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Traditional Turkish music falls under two catagories: classical art music and folk music. The classical music is the type of music that developed in the Ottoman Empire. As the Empire grew, there were many influences from other countries, such as Arabia, Persia and Armania. Folk music had been created by people settled in one particular location, played or recited with great affection. These songs have been passed down from generation to generation, therefore the names of the composers are generally unknown.

There are many types of Turkish music ranging from classical Ottoman Turkish music to contemporary Turkish music. The style of music found in turkey varies between regions with more Arabic influence in the music of Southern Turkey.

Local Turkish folk music is comparatively more upbeat and lively and even foreign visitors will enjoy this type of music. One genre of Turkish music is known as Turku which combines elements from both traditional Turkish music and western music and is quite popular in Turkey today. Turkish music has been influenced by Western music over the past century and although not popular, types of music such as opera and orchestras have enthusiastic followings in Turkey. The Turkish government provides financial support for developing such types of music in Turkey so its survival is assured. Undoubtedly more popular is modern Turkish pop music which has its own distinct flavour however broadly follows the trends set by pop music in the west. The stars of Turkish pop music are similar to western music stars in terms of dress, music videos and the glamorous lifestyle they lead. Also western pop music is very popular in Turkey and especially the young Turkish people are familiar with many of the American and European pop stars and listen to their music on the radio, although Turkish pop is probably more popular.