Ottoman music or Turkish classical music is the tradition of classical music originating in the Ottoman Empire. Developed in the palace, major Ottoman cities, and Sufi lodges, it traditionally features a solo singer with a small to medium-sized instrumental ensemble.
Miniature of dancers (köçeks) and musicians performing at a circumcision ceremony. Dated 1530 from the Süleymanname
A transcription and analysis of Ottoman music using Byzantine notation.
Description and illustration of a tanbûr from Kitâb-ı ‘İlmü’l Mûsîkî ala Vechi’l-Hurûfat, written by Dimitrie Cantemir.
A peşrev (prelude) transcribed into staff notation by Polish musician Wojciech Bobowski. The use of abjad notation was more common in the Ottoman Empire until the 20th century.
The Turkish makam is a system of melody types used in Turkish classical music and Turkish folk music. It provides a complex set of rules for composing and performance. Each makam specifies a unique intervalic structure and melodic development (seyir). Whether a fixed composition or a spontaneous composition, all attempt to follow the melody type. The rhythmic counterpart of makam in Turkish music is usul.
Image: Turkish Note Names (small)