Dance

Turkey has a very ancient folk dance tradition which varies from region to region, each dance being colorful, rhythmic, elegant and styles. Among the most popular are "Çayda Çira" from the Sivas region in Central Anatolia.

This is performed by young girls dressed in silver and gold embroidered kaftans who dance in the dark with lighted candles in their hands; "Silifke yogurdu" from the Mersin region in the South in which dancers click wooden spoons together above their heads; "Seyh Samil" from the Kars region in the East, a beautifully dramatized legend of a Caucasian hero; "Kilic Kalkan", an epic dance performed with swords and shields from the region Bursa; "Zeybek" from Izmir, another epic and vigorous dance performed by male dancers who bang their knees on the floor in between steps.

Folklore has also had a considerable influence on ballet. First imported from Europe and Russia, ballet became institutionalized in the Republican era along with other performing arts. The Turkish State Ballet owes its momentum and development to the great British choreographer Dame Ninette de Valois.

The State Ballet in both Ankara and Istanbul has, for decades, performed many world classics. Several new foreign and Turkish productions have been introduced into the repertory over the years and a number of modern dance companies have begun to give performances throughout the country.