The historical development and anatomical structures of instruments used in Mevlevi music

In this thesis titled "The Historical Development and Anatomical Structures of Instruments Used in Mevlevi Music," Mevlevi music, which holds an important place in Turkish religious music, and the instruments used in its performance are examined from historical and anatomical perspectives. The study aims to reveal the historical development of the instruments used in Mevlevi music, their anatomical structures, and the impact and importance of the Mevlevi Order in the formation of Turkish music theory. Orders that engage in vocal dhikr (remembrance) have incorporated music within themselves, believing that music plays an essential role in the spiritual development of individuals. However, the Mevlevi Order has given special importance to music, using a wide variety of musical instruments in its ceremonies. Besides the instruments used in performances, many composers, instrumentalists and vocalists who are significant in Turkish music have been cultivated within this tradition. In the introduction of the study, general information related to the topic is presented, including the study's purpose, sample, scope, limitations, problem statement and sub-problems. The first chapter examines the relationship between Sufism, religious orders and music, detailing related concepts. Definitions of Sufism, its relationship with life, its scientific aspects, its historical development, the periods of asceticism, Sufism and religious orders in this historical process and its connection with other disciplines are explained. Similarly, the definition of the term "order," its etymological origin, its historical development, and methods of dhikr are discussed. Under the title of Sufism and music, the distinction between mosque and dervish lodge music is made, focusing on the role of music in Islamic life and Sufi thought. In the second chapter, the life of Mevlânâ Celaleddin-i Rumî, his understanding of Sufism and music are discussed. Under the title of Mevlânâ Celaleddin-i Rumî's life, information is provided about his birth, family, his close relationship with Şems of Tabriz, and his artefacts. The second subheading of this chapter details Rumî's understanding of Sufism, covering key topics such as purpose, love and core principles. In another subheading titled "Music," information is provided about maqams, rhythms, tuning and instruments. Following this, the role of Mevlevi lodges, education in these lodges, and their importance and structural features in the Mevlevi Order are covered. The final subheading of this chapter, "Mevlevi Ritual (Âyin)," defines the ritual, explains its role in the Mevlevi Order, its sections, execution, connection with music, the ensemble (mutrip) involved in the ritual and the main instruments used by this ensemble, as well as the roles of these instruments during the ritual. The third chapter first introduces the science of organology and then lists the main musical instruments used in Mevlevi music. Subsequently, these instruments, employed by the mutrip ensemble in Mevlevi music, are examined in terms of historical development, anatomical structure, and their role within Mevlevi music, with the findings presented. The findings and evaluations in this study discuss the place and importance of the instruments in Mevlevi music, as well as the influence of the Mevlevi Order's members and devotees on the performance, repertoire, education, and organology of these instruments. Key Words: Mysticism, Sect, Mevlânâ, Mevlevîyeh, Mevlevî Music Instruments.