The Turkish Five: Pioneers of Western Classical Music in Turkey

During the early years of the Turkish Republic, five prominent composers emerged, merging Western musical traditions with Turkish melodies to create a new musical identity. Known as the "Turkish Five," these composers studied abroad with the encouragement of Atatürk and returned to Turkey to lay the foundations of modern Turkish music.

Who Are the Turkish Five?

  1. Cemal Reşit Rey

    Composer of the famous 10th Anniversary March, Cemal Reşit Rey was one of the pioneers in establishing symphonic orchestras in Turkey. He created some of the first symphonic works in the country and is known for his operettas, orchestral, and choral works.

  2. Hasan Ferit Alnar

    Hasan Ferit Alnar composed the world’s first qanun concerto, making a significant contribution by blending traditional Turkish music with Western classical forms. He is also known for works such as a cello concerto, further bridging the gap between East and West.

  3. Ahmet Adnan Saygun

    The composer of the first Turkish opera and the first to be awarded the title of “State Artist,” Ahmet Adnan Saygun is renowned for his Yunus Emre Oratorio (1942), one of Turkey’s most famous classical music pieces. He skillfully combined Turkish folk music motifs with Western classical techniques.

  4. Ulvi Cemal Erkin

    Ulvi Cemal Erkin masterfully blended the scent, color, and sound of Anatolia with Western classical techniques to create modern forms. His famous works like Köçekçe and Duyuşlar reflect the richness of Turkish musical heritage transformed through Western methods.

  5. Necil Kazım Akses

    A key figure in establishing the Ankara State Conservatory, Necil Kazım Akses played a pivotal role in shaping modern Turkish music. His compositions, influenced by both Turkish folk music and Western traditions, helped create a unique musical language.

Common Traits of the Turkish Five

The Turkish Five were all born in the early 1900s and were sent abroad for education as part of Atatürk’s vision for a modern and culturally advanced Turkey. Their contributions were critical to the development of contemporary Turkish music, which blends Turkish cultural motifs with Western classical traditions.

Discover the Works of the Turkish Five

TAO (Turkish American Orchestra) recommends exploring the works of these five influential composers. Check out our curated Spotify playlist to immerse yourself in their music and experience this remarkable part of Turkish musical history.

The Turkish Five's music represents a unique meeting point between East and West. Their compositions contributed to cultural exchanges not only in Turkey but across the globe, creating a bridge between Western classical music and Turkish traditions.