A sociological and organological analysis of the phenomenon of exclusion from tradition through the example of the yaylı tanbur

This thesis focuses on the reasons for the "exclusion" phenomenon experienced in the interaction of the yaylı tanbur instrument with the Turkish makam music tradition. The fact that this "exclusion" phenomenon takes place only in official institutions that claim to keep tradition alive reveals that the problem is also a matter of tradition. Therefore, the research field consists of state-supported educational institutions and executive societies. Noticing the exclusion phenomenon but not having a detailed understanding determines the pattern of the research as "phenomenology". The literature review carried out only reinforced the existence of the exclusion phenomenon, and the findings that led to conclusions were reached with the in-depth interview technique performed in the relevant field. The fact that the discourses about exclusion were expressed in a secret or indirect way rendered the direct data collection tools dysfunctional, and it was aimed to reveal the embedded content with the open-ended sensitizing interview technique. Why the exclusion phenomenon occurs creates a multidimensional and multi- meaningful structure. The research deals with the dichotomous relationship between mızraplı tanbur and yaylı tanbur with sociological and organological dimensions. Focusing on the mızraplı tanbur as a tradition symbol, it aims to analyze the responsiveness and behavioral patterns shown against the yaylı tanbur with sociological approaches. Organology-based data obtained were evaluated alone or with theoretical approaches. In this respect, the thesis can be considered as an exemplary study for the analytical organology field. The thesis explains the arguments it puts forward on the phenomenon of "exclusion" through some basic and secondary concepts and theories. The discussion is done through the concepts of "Symbolic Interactionist Approach", Becker's "Art Worlds" and "Outsiders". Based on the fact that some elements of culture show a rigid structure that is closed to change, the research reveals that the mızraplı tanbur constitutes a strong cultural symbol and therefore the yaylı tanbur is excluded as a product of transformation. Key Words: Tanbur, Yaylı Tanbur, Tradition, Traditionalizm, Cultural Changes, Sociology of Music, Analytical Organology