Music Meets Culture in Zile within the Scope of TÜBİTAK Science Talks

Alparslan Middle School in Zile, Tokat, hosted a meaningful event as part of the TÜBİTAK Science Talks program. In the talk delivered by Prof. Dr. Ömer Can Satır from Hitit University, students explored the cultural and emotional dimensions of music under the theme “Rethinking Makam Music in the Transmission of Cultural Heritage.”

TÜBİTAK Science Talks is a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing scientific awareness among primary and secondary school students and promoting science communication across all segments of society. Within this framework, the session emphasized that music is not merely composed of sounds but also serves as a powerful medium that conveys memories, emotions, and cultural values.

During the interactive presentation on makam music, the emotional meanings of modes such as Rast, Hüseyni, Segâh, and Hicaz were illustrated through examples. Students had the opportunity to experience how the same musical phrase can evoke different emotions when performed in different makams. The session also discussed the transmission of music from the past to the present — from oral tradition to notation, and from radio to digital platforms.

Throughout the event, songs and folk tunes were performed together with the students. Prof. Dr. Ömer Can Satır was accompanied on stage by Dr. Lecturer Ercan Baş, Emre Karakuş, and Emrah Ayrancı from Hitit University’s Department of Music. The live performances brought energy and vibrancy to the program.

The event concluded with Alparslan Middle School Principal Şamil Akıncı presenting certificates of appreciation to Information Technologies Teacher İlkay Özlük and Prof. Dr. Ömer Can Satır for their contributions. The activity, which drew great interest from students, created meaningful awareness about the preservation of cultural heritage.