(literally "long tune") is a foundational, non-measured vocal style in Turkish folk music. It is characterized by free-rhythm, improvisational delivery, and deep emotional resonance. Core Characteristics

: Focused on the theme of exile and longing for home, particularly in the Teke region.

These artists are widely recognized for their mastery of the Uzun Hava form: Uzun Hava - Melodigging

: Characterized by quatrains with wordplay, common in Eastern and Southeast Anatolia.

: Unlike "Kırık Hava" (broken tune), it has no fixed beat or rhythm.

: The "soul" of Central Anatolian folk music, often associated with the Abdal tradition.

: Lyrics typically center on lamentation , exile, longing, and the daily struggles of Anatolian people. Major Sub-genres

: Primary accompaniment is the Bağlama (saz), which often provides microtonal inflections.