The Venues of Musical Performances in the Early Eighteenth Century and the Rûznâmes of Mahmud I (r. 1730–1754)

Authors : Hande Betül Ünal

Pages : 163-179

Doi:10.53979/yillik.2023.9

View : 123 | Download : 144

Publication Date : 2023-12-31

Article Type : Research

Abstract :The rûznâmes, daily records documenting the activities of the Ottoman sultans, remain an overlooked and underutilized source in both broader historiography and the study of Ottoman music, which is often characterized by a scarcity of written material. While not traditionally considered as musical treatises, they possess the potential to serve as valuable sources capable of providing significant insights into the musical landscape of the period in which they were written. Focusing on the musical elements provided by the rûznâmes written for Mahmud I (r. 1730–1754), this study seeks to elucidate the preferred venues for musical performance, both on a personal level for Mahmud I and within the context of the administrative elite during the early eighteenth century. By examining these records, it aims to uncover certain practices and shifting patterns over time, as well as to offer glimpses into Mahmud I’s engagement with Mevlevi rituals and practices.
Keywords : Mahmud I, rûznâme, Ottoman music, venues, eighteenth century