Research reveals bird motifs in Erzurum folk songs

A new study published in the Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Journal of Turkish Culture and Hacı Bektaş Veli Research has analyzed the impact of pigeon and crane motifs on the melodies of Erzurum folk songs.

Researchers Orhan Alkan, Yılmaz Kahyaoglu, and Mehmet Can Pelikoğlu utilized semiotics and ethnomusicology to examine how these cultural symbols influence musical structure. The study found that the pigeon motif, which symbolizes carrying news and emotional connections, often results in rhythmic and regular melodic patterns. These songs frequently utilize the Çargâh and Uşşak modes, which reflect the peaceful and gentle character of the bird.