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Köçek - Roots

Köçek - Roots: Encyclopedia II - Köçek - Roots

The word is derived from the Persian kuchak, "little," "small," or "young." The culture of the köçek, which flourished from the 17th to the 19th century, had its origin in the customs followed at the Ottoman palaces, and in particular in the harems. Its genres enriched both the music and the dance of the Ottomans. The support of the Sultans was a key factor in its development, as in the early stages the art form was confined to palace circles. From there the practice dispersed throughout Anatolia and the Balkans by mea ...

Köçek: Encyclopedia II - Köçek - Roots

Köçek - Roots

The word is derived from the Persian kuchak, "little," "small," or "young."

The culture of the köçek, which flourished from the 17th to the 19th century, had its origin in the customs followed at the Ottoman palaces, and in particular in the harems. Its genres enriched both the music and the dance of the Ottomans.

The support of the Sultans was a key factor in its development, as in the early stages the art form was confined to palace circles. From there the practice dispersed throughout Anatolia and the Balkans by means of independent troupes. In the big cities, where it was enjoyed by people of all classes, the köçek were the attraction of the Ottoman nights.