Ottoman Fasıl

The principal suite form of Ottoman and Turkish classical music: an ordered sequence of instrumental and vocal compositions performed in a single makam (melodic mode), progressing from an improvised taksim through peşrev, vocal works in graded rhythmic cycles, and saz semaisi to a closing oyun havası. In its courtly and urban forms the fasıl organised ceremonial listening at court and structured convivial gatherings (meclis), and it remains the canonical framework through which the makam repertoire is presented by ensembles such as *İncesaz*.