Photograph: Firat Tuncer
Baglama refers to a group of long-necked lutes that are widespread from the Balkans to Central Asia and, among other things, in the traditional music of Turkey. The bağlama is the most commonly played traditional accompanying instrument by the Turkish bards, who are called Aşık (“the lover”) in Anatolia and the Caucasus. This ancient instrument, whose roots go back a long way, has evolved over time in line with its historical richness, both structurally and in performance. Traditional Baglama performances have been passed down orally to this day thanks to traditional folk artists.