AMusical genreIndependent states
Mehter music
The Ottoman army band — one of the oldest military music traditions in the world, which inspired European composers' "alla turca" style.
The mehter (mehterhane) continues the tradition of the ruler's drums that symbolised sovereignty in Turkic states. In the Ottoman army it roused the soldiers in battle and accompanied ceremonies at court. Its instruments are the zurna, trumpet, kettledrums, the great kös drum, davul, cymbals and the çevgen jingle staff.
Its powerful rhythms fascinated 18th-century Europe. Mozart's Rondo "Alla Turca", Beethoven's "Turkish March" and the arrival of percussion in many European military bands are the fruit of this influence.
The mehter was abolished in 1826 together with the Janissaries and re-established in 1914. Today the Mehter unit of the Istanbul Military Museum performs marches such as "Ceddin Deden" in historical dress.
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Updated: October 2, 2026