What Is Bozlak?

Bozlak is a type of uzun hava, or free-rhythm song, in Turkish folk tradition. Its subjects include tribal conflicts, blood feuds and love stories. It is found mainly in southern and central Anatolia.

Bozlak:

• Afşar bozlak

• Urum bozlak — the second of the two types.

Bozlak generally corresponds to the Kürdi modal structure in Turkish classical music. Although it is a type of free-rhythm song, folk songs in the Kürdi mode may also be called bozlak. In practical terms, bozlak is described as the folk-music counterpart of Kürdi in Turkish classical music.

Bozlak is used extensively in Aşık Veysel's works and can also be heard in many popular folk songs. Neşet Ertaş and Ali Rıza Yurtoğlu are among its most important modern representatives.

Onur Severgün
Rekor Sanat – Bağlama Teacher