An Examination of the Oud in Turkish Musical Culture in the Context of Women

Abstract

The oud instrument, with its melodic structure and unique sound, has held a special place in our musical culture as an important element of our cultural heritage. In Anatolia, it has been observed that women, particularly those who organized musical gatherings in settings such as palaces, mansions, and waterfront residences, were interested in instruments like the tanbur and the oud. This study aims to introduce and examine the oud -one of the carriers of cultural heritage-  through variables such as its etymology, historical development, performance, and especially female performers. In this context, the goal is to understand the place and significance of the oud and women oud performers in Turkish musical culture, within the influence of sociocultural and traditional music. The study employs the document analysis method, which is part of the qualitative research approach. Within the scope of the research topic, the significance of the oud in Turkish musical culture has been explained in the context of women musicians under the titles “The Oud in Turkish Musical Culture,” “Women in Turkish Musical Culture,” and “The Oud and Women.” The study, which examines the status of the oud in Turkish music culture through written and visual documents, is considered valuable in terms of encouraging young people interested in music and the oud. Additionally, introducing Turkish female composers who play the oud and aiming to understand the importance of women in Turkish musical culture is believed to contribute significantly to cultural heritage studies, especially in the context of Turkish classical music.