DUBAI - Dubai residents were treated to a musical feast as 'Mehter' - the world's oldest military band of Turkey - performed for four consecutive days at popular spots in the emirate.
Mehter band, which performs under the auspices of Ankara Municipality in Turkey was in town upon invitation by Dubai Municipality.
The first performance by the 30-strong team took place at Global Village on 8 February.
Shoppers and visitors at the popular venue considered themselves lucky to hear the the world's oldest military band live for the first time in the country.
The next performance was scheduled at Creek Park, another popular spot for residents and tourists alike who flock there to enjoy the creek, greenery and fresh air.
Mehter band took stage on 10 and 11 February at Zabeel Park and the first performance at this park was reserved for VIP guests and the latter for the public.
The performance by the Mehter band received a warm welcome by the expatriates in the emirates especially among the Turkish residents.
Despite the chilly weather in the evening, families gathered at the parks to witness a first with their children.
Those who watched the band perform live expressed that Mehter band should come to the region more often and play the music at more locations for more people to enjoy.
What is 'Mehter'?
Mehter is the oldest military band in the world. The word 'Mehter' is used in a variety of meanings such as player of harmonica, maker of tent, and maker of archery bows.
The word is taken from Persian language and Ottomans adopted it to mean "exalted or great"
The history of the band actually goes back the times of Huns, whom established the band that played wind instruments and beat drums.
The aim of this type of music, which could be heard from far places, was to demoralize the enemy and force them to give up fighting.
During Ottoman era, the Mehter band accompanied the army on their long journeys and played war songs while beating drums, which boosted the morale of the soldiers.
The songs by Mehter were also embraced and adopted by the Europeans. Composers Mozart and Haydyn are known to be impressed and have created their famous compositions.
Last part of Beethoven's big symphony ends with Mehter's kettle drums, drums, and sounds by shrill pipes. Beethoven is said to have adapted his 'Turk March' from one of the Mehter's war songs.
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© Press Release 2008
