, following the lead of Mercan Dede, have combined trance with Ottoman classical and even Sufi sounds for tracks that are edgy and utterly danceable.