7 Iconic Turkey Folk Dance Shows for Travelers in Istanbul

Explore Turkish Dances – Come See Turkey!  

Turkey has old, rich dances full of life. Each area has its own steps and beats. From the soft Zeybek to the fast Halay, the quick Horon, and the bright Hora, these dances show Turkey’s mix of culture and soul. They are key to life here, seen at weddings, farewells, holy events, and big parties.  

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History Of The Traditional Turkish Dancing

The story of old dances in Turkey ties closely to the Ottoman Palace, showing the culture's growth. Starting in the 1500s as formal dances for European leaders, these shows gained fame during Ottoman days at the well-known Hippodrome. People from nearby villages came to perform their special dances, with each area adding its own style to the changing art.

Though Western ways have spread widely in modern Turkey, keeping culture alive stays key. The many dances, shaped by local styles, are now a big part of daily life. To show how much these dances matter, people join dance schools, seeing dance not just as art but as a valued part of their culture. This helps keep the story and soul of Turkish folk dances alive over time.

The history of Turkish folk dance is intricately woven into the fabric of the Ottoman Palace 

7 Must-See Iconic Traditional Turkish Folk Dances

1. Atabarı

Atabarı is a folk dance from Artvin, a region in Turkey. It was first called Artvin Barı. In 1936, it got a new name after a show for Atatürk, who founded modern Turkey. People say Atatürk liked the dance so much he joined in. Because of this, they renamed it Atabarı to honor him.

2. Zeybek Folk Dance – West Anatolia

Zeybek is a dance from the Aegean area. Men in bright clothes, called Efe, dance to show bravery and strength. The pace can be slow, fast, or very fast. It is done alone, in pairs, or in groups, showing how flexible this old dance can be.

Children in folk costumes performing the Zeybek National dance 

3. Bar Dance - Eastern Anatolia

Outdoor group bar dances are popular in Eastern Anatolia, notably in provinces like as Erzurum, Artvin, Bayburt, Agri, Kars, and Erzincan. Bar dances are distinguished by side-by-side, hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, and arm-in-arm arrangements. The "davul" (double-headed drum) and the "zurna" (shrill pipe) are the main instruments, with the clarinet used in women's Bar dances. Dancers in costume exhibit their joy through hand motions while doing hopping dance routines.

4. Horon Folk Dance – Black Sea Region

Distinguishing itself from other Turkish folk dances in terms of speed, rhythm, and beats, the Horon is a traditional Turkey dance native to the Black Sea region. Typically performed by groups, this dance is characterized by its distinctive 7/16 meter. Male dancers don black suits embellished with silver accents. The resonant vibrations of the kemenche, a primitive-style violin, induce a captivating display as the dancers' arms bound and shake in rhythmic harmony. 

Horon and dance were performed at the festival in Tuzla İsyanbul regional dress at festival 

5. Halay Folk Dance – East, Southeast, and Central Anatolia

Halay is often done in Anatolia's eastern, southeastern, and central regions. It is, nonetheless, one of the most famous traditional Turkish dances. Halay dance in Turkey is generally performed along with an upbeat rhythm consisting of drums and a kaval. It's a sort of group dance in which members join their small fingers.

6. Hora Folk Dance – Eastern Thrace Region

Dancers in the Hora clasp hands and whirl in a counterclockwise circle. The participants take three steps forward and one step back. The dance, which is popular at weddings and festivals, includes a variety of movements that are accompanied by instruments such as the cymbalom, accordion, violin, viola, double bass, saxophone, trumpet, or pan pipes. The pace and steps of the Hora vary, making it an essential part of rural social entertainment.

7. Kılıç Kalkan

Bursa’s Kilic Kalkan dance represents the Ottoman conquest of the city. It is performed only by men, dressed in the first Ottoman battle dress. The dancers dance to the sound of swords and shields clashing without music.

Kilic Kalkan is a traditional Ottoman folk dance in Bursa Turkey 

FAQs about Traditional Dances in Turkey

What Is the traditional dance of Turkey?

Unique cultural styles show in the folk dances of different areas. Famous Turkish folk dances include the Bar from Erzurum, the Halay seen in the east and southeast, the Hora from Thrace, the Zeybek from the Aegean, the Horon near the Black Sea, and the Kasik Oyunu, a dance from Konya and nearby places. Each dance holds the soul of its region, showing a mix of rich and varied culture.

What is Turkish dance called? 

Turkish dances, known as "Türk Halk Dansları" (Turkish folk dances), come from many places and traditions. People usually dance them at happy events like weddings, holidays, or special times. One well-known dance is the "Halay," where dancers link hands or shoulders and move in a ring. The "Zeybek" is another famous one, a slow and bold solo dance often done by men. It shows strength and pride. This dance stands out for its graceful moves, energy, and music, sharing Turkey's deep and varied past.

What is the Turkish folk dance history?

Turkish folk dance comes from the land's rich past, shaped by old groups like the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Long ago, people danced at parties, fairs, and events, showing daily life, farm work, and old customs. Every area in Turkey has its own dance. The lively "Horon" is from the Black Sea, while the soft "Zeybek" is from the Aegean. These dances use quick steps, matching team moves, and old tunes played on tools like the "saz" or "darbuka." Folk dance still means a lot to Turkish culture today.

Why are traditional dances important in Turkish culture?

The meaning of Turkish folk dances for people in Turkey goes beyond their old roots. The real worth is in how strongly Turkish people work to keep these customs alive. Today, many of these dances are still done and have a big role in special events.

For instance, dances like Horon, Halay, Hora, Cayda Cıra, and Kaşık Oyunu are well-known Turkish dances often seen at weddings. The bride, groom, their families, friends, and all guests join in, making the event full of joy. If you move to Turkey, you can expect to see these dances at your neighbors' weddings.

On the other hand, Turkish dances like Zeybek, Kılıç Kalkan, Atabarı, and Teke are performed during big events on national holidays. These dances are lively shows that honor key moments in Turkey's history and the making of the country.

Conclusion

These dances are more than fun—they show the spirit of Turkey’s culture. They bring people together, mark key events, and keep the country’s long and rich story alive.

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