Mehter

Mehter Bölüğü, a Turkish official military band, was revived in 1952 by Minister of Defense Zekai Apaydin Bey within the military museum in Istanbul. The group traces its roots back to the Ottoman Empire, where Mehters were integral to military ceremonies and had missions such as musicians, tent erectors for the sultan, and horse caretakers. The band's repertoire includes traditional Ottoman military music, performed with instruments such as the kös (large timbale), nakkares (timbales), davul (tambour), and zurna (oboe). Mehter Bölüğü has released several albums, including Cenk Türküleri in 2008.