Asia Minor

Location

The term Asia Minor refers to the peninsula that extends west of the Asian continent, along an imaginary line from the Gulf of Alexandretta (Issos) to Trebizond in the Black Sea. In 1922, the attempt of the Greek state to place western Asia Minor under Greek rule ended in failure. At the same time, the genocide of the Armenians and the Pontians occurred, as well as the Destruction of Smyrna. The Treaty of Lausanne sealed the end of the Christian presence in Asia Minor. Along with the refugees, the traditions, customs and customs of the region were transferred to Greece.

In Asia Minor we encounter dances of a ceremonial nature, which exude levity and nobility. They often have a religious dimension, an element that lends softness and modesty to the dance style. The music alternates from slow to fast rhythms, while the dances are enriched with group figures that require precision, coherence and synchronization.

Distinguishing Asia Minor into individual regions, we distinguish the coast, Cappadocia and Pontus. In each of them, differences are observed both in the musical and dance motifs and in the general cultural expression.

Cappadocia, although it belongs to the regions of central Asia Minor, presents a special musical tradition due to different influences. Although Pontus and the Asia Minor coasts received common influences, Cappadocian music is differentiated, as is the geomorphology of the region. Compared to the Pontic tradition, it shows greater affinity with the island songs of the Aegean.

Constantinople, the Propontis and the coasts of Asia Minor share a common musical language with roots in Byzantium. As predominantly maritime regions, they present rhythms such as syrtos, ballos, kalamatianos and khasapika. In addition to polyphony, polyrhythm is also found, while the dominant musical instruments are mainly untuned, such as the political lyre, the violin, the kanunaki, the oud, the lute, the santouri, the flute and the clarinet.

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Dances

Explore traditional Greek dances