JANISSARY BAND THE OLDEST MILITARY BAND OF THE WORLD
" The clouds thundered, drums were beaten and Sultan tugged his weapon! "
For centuries, Mehter marching band accompanied the ottoman army as it marched into the battle instilling confidence, strength and courage into it's soldiers while striking terror into the hearts of it's enemies.The Mehter music, which utilized Turkish folk instruments, principally drum and zurna ( The shrill Obue-like wind instrument ), symbolized sovereignty and independence.
Mehter music composer wrote music for the huge kettledrums and zurnas that would unnerve and scare their foes.The Mehter band performed also in peacetime for public with the Sultan's order to cheer up the nation through their stirring music.
Mehter stood as the symbol of the Ottoman until 1826 when Sultan Mahmud II abolished the janissary company and dissolved the associated Mehter. In the early 19th century attempts to revive the Mehter band were short-lived.
Then in 1953, it was decided to revive the the Mehter as an institution of historical and touristic interest attached to İstanbul military museum. Today the band assisted by the historical janissary company performs several times a week at the museum, festivals and some official ceremonies.With its costumes, musical instruments and powerful stirring music mehter's performance is a symbol and reminder of the Ottoman's glory. Grandeur and magnificence.