Life, art and legacy of Alı̇ Ekber Çı̇çek

Folk music is one of the most important components that shape the collective identity of society, preserve traditional values and ensure cultural continuity. Folk music representatives are important not only as artists but also as cultural symbols and carriers of the society. In this study, In the 21st century, the life story, artistic production and cultural heritage of Ali Ekber Çiçek, one of the leading representatives of Turkish folk music, is analysed from a holistic perspective. The main purpose of the study is to examine the cultural, historical and institutional dynamics that shape Ali Ekber Çiçek's musical practice and to evaluate the artist's contributions to the Turkish folk music tradition in an analytical framework. In this direction, firstly, the biographical information of the artist is presented in detail, and then his musical works are analysed in the light of his compositions, compilations and interpretations. The social and cultural factors that were influential in Çiçek's upbringing were analysed contextually; evaluations were made especially on the Alevi-Bektashi music tradition, the tradition of minstrelsy, the cultural function of Halkevleri and the institutional role of TRT radios, where the artist worked for nearly forty years, in the field of music. In this context, the effects of these institutions on Çiçek's musical development and the cultural structures shaped through these institutions are also discussed in detail. In addition, in the context of Ali Ekber Çiçek's folk music compilation activities in Turkey, the compilation activities carried out by Muzaffer Sarısözen and Ankara Radio were evaluated in a comparative manner with Çiçek's work. Four sample works are analysed through the artist's musical language, performance techniques and repertoire choices, and his innovative approaches to Turkish folk music are analysed. Çiçek's musical attitude is analysed in terms of creating a unique style by combining both traditional and contemporary elements, and his position in Turkish folk music is evaluated theoretically and methodologically.