Âşık Veysel Şatıroğlu is one of the most important poets of Turkish folk literature. This world-renowned artist is remembered not only for his poetry but also for his mastery of the bağlama. For him, the bağlama is not merely a musical instrument but also a companion through which he conveys his thoughts, feelings, and the collective voice of the people. The use of saz and cura in Veysel's art has become a fundamental element that gives depth and originality to his works.
Short and Long Neck Baglama
Âşık Veysel was a master of both the short-neck (locally known as the "kara diyet") and the long-neck bağlama. The long-neck bağlama, with its wide fret structure, offers a wider range of sounds and provides a powerful foundation for Veysel's profound folk songs. In contrast, the short-neck bağlama, with its simpler and more understated tone, reflects the poet's intimate connection with the people. Veysel skillfully employed both types of bağlama in his various works, contributing to the preservation of diversity in folk music.
Cura's Role
One of the instruments Veysel used was the cura. A small version of the bağlama, the cura, with its thin and bright sound, adds a distinct touch to folk songs. This vibrant tone of the cura is particularly prominent in Veysel's lively and enthusiastic melodies. This not only enhanced the melodic richness of the folk songs, which reached a wider audience, but also facilitated the preservation of distinctive regional melodies.
The Place of Baglama in Aşık Veysel's Art
For Âşık Veysel, the bağlama was not just an instrument; it was also his companion, his confidant, and his closest friend. Blind for most of his life, the bard rediscovered the world through his bağlama. Every melody he played, every word he sang, found new life in its strings. For this reason, Veysel imbued his instruments with special meaning, viewing them as an integral part of his art.
The Work "Sazima"
One of his works that best reflects this deep bond is the unforgettable folk song "Sazıma." In this piece, Veysel speaks to his saz, expressing his friendship, love, and gratitude even as he bids it farewell. "Sazıma" is not just a musical piece; it is a powerful expression of the bard's deep love for the bağlama and its place in Turkish folk music culture.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The bağlama styles used by Âşık Veysel are also crucial to the development of Turkish folk music. Thanks to him, instruments such as the short neck, long neck, and cura gained value not only for their technical merits but also as carriers of cultural heritage. Today, many musicians are still inspired by Âşık Veysel's works and playing style.
In conclusion, Âşık Veysel's relationship with the bağlama and cura is one of the most powerful symbols of Turkish folk music. The camaraderie he forged with his instruments, his power to convey the common emotions of the people through music, made his art universal. With his saz, Âşık Veysel not only expressed his own feelings; he also became the voice of all of Anatolia.
