The Art of Şelpe: A Bağlama Fingerstyle Workshop
June 9 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
An exclusive workshop will be held face-to-face with Ahmet Ozan Baysal at the Institute.
Workshop: Bağlama Şelpe Session For All Levels
- Date: Tuesday, 9th June 2026
- Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm (UK time)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Fee: £30
- Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 15 Students
- Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal
- Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)
Workshop Overview
Şelpe is one of the most distinctive and deeply rooted playing techniques of the bağlama tradition in Anatolia. Played directly with the fingers rather than with a plectrum, it can transform the instrument’s sound world so radically that it may at times evoke the impression of an entirely different instrument. In this sense, şelpe not only reshapes the sonic character of the bağlama, but also expands its expressive and musical horizons through rhythm, polyphony, resonance, touch, and subtle ornamentation.
This two-hour event is structured in two parts: the first hour will offer an open introductory workshop for curious listeners, beginners, and anyone interested in discovering the bağlama and the musical world of şelpe through cultural context, live demonstration, and simple practical exercises; the second hour will be a more focused practical session for intermediate and advanced bağlama players, concentrating on technical development, interpretation, and selected musical material from the repertoire.
The workshop will be led by Dr Ahmet Ozan Baysal, a London-based bağlama player, composer, performer, and PhD scholar whose artistic and academic work has developed a distinctive focus on şelpe and its contemporary possibilities. Alongside his performance career, he has undertaken extensive research on the technique and its musical language, bringing together scholarly depth with a refined and highly personal approach to the instrument. Known for his work with the double-necked bağlama, and for his recent solo album “Tel ve Ten” (ARC Music 2025), he highlights the expressive, polyphonic, and transformative potential of the bağlama within both traditional and contemporary contexts.
The session lasts 2 hours and offers a unique opportunity to engage with Turkish musical heritage in a vibrant, communal setting.
Entry Requirements
- Participants must be 16 years or older.
- Bringing your own Bağlama (Saz) is highly recommended.
- If you play a different instrument and would like to join the Meşk session as part of the ensemble, you are also welcome to participate.
Disclaimer
- The workshop will be delivered in English; however, some Turkish musical terminology may be used.
- Please note that photography and filming may take place throughout the event for promotional and archival purposes. By registering, attendees consent to the use of their image and likeness in such materials.
Cancellation Policy
- Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 15 days before the scheduled session.
- Cancellations made less than 15 days in advance are non-refundable.
- If the session is cancelled by the organiser, all participants will receive a full refund.
For any questions, please contact us at londra@yee.org.tr
