Research Information System
Thesis Type: Doctorate
Institution Of The Thesis: Yildiz Technical University, Graduate School Of Social Sciences, Art And Design, Turkey
Approval Date: 2025
Thesis Language: Turkish
Student: KADRİYE BOZKURT HEPKORUCU
Supervisor: Aslıhan Eruzun Özel
Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
Abstract:
Ahmet Yatman, who holds a distinguished position in 20th century Turkish kanun artistry with his musical excellence and pioneering works relative to his era, is the central ‘subject’ of this study. His musical identity has been examined through biographical elements, with a detailed analysis of his education and meşk (apprenticeship) environments, aiming to construct what may be termed the ‘Ahmet Yatman Meşk Chain’. Given his rich career trajectory, his recorded works despite their relatively modest number have been contextualized within a chronological framework. His musical identity has been analyzed in relation to the cosmopolitan and multicultural structures of Konak-İkiçeşmelik and Fener-Balat-Ayvansaray, where he spent his childhood and youth, as well as through his Romani identity, the culture of Turkish Radio, and the tradition of Mehtap Âlemleri. Furthermore, his international engagements particularly his activities in the United States, which were considered pioneering for his time have been examined in detail. The musical elements that shape his musicianship have been examined in detail through a performance-centered framework, offering content that may serve as a reference for future research in the field. The artist’s discography has also been comprehensively documented. The theoretical framework of this study is based on Ernst Bernheim's Historical Methodology, while two methodological approaches document analysis and interviews have been employed. Among the noteworthy findings of this study is that the artist who acquired his qanun skills primarily through practice-based learning in performance settings was musically influenced by the cosmopolitan character of the Konak-İkiçeşmelik and Fener-Balat-Ayvansaray districts where he spent his childhood and youth; that this multicultural environment facilitated his adaptation to various musical genres abroad; and that his Romani identity positively contributed to the formation of his musical persona.