Turkish folk music is a rich tradition that reflects the cultural heritage of Anatolia spanning thousands of years. It is more than a musical genre—it is a living archive of stories, beliefs, and lifestyles.

This genre evolved as an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation, used to express daily life, emotions, and societal events. From weddings to funerals, harvests to military farewells, folk songs accompany every life stage.

At the heart of Turkish folk music lies the bağlama, a long-necked lute. This instrument is both melodic and symbolic. Through Aşık Veysel, Neşet Ertaş, and Musa Eroğlu, the bağlama has become a voice of the people.

Other regional instruments such as divan sazı, cura, kabak kemane, kaval, davul, and zurna add local flavor. Each instrument carries the spirit of its region and plays a role in shaping its unique sound.

Most folk songs are composed by setting poems written in syllabic meter to traditional modes (makams). There are two main forms: "uzun hava" (free-rhythm, expressive songs) and "kırık hava" (structured, rhythmic dance tunes).

"Uzun hava" often conveys sorrow, longing, and deep emotion, while "kırık hava" includes lively dance music like halay, zeybek, and horon.

Each region of Anatolia has its own musical identity. The Black Sea’s kemençe and tulum, the Aegean’s zeybek, Central Anatolia’s bozlak, and Eastern Turkey’s halay form a mosaic of rich sound and tradition.

In the 1960s, musician Ruhi Su introduced folk songs with orchestral arrangements, merging tradition with classical sensibility and offering a new aesthetic to folk music.

Today, young musicians experiment by blending folk melodies with electronic, jazz, or rock genres—demonstrating that folk music is a living and evolving art form.

The TRT Turkish Folk Music archive has documented thousands of songs, preserving them for academic study and future generations.

At its core, Turkish folk music is about the lived experience of individuals and communities. Themes include migration, love, nature, war, and social struggle—making it a mirror of the nation’s memory.

In 2008, UNESCO recognized the "Ashik Tradition" as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its global cultural significance.

Ashiks are both poets and musicians. They improvise verses while playing the bağlama and convey societal narratives and cultural values through song.

With the rise of digital platforms, Turkish folk music has reached new global audiences. Young artists’ interpretations on YouTube or Spotify have gained millions of listeners worldwide.

Ultimately, Turkish folk music is not only about sound but identity, storytelling, and a connection between past and future. It is a soul-enriching art that transcends generations.