An interview with Prof. Ruhi Ayangil on the theoretical and academic horizons of Turkish Makam Music

Abstract

In this interview, Prof. Ruhi Ayangil discusses the theoretical, historical, and academic dimensions of Turkish makam music. The conversation first emphasizes that the concept of usûl is not merely a rhythmic structure but also an intellectual and aesthetic foundation; the transformation of usûl is examined within a historical context stretching from ancient Greek meters to Ottoman aruz prosody. The performance of Mevlevî rituals and Sufi music is evaluated within the tension between mystical tradition and academic representation, while the shortcomings and methodological issues of modern conservatory education are highlighted. The institutionalization of traditional music during the Republican era is critically addressed through debates on the narrowing of repertoire and meritocracy, with a call to restore high-quality repertoires to a central role in education and performance practices. Current directions in Turkish makam music research are redefined along the axes of organology, rhythmology, and musicology, and new conceptual and archival research fields are suggested for young scholars. Prof. Ayangil stresses the importance of independent and collective research activities—exemplified by the Turkish Makam Music Academic Circle (TUMAC)—and underlines the need for a comprehensive encyclopedia of Turkish makam music to be prepared with an interdisciplinary perspective. In this respect, the interview offers a significant discussion of the theoretical foundations, performance traditions, and academic representations of Turkish makam music from past to present.