Türkiye'de Blues'un Tarihsel Süreci: Ankara Sahnesi

Abstract

Blues music spread to many regions of the world throughout the 20th century, influencing the field of popular music. With a historical background rooted in the era of forced migration and slavery of African-descended communities in the United States, the blues has, over time, spread from its place of origin to different regions and interacted with various musical traditions. This study examines the arrival of blues music in Türkiye and its subsequent historical development in the capital city of Ankara. The study explores cultural phenomena such as musicians and groups that have played an active role in Ankara’s blues scene, as well as venues and music festivals. This thesis draws upon a literature review, newspaper archives, documentaries, concert recordings, and interviews with musicians. In accordance with the methods employed, interviews were conducted with musicians and groups who made significant contributions to the formation and spread of the blues scene in Ankara; the data obtained from these interviews were evaluated in conjunction with written historical sources. Additionally, local musical examples that pioneered the spread of blues music aesthetics in Türkiye were selected, and their relationship with the blues was examined. Research conducted throughout this study has shown that blues music began to spread in Türkiye primarily within the framework of blues-influenced rock music, rather than entering the country directly through the aesthetics of classic-era blues. In this process, the recognition of blues in Ankara dates back historically to the years following the founding of the Republic; its spread occurred primarily within diplomatic and bureaucratic circles following Ankara’s designation as the capital. Subsequently, institutions such as the Turkish-American Association, as well as university music festivals and entertainment venues, played a significant role in the transmission of blues music in Ankara. As a result of this study, the historical development of blues music in the capital city of Ankara has been elucidated. The aim was thus to create a historical resource regarding the development of blues in Ankara and throughout Türkiye.