Customs and Traditions – Republic of North Macedonia & Republic of Türkiye

The traditional bagpipe (Gayda/Tulum), a traditional woodwind instrument, is an integral part of the cultural identity of the Republic of North Macedonia and of Türkiye. In 2024, the Traditional Bagpipe (Gayda/Tulum) Making and Performing was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In the Republic of North Macedonia, it comprises four parts: a melody pipe, a drone pipe, a blowing pipe and an air reservoir. In Türkiye, it consists of a melody pipe, a blowing pipe and a body.

In both countries, the melody pipe is made from boxwood. The body is made from the skin of a goat or sheep, which is soaked in a mixture of water, corn flour, yoghurt and salt for several days. It is then inflated and hung up to dry. Once dry, the parts and pipes are attached.

The bagpipe is associated with folk music and is played at events, such as weddings and festivals. The knowledge and skills associated with playing the instrument are passed on informally within families and music groups, as well as through apprenticeships. This knowledge is also transmitted through cultural associations, seminars, workshops, music conservatoires, and educational institutions.

For centuries, the bagpipe has brought communities together through social activities. A symbol of cultural identity, it plays a central role in many traditions and customs, including those related to harvesting and transhumance. It thus fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social ties, solidarity, and cooperation.

You can watch this video and learn more.

Sources and photographs taken from: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-bagpipe-gayda-tulum-making-and-performing-02114

Photograph No 1: A young practitioner playing bagpipe, Türkiye │ Ömür Demirel © MoCT, 2023

Photograph No 2: Ankara Fine Arts High School Bagpipe Making Workshop, Türkiye │ Ömür Demirel © MoCT, 2023

Photograph No 3: Handcraft process of making the melody pipe of the bagpipe, North Macedonia, 2022 © Gorancho Angelov, North Macedonia, 2022

#ICBSS #MoC2025 #CultureBSEC #RepublicofNorthMacedonia #Türkiye #CustomsAndTraditions