General investigation of Mey, Balaban and Duduk instruments and comparing them in a cultural perspective

In this study, the meanings and the historical process of the instruments of Mey, balaban and duduk, which have been studied so far from past to present are investigated in a detailed way starting from the Hellenistic Period to present. Together with the shapes, parts (joints), audio characteristics and the areas of use, common points of the instruments of mey, balaban and duduk are studied and additionally their minor differences are marked. The kinds of the trees and general characteristics of the reeds are mentioned. Interviews were done with the builders of these instruments to have an idea on their manufactering. Mey in Anatolia, balaban in Azerbaijan, duduk in Armenia are examined by personal observations and interviews were done with the performers of these instruments. In accordance with these interviews, the names of the trees being used at the manufacturing process of the instruments, fret structures, blowing techniques and general characteristics are mentioned. It is seen that geographical factors, cultural and folkloric features, different languages and life styles gave these instruments a different identity. The result of the observations is that these three instruments should take part more in the musical life now. The fact that they were used frequently in both their own culture and in the world music have provided these instruments a different power and identity. These instruments especially were used in the ethnical music have been presented to the listeners via record, cassette and all the opportunities of the era. However, comments and the information on these three instruments are determined as being quite low. It is obvious that the low and wrong information on the internet and social networks give harm to these instruments. Such instruments that are reflecting the national values should be glorified by moral and cultural values and supported by the science. It is thought that by raising awareness on the manufacturers, performers even the listeners, these instruments can be transferred to the future generations and thus the information about these instruments can be taken under control. Thanks to this, leaving more realistic data for the future generations we will be able to save our national, cultural, moral and global values. Keywords: Mey, Duduk, Balaban, Characteristics