Türkü

Türkü, or türkülerin (plural) Turkish folk songs, is a traditional musical form rooted in rural communities across Anatolia and other regions of Turkey. They are typically transmitted orally and performed in local dialects or regional styles. Türkü express themes from daily life, love, work, nature, and ceremonies, and they remain distinct from urban pop and from Ottoman classical music.

Musically, türkü melodies are generally modal, drawing on Turkish makams rather than Western scales. They are usually sung with a clear vocal line and accompanied by instruments such as the bağlama (saz) and, in some regions, instruments like the cura, kemençe, or ney. The texts often appear in quatrains or couplets and may include refrains; improvisation, call-and-response passages, and repetitive structures are common features.

Regional variation is a defining aspect. Aegean and Marmara styles tend to be lyrical and melodic, Black Sea songs are known for their robust vocal timbres and brisk rhythms, while Central Anatolian and southeastern songs can be slower or more solemn. The ashik tradition, in which bard-singers improvise verses to a melodic line, has been influential in shaping türkü performance. The bağlama remains central in most performances, though contemporary renditions sometimes incorporate guitar or other instruments.

Historically rooted in oral culture, türkü gained broader attention in the 20th century and experienced revival during the Turkish folk music movement. Notable practitioners include Aşık Veysel and Neşet Ertaş. Today Türküler continue to be a core element of Turkish folk culture, taught in some schools, performed at festivals, and fused with contemporary genres while preserving traditional forms and themes.