How did the Ottoman Empire influence the development of Turkish music?

The Ottoman Empire, which lasted from the 14th to the early 20th century, played a significant role in the development of Turkish music. The empire was a cultural melting pot, bringing together people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, resulting in a diverse musical heritage.

During the Ottoman period, music was an important part of court and religious ceremonies. The empire's ruling elite supported the arts and patronized musicians, leading to the development of Ottoman classical music. Turkish music was also influenced by the traditional music of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkans.

The Ottomans contributed to the development of the maqam system, which is a set of melodic rules used in Turkish music. The maqam system is based on a series of modes, each with its own unique melodic structure and emotional character. Ottoman composers created many new maqams, adding to the diversity of Turkish music.

The Ottoman influence can also be seen in the use of instruments such as the saz, a long-necked lute, and the ney, a type of flute. These instruments were widely used in Ottoman classical music and are still prominent in Turkish music today.