Historic sheet music collection returned to center following reviews
The historic sheet music archive consisting of 150,000 pieces from the Ottoman and Republican eras has been returned to its former location following the completion of the review process.
The 150,000-piece historic sheet music archive of Istanbul University's Center for Ottoman Music Application and Research (OMAR), following recent debates and a preservation process at Medipol University Conservatory, has been handed back to OMAR after the completion of reviews.
The Archive's Return Process
The sheet music archive containing important documents of Turkish classical music, compiled over the years by Istanbul University's Center for Ottoman Music Application and Research, has returned to the center following the debates that took place.
Reason for Being Taken Under Protection
According to information shared by Gönül Paçacı Tunçay, the founder of the center, a portion of the historic sheet music archive within OMAR was at risk, and upon noticing the situation, the archive was moved to the Medipol University Conservatory.
Scope and Content of the Collection
The archive includes numerous musical scores ranging from the Ottoman period to the early years of the Republic, handwritten indexes, and documents bearing the signatures of important artists of the era.
Signatures of Important Artists
The collection of approximately 150,000 scores contains works featuring the signatures and corrections of prominent artists such as Hakkı Derman, Sadi Işılay, Vecihe Daryal, Niyazi Sayın, and Necdet Yaşar.
Review Initiated by the University
Following the developments, an investigation regarding the archive was launched by the Rectorate of Istanbul University, and the academic and historical value of the collection was confirmed.
Handover Realized with an Official Record
Upon the completion of the reviews, the sheet music archive was requested back from Medipol University by the Istanbul University Rectorate and delivered to OMAR with a protocol drawn up on August 18.