Halay, also known as Yalli or Dilan is a popular dance of the Middle East whose roots can be dated back to many centuries ago. It was held around a ceremony bonfire and hence it symbolise ‘hot, light and meal’. According to Azerbaijanis, the word ‘yal’ means row or a line of chain. On the other hand, a possible connection is suggested by one source of the Turkish Halay to Alay. Halay is derived from the word ‘Alay’ meaning ‘many people, unity, union or cooperation’. It is usually implied to a continuity of a human group. It usually refers to getting together with people. Although found in three different regions, Halay is frequently associated with two cities in Central Anatolia namely Sivas and Corum.
Halay has its own special form in nearly every village in most parts of Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and the South. Performed by both men and women, the dancers hold each other’s hands or shoulders and place themselves in a line or in a semicircle. Every dance has a leader who regulates the steps and directs the figures by calls or waves of an accompanying handkerchief. The first dancer in the row is the ‘halaybasi’ whereas the last dancer is called the ‘poccik’. Both the first as well as the last dancers have handkerchief in their hands and they swing it according to the rhythms of music. The dancers begin slowly after the announcement of the leader and they gradually increase their speed over two–three sections. Claps are often featured by individuals with opposing partners. Unlike the saloon dances, Halays are usually played in the open air.
Halay has been the structure of simplicity as well as the symbol of creation for many folk dances in the world. It has very rich rhythmic elements. These include the drum–zurna combination with kaval (the shepherd’s pipe), sipsi (reed), cigirtma (fife) or baglama (a three double–stringed instrument played with a plectrum). Most of the time, claps and powerful voices of zurna and davul are preferred. In addition to this, the gentler sounds provided by the wind instruments include mey, kaval, the clarinet as well as the baglama.
Costumes are a fascinating part of the Turkish dances. Males generally wear short jackets with split sleeves, a distinctive headgear, an aba (a coat of coarse wool), baggy trousers, colourful socks and Yemeni (peasant shoes). Women, on the other hand, wear single, double or triple skirts complemented by a short jacket known as cepken, salta (a collarless jacket) or a camadan (a double–breasted waistcoat). Baggy trousers and salvar can also be seen. Coins, jewels, embroidery that adorn their heads, decorated aprons, socks bearing folk motifs and cariks complete their attire.