Tulum: Ancient instrument that echoes heart of Black Sea
A photo collage featuring Mustafa Kerim Cakir playing the tulum, January 20, 2025. (Photo collage by Türkiye Today)
The wild waves of the Black Sea crash upon the shore, fierce and untamed, just like the sound of the guda—a traditional wind instrument that carries the soul of this mystical land. Known as “Tulum” in Turkish and “bagpipe” in English, the Tulum is more than just an instrument; it is a cry from the depths of history, echoing through the valleys and mountain villages of the Black Sea region.
Origins of Tulum
Although the exact date when the Tulum began to be used as a musical instrument is unknown, it is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia. References from Aristophanes’ play The Acharnians (425 B.C.) and Suetonius’ account of Emperor Nero’s (54–68 A.D.) life mention the existence of an Utricularius—a bagpipe player—suggesting that Mediterranean civilizations of Antiquity adopted the instrument.
It is widely accepted that bagpipe-like wind instruments, considered the ancestors of the Scottish bagpipe, were brought to continental Europe by the Romans via Anatolia, or Thrace.
Symbol of cultural heritage
The guda is a powerful symbol of cultural heritage, played during celebrations, festivals, and spontaneous gatherings. Its hypnotic melody weaves through the air, lifting spirits and compelling feet to dance.
The instrument itself is made from animal hide and wooden pipes, carefully crafted to produce a sound that is both raw and mesmerizing. Unlike the more widely known Scottish bagpipe, the guda has a distinct tone—piercing yet melodic, capable of mimicking the very essence of nature.
For centuries, this instrument has been an integral part of daily life in the Black Sea region. Fishermen setting out to sea, shepherds guiding their flocks, and villagers celebrating weddings all share a deep connection with its sound.
The melodies played on the guda tell stories of love, struggle, and the indomitable spirit of the people who live in harmony with the rugged terrain.
Voice of Türkiye’s Black Sea
One cannot separate the sound of the guda from the identity of the Black Sea. It is an instrument born from the land, shaped by the wind, and nurtured by the traditions passed down through generations. As the musician inflates the bag with breath, the sound swells and bursts forth like a wave crashing against the cliffs. It is an unfiltered, emotional release—sometimes mournful, sometimes exuberant, but always deeply felt.
Tulum: Force of nature in music
In the hands of a skilled player, the Tulum becomes a force of nature, captivating listeners with its dynamic rhythm and evocative tones. It is not just an accompaniment to dance; it is the heartbeat of the revelry, dictating the energy of the celebration.
Whether played solo or alongside percussion and string instruments, the Tulum commands attention, its notes swirling like the turbulent winds of the Black Sea.
Today, despite modernization, the Tulum remains a beloved instrument. Musicians continue to innovate, blending ancient sound with contemporary music, ensuring that it remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Festivals celebrating Black Sea culture showcase the Tulum in all its glory, keeping the tradition alive and inspiring new generations to take up this unique instrument.
To hear the Tulum is to feel the pulse of the Black Sea—to sense its storms and calms, its joys and sorrows. It is a reminder that music is not just a collection of notes but a living expression of history, nature, and human emotion.
The Tulum is more than an instrument; it is the untamed voice of a land that refuses to be silenced.
