Zeybek Folk Dances
When talking about the Aegean region, the first thing that comes to mind is efe and zeybek. They are known as valiant, courageous, assertive people who stand against injustice. The folk dance genre of the region is also called Zeybek in general. The effects of Zeybek folk dances can be seen in our provinces on the west side of the Antalya, Burdur, Isparta, Afyon, Eskişehir and Sakarya line. Zeybek melodies are divided into two groups as “heavy” (9/4 and 9/2) and “yürük” (fast, agile) zeybeks according to their weight. Zeybek melodies are also classified as "women's zeybek", "urban zeybek" and "prairie zeybek". The heaviest and most spectacular zeybek, played in many parts of the Aegean, can be found in İzmir, along with the provinces of Aydın, Muğla and Manisa. Game figures vary according to the player's emotions and skills. For this reason, in single zeybeks, there are differences in the gait, collapse and turns of those who play the same game. Tabs, knee kicks, walks in the game symbolize zeybek's self-confidence, honesty, bravery and challenge to the environment.
