Turkish Folk Dances
Depending on the region and location they come from, Turkish folk dances display various characteristics and elements typical for their realm. Folk dances and are generally practiced during weddings as well as many religious and national holidays. The most popular folk dances are:
Zeybek – A dance named after the Zeybek people once living in Asia Minor, this Aegean dance displays colorfully dressed male dancers, called "Efe" that symbolize courage and heroism.
Horon - This Black Sea dance is performed by men only, dressed in black costumes with silver ornaments. The dancers link arms and travel to the right according to the rhythm produced by the Turkish violin, called kemence.
Zeybek – A dance named after the Zeybek people once living in Asia Minor, this Aegean dance displays colorfully dressed male dancers, called "Efe" that symbolize courage and heroism.
Horon - This Black Sea dance is performed by men only, dressed in black costumes with silver ornaments. The dancers link arms and travel to the right according to the rhythm produced by the Turkish violin, called kemence.
Kasik Oyunu - The Spoon Dance is performed from Konya to Silifke and consists of gaily dressed male and female dancers clicking out the dance rhythm with a pair of wooden spoons in each hand.
Kilic Kalkan - The Sword and Shield Dance of Bursa represents the Ottoman conquest of the city. It is performed by men only, dressed in early Ottoman battle dresses, who dance to the sound of clashing swords and shields without music.
Kilic Kalkan - The Sword and Shield Dance of Bursa represents the Ottoman conquest of the city. It is performed by men only, dressed in early Ottoman battle dresses, who dance to the sound of clashing swords and shields without music.
