SMT-V 07.5 "Understanding Turkish Classical Makam," by Adem Merter Birson

Turkish classical music can be understood as involving a series of characteristic melodies, or çeşni-s, which serve as essential building blocks in makam, the modal system of the Middle East. In the early twentieth century, Turkish musicologists adapted the makam system for Western staff notation and devised an approach to music theory based on scales. This modern approach, while currently widespread, has its limitations, as the makam scales do not reflect the characteristic melodies that are often so important to the idiomatic expression of makam. A proper understanding of the importance of cesni-s to Turkish makam can provide a richer appreciation of this style.
Special thanks to Ahmet Erdoğdular of Makam New York (makamnewyork.org) for his performance on this video.