Turkish folk dance

Lore & Background

Turkish folk dances are performed in various regions, each with distinct characteristics. Bar dances are performed by groups in the open, spread over eastern Anatolia, with formations side-by-side, hand, shoulder, and arm-in-arm. Woman and man bars differ. Halay is performed in eastern, south-central, central, and southeastern Turkey, with diverse rhythmic and choreographic elements, often accompanied by davul and zurna or other instruments. Horon, deriving from the Greek word 'choros', is a circular dance from the Black Sea region, characterized by distinct short steps and originally a Laz pagan dance. Zeybek dances are widespread in western Anatolia, originating from the Zeybeks of the Aegean region, and can be performed by one, two, or a group, with measures of 9/8 and varying tempos.

Reader's Guide

Turkish folk dances are significant for their reflection of Turkey's complex culture, shaped by its geography facing three seas and straddling important trade routes. The variety of dances—from the group formations of Bar in eastern Anatolia to the circular Horon of the Black Sea—demonstrates regional diversity. The dances often use traditional instruments like davul and zurna, and measures such as 5/8, 9/8, and 7/16 are characteristic. The legacy of these dances includes their preservation as cultural expressions, with forms like Halay, Zeybek, and Spoon dances remaining well-known. They continue to be performed in their traditional contexts, maintaining connections to historical and regional identities.

Did You Know?

• The dominant dance forms in Turkey are types of line dance.
• Bar dances are performed side-by-side, hand, shoulder, and arm-in-arm.
• Horon derives from the Greek word 'choros' meaning dance.
• Zeybek dances have measures of 9/8 and can be very slow, slow, fast, or very fast.