Aşık (poetic form)

Aşık is a traditional Turkish poetic form rooted in oral storytelling and music. It combines lyrical poetry with musical performance, often sung with a saz (a stringed instrument). Aşıks express deep feelings, social issues, and cultural themes through improvisation and repetition, creating a spontaneous, emotionally rich experience. These poets, historically often bards or minstrels, preserve and transmit cultural values, blending poetry and music into a unique art form that emphasizes authenticity, personal expression, and communal participation. The aşık tradition continues to be a vital expression of Turkish cultural heritage.