Musical analysis of the verses sung at Ayin-i Cem ceremonies in Tokat.

This study aims to analyze the musical characteristics of the deyiş performed during Âyin-i Cem, one of the Alevi–Bektashi belief rituals conducted in the province of Tokat. The study consists of six chapters. The first chapter presents the introduction of the research. The second chapter addresses the theoretical framework, basic concepts, the aim and significance of the study, the problem statement, the literature review, and the research methodology.The third chapter provides general information about the Cem ritual and explains in detail the "Twelve Services" (On İki Hizmet), which constitute one of the fundamental elements of the ritual. The fourth chapter examines the musical forms performed in Âyin-i Cem rituals and discusses their structural and functional characteristics. In the fifth chapter, the findings obtained within the scope of the research are presented and interpreted in light of the collected data. The sixth and final chapter presents the conclusions of the study and offers several recommendations. The research is limited to cemevis located in the center of Tokat and its central villages where the Cem ritual is actively practiced. Within the conceptual framework of the study, only 25 deyiş forms were examined. Conducted using a qualitative approach, the study collected data through a literature review and employed a descriptive research design. The rituals and musical performances observed during the research process were examined through observation, interviews, and document analysis techniques, and the obtained data were evaluated using qualitative analysis methods.In the makam analysis, the Arel theoretical system was adopted as the analytical model. Accordingly, the musical analysis results of the deyiş performed in Âyin-i Cem rituals in the province of Tokat are presented in detail.