 In contrast to
the ferverish pitch common to karadeniz dances, the Zeybek dances of Western
Anatolia, near the Aegean coast, are slow and graceful. While not done exclusively
by men, they are commonly associated with them. The work zeybek refers to
a man, who is a brother, a friend, a protector of his people. In a sense
he is akin to a samurai type of figure.
Performed individually, in a circle or often as a solo, the zeybek dance
usually begins with the man strutting boastfully to tight strains of music.
The accompaniment may be a zurna and davul, or the melody may be played
by a baglama, kaval, kabek kemece or clarinet, while a dumbek marks the
rhythm. Individual dancers move proudly and strongly, their arms extended
to their sides at shoulder height, their legs taking large steps, bending
the knees occasionally and swinging the bent leg forward or behind the
straight leg. With dignity and poise, the zeybek male kneels on one knee,
gently touching it on the ground while twisting his body to one side.
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