The Political, Symbolic and Musical-Artistic Role of Mehterhane
The Case of the Romanian Principalities
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The book delves into the significance of military music within the Islamic and Ottoman contexts, particularly focusing on the mehterhane. It explores how this military band served as a tool for the Ottoman Sultan to legitimize his power and that of high dignitaries, including Romanian rulers. By examining the political, musical, and terminological aspects of mehterhane, the author clarifies misconceptions and highlights its role as a symbol of political affiliation. A systematic approach is taken to analyze its composition, repertoire, and significance.
