Turkish minstrels

Turkish minstrels, known as "aşık" or "ozan," are traditional poets and musicians who perform storytelling through singing, often accompanying themselves on instruments like the bağlama or saz. They have a revered role in Turkish culture, preserving and transmitting history, spiritual beliefs, and social values through lyrical poetry. Their performances, typically improvised or composed, serve as a form of oral history and community bonding, blending artistic expression with cultural identity. These minstrels have historically traveled among communities, keeping alive folk traditions and providing entertainment, education, and social commentary.