The usage status of instruments belonging to the accordion family in the performance of Turkish folk dance music

Abstract

Accordion, one of the classical Western Music instruments, has become one of the most widely used instruments in the world due to its rich and impressive sound field. In the same vein, the Accordion, which also exists in our country, has become one of the frequently preferred instruments in Turkish musical culture and especially in Turkish folk dances. The instrument, invented in Berlin in 1822 by the German Christian Friedrich Buschmann to facilitate tuning of pianos and organs, was further developed by Viennese organ builder Cyrill Demian and patented as the accordion in 1829. The accordion quickly made a significant impact and spread worldwide. During this process, numerous different accordion models were developed, and other instruments belonging to the accordion family emerged under various names. This study thoroughly examines how the accordion family entered Turkish music culture and discusses its significance in Turkish folk dances. It is known that the accordion is predominantly performed in five regions in Turkey: the Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia, Marmara, and Aegean regions. The primary factor contributing to its prevalence in these regions is the substantial migration to Anatolia, with migrants predominantly settling in these areas. In Anatolia, the accordion is commonly used in traditional dance genres such as Caucasian, Bar, Horon, Hora, and Karşılama. However, in contemporary music arrangements, the accordion is notably found accompanying Zeybek dances, especially in women’s dance music. The presence of the accordion family in the music cultures of various ethnic identities residing in different regions of Turkey has been observed. These ethnic groups are generally identified as having migrated from the Caucasus and the Balkans, and it has been concluded that they extensively prefer these instruments in both folk dances and folk music.