Determination of region-specific musical identities in Traditional Turkish Folk Music "The case of the Southeastern Anatolia Region"

This study focuses on the identification and classification of various musical characteristics of folk songs associated with the provinces located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region within the scope of Traditional Turkish Folk Music. The Southeastern Anatolia Region was selected as the sample for this research, and the primary objective was to determine the musical features of the region's folk songs both vocal and rhythmic recorded in the TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) repertoire. As part of the study, a total of 295 folk songs registered in the TRT repertoire, belonging to this geographical region, were examined based on variables such as makam (modal structure), usûl (rhythmic pattern), and vocal range. In addition, the research explored the influence of the region's predominant traditional instruments on the local performance practices of folk music. The methodology employed in this study is primarily descriptive in nature, aimed at identifying the current state of the subject. It was designed as a qualitative research model incorporating interview techniques and document analysis. Moreover, quantitative data were also utilized in the classification and interpretation of the folk songs. From the initial phase of the research, an extensive literature review was conducted. Theses, articles, conference papers, and books deemed relevant to the subject were accessed and thoroughly analyzed. As a result of this review, previous studies found to be associated with the research problem were distinguished, and part of the theoretical framework of the study was constructed in light of these sources.