A perspective on organology in Turkiye through the lens of innovation studies in music related to instruments and accessories

Abstract

The development of organology in Turkiye is closely related to the advancement of practices in this field and encompasses numerous research areas including the history of instruments, classification, hardware features, and stages of construction. The field of study progresses in conjunction with historical musicology, music sociology, and ethnomusicology. Nowadays, within the scope of innovation studies, many inventors in the music field are signing off on numerous inventions. Instrument making and design are important areas from this perspective. However, what is more important is the development of new musical instruments. Particularly in Turkiye, the number of inventions specifically related to instruments is quite low. This research was conducted to examine, analyze, and clarify whether the inventions made in the field of music in Turkey, both national and international, can be evaluated within the scope of organology. Since 1996, it has been determined that there are a total of 155 patents/utility models (64 registered, 91 in the registration process) in the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office database accessible in the field of music. The data obtained has been systematically analyzed and categorized into three dimensions: music-technology, musical tools, and musical instruments and accessories. The examination and findings indicate that the number of inventions applied for or realized concerning musical instruments and accessories is not high. This research is important in terms of considering the developmental stages of instruments from an innovation studies perspective. Analyzing the conducted inventions from an organological perspective will significantly contribute to the field of musicology. It is recommended that qualitative studies be conducted for an in-depth examination of musical instrument inventions.