(headline image: Baglama Cedar Face SDS-408)
The baglama (bağlama), a fretted lute belonging to the saz family, is a prominent instrument in Turkish folk music. Characterized by its pear-shaped body made out of spruce or cedar wood and a long fretted neck. It typically has seven strings, made of steel, nylon, or silk, divided into courses of 2-2-3, and can be tuned in a number of ways.
Notably, the baglama has a unique sound and a significant cultural history. Its versatility extends from traditional folk to contemporary jazz fusion, psychedelic rock and other genres.
The term “saz” is a broad category encompassing various Turkic string instruments, including the baglama, tanbur, cura, and çöğür. It is derived from the Persian word for “musical instrument.” The baglama, a specific type of long-necked lute within the saz family, is the most commonly played instrument in Turkish music. Although “saz” and “baglama” are often used interchangeably, it is essential to clarify that “saz” refers to the broader instrument family, while “baglama” denotes this specific instrument.
In summary, all baglamas are sazes, but not all sazes are baglamas. The term “saz” frequently refers to the baglama due to its popularity but also includes other instruments such as the divan sazı, cura, and tambura.
In addition to the acoustic baglama, Turkish musicians also use an electric version of the baglama and a double-necked baglama.
Many talented individuals play the baglama, but here are some standout players: Sinan Ayyildiz, Neşet Ertaş, Arif Sağ, Orhan Gencebay, Erkan Oğur, Aşık Veysel, Muhlis Berberoğlu, Aytaç Karausta, Çetin Akdeniz, Aşık Emrah, Seval Eroğlu, Zeki Çağlar Namlı, Ahmet Koç, Erdal Erzincan, Mustafa Kirpik, and Talip Özkan (1939–2010).
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other talented baglama players out there.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.