Music Journeys: Exploring World Instruments - 01 - SAZ – TÜRKİYE by Derya Alibabaoglu

The saz, also known as the bağlama, is one of the most iconic stringed instruments in Turkish music and holds a central place in the country’s folk traditions. Its long neck and distinctive sound have made it an essential tool for Turkish folk poets, known as âşık (meaning “lover” or “bard”), who sing songs about love, nature, and social justice, often combining music with poetry. The saz, a member of the lute family, has a rich history dating back hundreds of years and has been shaped by various cultural influences across the Anatolian region.

History of the Saz

The origins of the saz can be traced back to Central Asia, where Turkic tribes are believed to have played early versions of the instrument. As these tribes migrated to Anatolia, they brought their musical traditions with them. Over time, the saz evolved into the form we recognize today, influenced by Persian, Greek, and Armenian instruments.

By the 15th century, the saz became firmly rooted in Turkish folk music, serving as the primary instrument for âşık, who traveled from village to village, singing stories and sharing news through their music. These bards were not only musicians but also poets and storytellers, often regarded as the voice of the people, blending art with activism. The term “bağlama” comes from the Turkish word “bağlamak,” meaning “to tie,” referring to the tied frets that can be adjusted to create different microtones in traditional Turkish scales.

The instrument itself is relatively simple but highly versatile. The saz is typically made from wood, with a long neck and anywhere from seven to nine strings, often grouped in double or triple courses. The musician plucks the strings using a pick called a mizrap, creating a distinctive resonant sound. Its flexible tuning and rich tonal qualities make it ideal for both solo performances and accompaniment.

Famous âşık and Their Role in Turkish Culture

The saz is closely associated with the âşık tradition, a form of storytelling through music and poetry that dates back to the Ottoman era. These troubadours, akin to medieval European minstrels, would travel across the countryside, performing in public squares, coffeehouses, and even at the courts of sultans. The âşık typically sing in the Turkish folk style, using improvisation and oral tradition to create songs on the spot or perform well-known folk melodies.

One of the most celebrated âşık in Turkish history is Âşık Veysel Şatıroğlu (1894-1973), a blind poet and musician who is revered for his mastery of the saz and his deeply moving lyrics. Veysel’s songs often spoke of love, loss, and nature, but he also addressed social issues and the hardships of rural life in Anatolia. His work is seen as a bridge between traditional folk music and the modern Turkish Republic, and he remains an enduring figure in Turkish culture.

Another legendary figure is Âşık Mahzuni Şerif (1939-2002), known for his political activism and critique of social injustice. Mahzuni used his music as a form of protest during politically turbulent times in Turkey. He was often persecuted for his outspoken views, but his legacy as one of the most important folk poets and saz players in Turkish history is undeniable.

In addition to these figures, the âşık tradition includes many other influential names, such as Âşık Emrah, Âşık Daimi, and Âşık Nesimi, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Turkish folk music. These musicians often learned their craft from older âşık, continuing the oral tradition of passing down songs and stories from generation to generation.

Saz in Modern Times

Though traditionally associated with rural Anatolia, the saz has found a place in modern Turkish music as well. Some of the legendary figure are It is frequently used in contemporary genres, blending with pop, rock, and even electronic music. Musicians like Erkan Oğur have modernized the instrument’s sound, using it in fusion projects that combine Turkish folk with jazz and world music elements. Today, the saz continues to be a symbol of Turkish cultural identity, beloved by traditionalists and modernists alike. The saz, with its haunting, soulful sound, remains a powerful tool for storytelling and expression in Turkish music. Through the âşık tradition, it connects listeners to Turkey’s rich cultural history and its ever-evolving musical landscape.

Players from the last 30 years, known for their mastery and contributions to Turkish and global music:

Arif Sağ

Zulfu Livaneli

Erdal Erzincan

Musa Eroğlu

Erkan Oğur

İsmail Altunsaray

Tolga Sağ

Cengiz Özkan

Orhan Gencebay

Mercan Dede

Özgür Baba

Turgay Erdener