Turkish Ney

The Turkish ney is an end-blown flute made of reed, known for its mystical and evocative sound. It is a crucial instrument in Turkish classical music and plays a significant role in the spiritual music of the Mevlevi Sufi rites (semâ). The ney is one of the oldest musical instruments still in use, with its origins often traced back to Ancient Egypt around the 3rd millennium BCE. It is regarded as a symbol of spirituality, often played by Sufis to evoke a sense of deep meditation and connection to the divine. The instrument’s ethereal tone makes it a staple alongside other classical Turkish instruments like the tanbur and kemençe.

History of the Turkish Ney

The origins of the ney are ancient, often traced back to Ancient Egypt in the 3rd millennium BCE, where it was already an important part of early musical culture. Evidence suggests that the ney may be as old as the pyramids themselves, and its design has remained largely unchanged over thousands of years. As Islam spread from the 7th century CE, so did the cultural influences that carried the ney to different parts of the Middle East, including Anatolia. The Turkish variation of the ney was developed during the Ottoman period, and since then, it has been a central element of Turkish music, both classical and spiritual.

Differences Between Turkish, Arabic, and Persian Neys

There are notable differences between the various regional versions of the ney:

• Turkish and Arabic Neys: Both Turkish and Arabic neys have six or seven finger holes and are played in a similar manner. The primary difference between them is that the Turkish ney includes a mouthpiece (başpare), often made of buffalo horn, which gives it a distinct tonal quality.
• Persian Ney: The Persian ney has five or six holes, and it lacks the başpare. The Persian version is held differently, with unique finger and breath control techniques, contributing to a different playing style and sound.

Anatomy of the Turkish Ney

The Turkish ney consists of several key components, each contributing to its distinctive sound and playability:

• Body (Kavak or Meşe): The main body of the ney is typically made from high-quality reed, harvested from the banks of the Asi (Orontes) River. The length of the body, generally between 55 to 90 cm, determines the pitch and tonal range of the instrument.
• Mouthpiece (Başpare): The başpare is the topmost part of the ney, often made of buffalo horn or plastic. It helps direct the air into the ney, facilitating sound production. The başpare is slightly angled to aid in generating the ney’s characteristic sound.
• Finger Holes (Perde): There are six finger holes on the front and one thumb hole on the back, known as perde. These holes allow the player to produce various notes by covering and uncovering them with precision.
• Back Hole (Şahne): The şahne is the thumb hole on the back of the ney, which plays a crucial role in tuning and achieving microtonal variations.
• Nodal Points (Boğum): The internal reed nodes, called boğum, are carefully removed during construction. Their positioning affects the overall tuning and sound quality of the ney.
• Tuning Adjustments (Ayar): Fine-tuning is achieved by adding or removing a small metal piece, called parazvane, at the bottom end of the ney. This allows for precise tuning adjustments.

How to Play the Turkish Ney

The ney is known for its expressive sound, but mastering it requires practice and dedication:

• Positioning: The ney is held at an angle of about 10 cm from the lips, with the head looking forward. The player blows across the open end, focusing the air stream into the başpare.
• Breath Control: Mastery of the ney involves precise control of breath to maintain the instrument’s tonal quality. Players adjust their breath intensity to achieve different pitches, and the subtle movement of the head and neck adds nuance to the sound.
• Finger Positioning: The six front finger holes and one thumb hole are covered or uncovered to create melodies. The proper positioning and control of the fingers are crucial for achieving accurate intonation and tonal variations.

Care and Maintenance of the Turkish Ney

Maintaining a ney is essential for preserving its quality and enhancing its sound over time:

• Oiling: To protect the ney and improve its sound, it is recommended to oil it regularly. Oils with low acid value and thin consistency, such as sesame oil, almond oil, corn oil, or rose oil, are ideal. For a new ney, oiling once a week for the first three months is advised, then twice a month, and finally once a month after a year.
• Avoid Bending: The ney should be kept on a smooth surface and away from heat sources to avoid damage. Bending can severely affect both its appearance and its performance.
• Storage: The ney should be kept in a protective case and never in an airtight box. After playing, it should be allowed to dry completely before storing.

Playing Techniques and Cultural Significance

Playing the ney requires a unique skill set, including the ability to produce microtones, an essential feature of Turkish classical music. The ney is particularly associated with Sufi mysticism and is often used during the Mevlevi semâ ceremonies, representing the soul’s yearning for union with the divine. The word “blow” (üflemek) is used specifically for playing the ney, emphasizing its spiritual connotations, as it mirrors the idea of divine breath giving life.

Notable Ney Players

Some of the most notable ney players, known as neyzen, include Niyazi Sayın, Akagündüz Kutbay, Sadreddin Özçimi, Kudsi Erguner, and Süleyman Erguner. These musicians have greatly contributed to the art of ney playing, bringing the instrument to international prominence and maintaining its role in Turkish cultural heritage.