Çiftetelli

Çiftetelli is a traditional folk dance with roots in Turkish folk culture and in the broader Aegean and Balkan regions. The term is Turkish and is closely associated with a distinctive style of movement and rhythm used in Turkish folk music. In Greece, the corresponding dance is known as tsifteteli and shares a common ancestry with Balkan and Middle Eastern dance traditions.

Performance and form

Çiftetelli is usually performed at social occasions such as weddings and festivals. Dancers commonly emphasize hip and torso movements, with coordinated arm patterns and steps that can be executed solo, with a partner, or in a circle. Costumes vary by region, but the dance is often accompanied by drum-based and melodic folk music, sometimes including a veil or shawl as a prop.

Music and rhythm

The dance is performed to traditional folk tunes that incorporate regional rhythms and melodic motifs. The repertoire includes pieces from Turkish folk music and related Balkan and Mediterranean traditions, and the choreography can adapt to different tempos and instrumental textures.

Origins and regional variants

Çiftetelli reflects a blend of Anatolian, Balkan, and Middle Eastern influences. Regional variants differ in tempo, step patterns, and interpretive style, resulting in a diverse set of choreographies. While it has historical ties to communal celebrations, it remains a living tradition in rural areas as well as in urban folk-cultural performances.

Modern context

Today, çiftetelli appears in folk dances repertoire, social events, and stage performances. It is often presented to illustrate traditional dance forms from Turkey and the Greek-speaking world and continues to influence contemporary folk and fusion dance.