An Analysis of The Life, Musical Identity, and Works of The Composer Hüseyin İpek from Tokat
Chapter from the book: Onuk Natonski, Ö. (ed.) 2025. Current Research in Music Education.

Ahmet Hakan Baş
Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University
Tolga Karaca
Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University

Synopsis

Throughout its history, Tokat has been home to many branches of handicrafts as well as training many artists in Turkish music, and some of these artists were also composers. With the influence of studies conducted in recent years, Tokat has attracted attention with its historical values, gastronomic activities and artistic events. This research aims to examine in detail the artistry and composing identity of Hüseyin İpek, an oud composer from Tokat known for his contributions to Turkish music. The research is significant in that it reveals the life and works of a composer from Tokat who represented Tokat with his works in Turkish Sufi music. In the research, a “case study” was utilized to examine in detail the composition and artistic career of Hüseyin İpek. Questions developed using the semi-structured interview method were directed to the composer Hüseyin İpek. The data obtained from the interview was analyzed according to the descriptive analysis technique, and direct quotations were used to convey İpek’s views. According to the results obtained from the research; It was determined that the artist began composing in 1997, is a versatile artist specializing in many areas, and has dedicated a significant portion of his career to Sufi music and choirs. It was also concluded that he produced TV and radio programs to revitalize the gazelkhan tradition, focusing on themes such as patriotism, spiritual values, and historical figures in his programs and works. In addition to his proficiency as a lyric poet, he also has nearly 90 works in the TRT repertoire, including hundreds of taksims, solo pieces, and 105 ghazals he has recited in the TRT archives. The composer's saz semai, which he composed in the Nihavend makam (Turkish musical instrument) titled "Şule," stands out for its adherence to the makam music tradition and its innovative approach, utilizing Western musical techniques. Its diversity in usul, makam, geçki, and kalış (repetition of rhythms), makes it a unique example within the Turkish music repertoire. It is recommended that other composers from Tokat who have served and contributed to Turkish music be included in future research.

How to cite this book

Baş, A. H. & Karaca, T. (2025). An Analysis of The Life, Musical Identity, and Works of The Composer Hüseyin İpek from Tokat. In: Onuk Natonski, Ö. (ed.), Current Research in Music Education. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub885.c3624

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Published

October 19, 2025

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