TURKISH BELLYDANCE

Shahrazat

EUCD1994

An excellent album with authentic and genuine Turkish belly dance music, artistically directed by the celebrated belly dancer Shahrazat. Production and arrangements by Özer Senay. Recorded in Turkey with traditional Turkish instruments.

There is a selection of Turkish songs for dancers to perform to. Belly dancing is said to be of Turkish origin. It began in the harems of the Ottoman Empire. Dancers and musicians were used to entertain the women in the harems. Belly dancing was not performed for men. Religion forbade women from dancing in public and performing in plays.

As a result of these restrictions, belly dancing was performed by girlish boys, the so-called "Kocek", at wedding ceremonies and gatherings attended by both men and women. In this way, belly dancing became public entertainment. When the Ottoman Empire ended and Turkey became a republic, religious restrictions were lifted and female dancers could now perform belly dancing in public.

A special type of clothing was introduced that left the belly bare. The dancer's legs were half covered with transparent material. Since that time, this type of costume has been characteristic of belly dancing. In most Arab cities, which were under Ottoman rule for centuries, Turkish belly dancing was very popular and readily accepted. In Arabic belly dancing, the dancers had to cover their bellies and danced to Arabic music.

CD x 1

ARC Music

3/24/06

5019396199422