The Turkish Long-Necked Lute Saz or Balama

The saz or balama, a generic name for long-necked lutes in Turkey, plays an important role in the Turkish musical culture. It forms the core of all folk musical ensembles and orchestras and is a popular instrument in the arabesque, entertainment, and pop music. It is the instrument par excellence in Turkish music education and in the religious rituals of the levi and Bektai. The saz or balama can also be heard as a solo instrument on international concert stages. Acknowledging the instruments unique place in Turkey, The Turkish Long-Necked Lute Saz or Balama, an updated and revised edition of the Dutch book Turkse Langhalsluit of balama, mainly focusses on its cultural and historical background while briefly discussing various saz or balama types and their construction, tuning, and playing techniques.