The bağlama, also known as the saz, is a traditional Turkish stringed instrument from the family of long-necked lutes. It holds a central place in Turkish and Anatolian folk music and has been played for centuries by âşıklar—folk poets and troubadours who use music to share stories, express emotion, and preserve cultural traditions. It is known for its warm, expressive sound and is widely played not only in Turkey but also across the Caucasus.

♫ I’ve been playing the bağlama for several years as an amateur musician, drawn to its deep cultural roots and expressive melodies. While I continue to grow and learn, playing the bağlama is a meaningful way for me to connect with tradition and emotion. Feel free to listen to some of my performances below. I hope they offer a glimpse into the beauty and soul of this timeless instrument. 

The ney is a traditional end-blown flute, prominently featured in Turkish classical and Sufi music. With a history spanning over a thousand years, it holds a revered place in the region’s musical and spiritual heritage. Typically crafted from reed, the ney produces a breathy, melancholic tone that is deeply expressive and emotionally moving. The ney symbolizes the human soul’s longing for union with the divine. It carries profound philosophical significance, representing the soul’s yearning for spiritual unity and the transformative journey of awakening. 

♫ Revered for its spiritual depth and subtle tones, the ney remains a cherished instrument. I’ve been playing the ney for several years as an amateur musician, drawn to its spiritual depth and hauntingly beautiful tones. While I continue to grow and learn, playing the ney is a deeply personal way for me to connect with centuries of tradition and inner reflection. Feel free to listen to some of my performances below. I hope they offer a glimpse into the profound beauty and soul of this timeless instrument.