Choreomusicological investigation of folk dances performed with hand harmonica in Rize

This study aims to examine the folk dances performed with hand harmonica in Rize province from a choreomusicological point of view. In the first part, the history and geography of Rize province, especially the horon type and the history and characteristics of Rize folk dances are discussed. In the second part, Rize province music culture and especially the history, types and general structure of the accordion used as an accompaniment instrument for folk dances are presented. In addition, the areas of accordion use in Turkey and the use of hand harmonica, a type of accordion, in Rize are emphasised. In the third chapter, general information about the discipline of choreomusicology is given and the birth of the discipline, working areas and methods of choreomusicological analysis are explained. Subsequently, the notes and videos of Atlama, İki Ayak, Karadere and Sıksara horons performed with hand harmonica in Rize folk dances are presented, followed by comparative analyses of these dances from a choreomusicological point of view. This study combines the music and movement elements of Rize province folk dances from a choreomusicological perspective. By focusing on how the hand harmonica instrument interacts with dance performances in the region and how this interaction can be analysed, it makes a contribution to understanding the relationship between music and movement in a cultural heritage. The results of this study will constitute an important source of ethnographic data in the practice of folk dances in Rize province. The study is a qualitative research, data was collected in the field with audio and video recordings and document analysis was carried out with the science of choreomusicology. The folk dances obtained as a result of the research were added to the horon course repertoire in Ardahan, Kafkas, Ege and Giresun University Turkish folk dances departments.