The relationship between urban identity and music: Ankara dance music and Ankaralı identity

The purpose of this study is to understand the underlying mechanisms of Ankaraian identity and its relationship with Ankara Dance Music. The distance of this music with traditional music, arabesque and other musical genres allows the researcher to posit it as a distinct musical genre, especially given its socio-historical context. Music videos, songs and dances in the clubs are seen as major elements of the construction of urban identity in Ankara as capital and also a centre of attraction for immigration. Bearing in mind that the clubs are one of the main spaces for the interaction between Ankara music and identity, the present study has been conducted through the analysis of focus group interview with the musicians. Furthermore, music videos, songs and lyrics in Ankara music have been interrogated in terms of their relationship with urban identity. Findings are discussed within the framework of music, space and urban identity theories.