Awareness of Turkish religios music forms in today's practical use: The Izmir-Manisa-Denizli example

Music, as one of the most ancient art forms in human history, has played a significant role in both individual and social life, particularly within religious contexts. This study examines Turkish Religious Music, a genre shaped within Islamic civilization, along with its two primary branches: mosque music and tekke (Sufi lodge) music, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects. Mosque music encompasses non-instrumental and vocal forms such as the Reading the Quran, salât, and Mevlüd, typically performed during acts of worship. In contrast, Tekke Music includes Sufi-influenced forms such as Zikir, İlahi, Nefes, Durak, and Mevlevi rites, often accompanied by traditional instruments. The study addresses the historical background of religious music, its foundations in Islamic sources, its aesthetic dimensions, and its function in the transmission of cultural heritage. In addition, a field study was conducted in the cities of İzmir, Manisa, and Denizli through a questionnaire-based survey designed via Google Forms. This quantitative method aimed to assess the current level of public awareness regarding religious music forms and to evaluate the influence of regional and socio-cultural factors on this awareness. In conclusion, Turkish Religious Music continues to exist as a cultural heritage that embodies both artistic and spiritual value. Supported by academic research and institutional initiatives, the preservation and transmission of this tradition to future generations remain essential goals.