Original composition studies for the oud

This study aims to produce original compositions for the oud by blending the deep-rooted structural elements of Traditional Turkish Music with Western compositional techniques. A total of eight works—composed for solo, duo, trio, and quartet oud configurations—reinterpret the technical capacity and timbral potential of the instrument. The research process is conducted through an autoethnographic methodology, placing the composer's personal experiences at the center and enabling an analytical examination of the creative journey. The integration of extended performance techniques, microtonal pitch sets, modal transitions, and rhythmic diversity allows the oud to be recontextualized within both traditional and contemporary musical frameworks. This approach offers a model of artistic production that enhances the expressive range of the oud, positioning it not only within the boundaries of Traditional Turkish Music but also within the broader scope of contemporary music practices. The findings demonstrate that it is possible to develop a cross-cultural musical discourse aligned with the idiomatic characteristics of the oud. The study contributes musical, technical, and aesthetic insights for original composition and has the potential to serve as a model for future research on similar traditional instruments.