DOKUZ EYLÜL UNIVERSITY

BUCA FACULTY OF EDUCATION

IZMIR MANDOLINE ORCHESTRA

Mandolin is an instrument that was brought to this geography with Levantine families in the pre-republic period. After the establishment of the Republic, cultural revolutions such as the alphabet, clothing and hats were tried to be realized, as well as the most important “Music Revolution”. In order to realize revolutions, first of all, qualified manpower is needed. For this reason, institutions such as “Village Institutes” and “People’s Houses” were established and radical changes occurred in the field of education.

Village Institutes saw the mandolin as an instrument that was widely used and that almost every student had to learn and play it. It was a must-use course material for primary school teachers who will work in villages. It was also important for the transition to violin.

The mandolin maintained its importance in the “Teacher Schools” established after the closure of the Village Institutes. Thus, mandolin has managed to become an instrument that has been on Turkey’s agenda for many years. Later, the mandolin fell out of favor as a school music education instrument, gradually being replaced by the block flute. It’s almost forgotten.

Taking the historical roots of this instrument, which has been seen as an educational material in our country, as a reference, Buca Faculty of Education, under the leadership of our Music Education Department, is trying to return the mandolin to its glorious days in the context of the orchestra. Our orchestra has the vision and mission of achieving artistic success with the mandolin, which is considered an important instrument for the art of music, as well as its relationship with education.

Our DEU Buca Faculty of Education Izmir Mandolin Orchestra, established in 2021, has served as an important bridge between the past and the present. The orchestra, which is dominated by our former graduates, retired faculty members and music teachers, also keeps its doors open to mandolin volunteers from different professional groups, setting an example for today’s important concepts such as “lifelong learning”, “relations with alumni” and “enjoying life”.

DEU BEF Izmir Mandolin Orchestra has taken part in many concerts and ceremonies since the first year of its establishment. In addition to the concerts, our University held the first “Mandolin Festival” in Turkey in 2021 at Sabancı Culture Palace and continues this festival on the 2nd weekend of June every year. Congress and symposium openings, ceremonies held for important days, as well as special concerts as a mandolin orchestra are the events in which our orchestra takes part.

Today, where identification with the city and its people is seen as an important component of the modern university understanding, the “Izmir Mandolin Orchestra” stands before us as an exemplary practice for our university and faculty.

2. Izmir Madolin

3rd Izmir Madolin Festival 8-9 June 2024