An examination of the representation of Islamic element in the history of classical western music

The interaction between the West and the Islamic World has varied throughout the centuries. One of the best ways to understand this relationship is through art. Although music is an abstract form of art, it serves as a guide to understanding the perspectives of societies. The contact established with Muslims since Medieval Europe has undoubtedly been reflected in Western classical music compositions. This thesis examines how Islam has been represented in the history of Western classical music from historical and cultural perspectives. Fort his purpose, Gültekin Oransay's Bağdarlar Geçidi was utilized during the literatüre review. For the period extending from the publication of that book to the present, contemporary sources were also evaluated. In the review of ballets and stage Works, Metin And's Gönlü Yüce Türk and Türkiye'de İtalyan Sahnesi, İtalyan Sahnesinde Türkiye were used as references. The aim of this study is to identify and classify the Islamic elements within the musical tradition known as "Western Classical Music" and to interpret the modes of represantation of these elements. The fact that this topic has received little attention so far increases the significance of the study. It is hoped that this research will serve as a basis for more comprehensive studies in the future.