An examination of the life and performance style of Mevlidhan Bilal Demiryürek

This study aims to systematically document the contributions of Mevlidhan Bilal Demiryürek to Turkish religious music by examining his life and performance style using qualitative methods. Demiryürek's artistic legacy is considered a critical example for understanding the continuity of mosque music in a contemporary context. The research addresses the lack of documentation on contemporary performers in Turkish music literature. Demiryürek's performances blend traditional forms with modern sensibilities. The study utilises literature review, semi-structured interviews, and musical analysis methods. Interviews were conducted with Demiryürek's family, teachers, and performers, and his performances of Hicaz Kaside, Uşşak Kaside, Merhaba Bahri, and Rast Hacı Kasidesi were transcribed and analysed. The findings reveal that Demiryürek's spiritual journey in Çankırı was shaped by the guidance of teachers such as İsmail Coşar. Hicaz Kaside intensifies the woeful tone of the hicaz mode on the neva pitch with the muhayyer pitch; Uşşak Kaside offers spiritual depth with the sorrowful atmosphere of the uşşak mode. Merhaba Bahri unites the congregation with the exuberance of the uşşak-hicaz modes. Rast Hacı Kasidesi enhances the congregation's spiritual enthusiasm with the joyful and dignified tone of the rast mode. These performances have strengthened the aesthetic and spiritual values of mosque music with their mastery of modes, vocal energy, and ability to connect with the congregation. The study shows that Demiryürek's legacy has reached younger generations through TRT and social media. The study has documented the artistic contributions of contemporary mevlidhan and contributed to the preservation and transmission of Turkish religious music to future generation