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Miras-ı Saz

Editorial principles

This page explains the rules by which information published on Miras-ı Saz is chosen, written and corrected. The technical side of the method (53 commas, how the scores are prepared, sound) is on the How it works page.

Order of sources

When sources disagree on a piece of information, the following order applies:

  • Primary document: a record from the period, an archival document or the person’s own writing
  • The TDV Encyclopedia of Islam and peer-reviewed academic publications
  • Two mutually independent sources
  • A single secondary mention, and only as “it is reported that”

If sources contradict each other, the contradiction is noted on the page. Blogs, forums and social media are not treated as main sources.

In our own words

Biographies, makam descriptions, glossary entries and stories are summarised from the sources and written in our own words; source texts are not copied. Source names are given on the page as plain text. Texts from compilation sites that have not granted permission are not used.

Reliability of stories

Composer memories and stories behind works are labelled with the reliability of their source:

  • Documented: An encyclopedia or academic source reports the event directly.
  • Memoir: Based on the recollection of someone who lived through the event or knew the people closely.
  • Hearsay: Sources present it as “it is said” or “it is reported”; the event itself is not confirmed by any document.

A story without a source is not published; no dialogue, date or emotion absent from the source is added. Animations bring a story to life but add no new information.

Copyright

  • Scores are published only for works by composers who died more than 70 years ago (Turkish Copyright Law (FSEK), art. 27). The same rule applies to lyricists; lyrics that are not in the public domain are not shown.
  • Works still under copyright are mentioned by title only; their score and lyrics are not provided.
  • Only public-domain or openly licensed images are used; watermarked copies and later drawings are not presented as genuine portraits.

Use of artificial intelligence

  • Translations into languages other than Turkish are made with the help of AI and are awaiting review by native speakers.
  • AI tools may be used when preparing texts, but every piece of information rests on a source, and that source is shown on the page. Information whose source cannot be verified is not published.
  • Makam presets, usul patterns and glossary definitions are awaiting expert approval.

Corrections

  • If you spot an error, you can write to us using the feedback button on the work’s page or via the contact page.
  • A corrected work shows a “Last corrected” date in its details; significant changes are listed with their dates on the About page.
  • Corrections not supported by a source are not applied; disputed points are noted on the page.

Independence

Miras-ı Saz is free and shows no advertising. Visits are counted with our own cookieless counter; Google Analytics uses cookies only if you give consent. Details are in the privacy policy.