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The legendary sounds of "mehter," the world’s oldest military band, will echo through the courtyards of Istanbul’s most iconic palaces this summer, as the Directorate of National Palaces (Milli Saraylar) resumes its traditional seasonal program of live mehter performances.
Kicking off Tuesday at 11 a.m. in front of the Hazine Gate of Dolmabahce Palace, the summer series will feature weekly performances at Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz Palaces. The shows aim to bring both local and international visitors closer to the Ottoman Empire’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
With roots dating back to the 11th century, Mehter was not only a powerful morale-booster for Ottoman troops, but also served as the empire’s musical voice in triumph and ceremony. The distinct rhythms, warlike melodies and commanding presence of the ensemble left a lasting impression in both Eastern and Western music traditions.
Now performed by professionally trained musicians from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense’s Mehteran Unit, these shows offer a faithful recreation of the original performances—complete with traditional instruments, historic costumes and authentic compositions.
According to the announcement by the Directorate of National Palaces, the Mehteran Unit will perform as follows throughout the summer:
All shows will begin promptly at 11 a.m., offering approximately 30 minutes of immersive musical experience in open-air palace settings.
The repertoire includes timeless Ottoman military marches such as:
These compositions, once played on battlefields, now provide a window into the past for modern audiences. With drums, zurnas (double reed pipes), and cymbals reverberating through ancient palace walls, the performances offer a captivating fusion of sound, spectacle and history.
The Mehter shows are especially popular among tourists, offering a vivid and photogenic glimpse into Türkiye’s imperial past. The combination of music, costume and architectural grandeur transforms each palace courtyard into a living museum of Ottoman tradition.
Whether you're a history lover, music enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the mehteran summer series promises an unforgettable journey through time, where every beat tells a story.
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