Turkish religious music within the Alevi Tradition of Sucaaddin Veli Ocagi

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the Turkish religious music practices and musical characteristics of the compositions performed in the Alevi tradition Sucaaddin Veli Ocagi, centered in Arslanbeyli village of Seyitgazi district of Eskisehir province. The research is based on a qualitative research approach in the case study design. In the data collection process, document analysis, interviews, participant onservation, video recordings and compilation methods were used. The data collected in the research were analyzed by content analysis, musical analysis and quantitative analysis methods and transformed into text, tables, graphics and notes in accordance with the purpose of the research. Qualitative data were interpreted from emic and ethical perspectives. The postnisin and zakir of Sucaaddin Veli Ocagi were identified as the resource persons of the research. During the interviews with the resource persons, detailed information was obtained about the Turkish religious music practices of the community and the Alevi tradition. Music performances in different cem rituals were observed and documented with video recordings. In the compilation studies conducted with the resource persons, 54 compositions performed in the cem rituals were identified and notated in computer environment. As a result of the research, the role and function of Turkish religious music in the Alevi tradition of Sucaaddin Veli Ocagi, the performance of music in cem rituals, the role and function of the zakir, the place and importance of the baglama instrument in the tradition were determined. The rhythmic, maqam and melodic characteristics of the compositions in the genres of nefes, duaz imam, tevhid, semah nefes and mersiye performed in cem rituals have been revealed. This study is the first study in the field of Turkish religious music that deals with the music performed in cem rituals in the Alevi tradition, taking into account the ocak system. Within the scope of the research, 30 new compositions performed in cem rituals were recorded for the first time. It is foreseen that this study will make significant contributions to the field and will constitute an original source to the related literature.