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Horon

Horon (Pontic Greek: χορόν, romanized: khorón; Turkish: horon) is a group of traditional folk dances from the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Performed in a circle or line formation, it involves groups of dancers executing rapid footwork, jumps, and energetic movements that symbolize the region's rugged mountains and lively community spirit. The dance is typically accompanied by fast-paced music from instruments such as the kemençe (a bowed lyre), davul-zurna (drum and shawm), and tulum (bagpipe). Originating from the communities historically present in the area, Horon has become an integral part of Turkish , especially in provinces like , , and . It is commonly danced at weddings, festivals, and social gatherings, fostering communal bonds and preserving regional identity. Variations of the dance reflect local styles and historical influences from Byzantine and eras.

Name and Terminology

The term "horon" derives from the ancient Greek word choros (χορός), meaning "" or "," which encompassed both the act of dancing in a circle and the group performing it. This linguistic root reflects the communal and rhythmic nature of early performative traditions, where dance was integral to religious and theatrical contexts. In the Black Sea region, where historically resided, the term evolved into horoi or choroi in the dialect (Romeika), denoting similar group dances that retained the core meaning of collective movement. The earliest documented Turkic usage of "horon" appears in the Codex Cumanicus, a 14th-century linguistic compiled around 1303 for Franciscan missionaries interacting with Cuman-Kipchak . In this text, "horon" is listed as a borrowing from , explicitly translating to "," marking its adaptation into during cultural exchanges in the Eurasian steppes and . This entry highlights the term's transmission through multicultural contacts, bridging Greek-speaking communities and emerging Turkic groups in the region. Alternative etymological theories propose pagan origins for "horon," linking it to the ancient "koron-horon," derived from "hur-kor," a term signifying sun worship in pre-Christian rituals of the coast. These roots suggest the dance may have emerged from ceremonies honoring agricultural cycles and , common in and Hellenized traditions before Islamic influences. In Turkish contexts, the term solidified as "horon" by the Ottoman era, while Pontic Greek variants preserved closer ties to choros, illustrating a shared yet divergent linguistic path amid historical migrations and assimilations. Such theories connect briefly to broader ancient practices like the Pyrrhic dance, but focus on symbolic rather than martial elements.

Regional Variants

In the provinces of and along Turkey's coast, the traditional dance is commonly known as "Horan" instead of the more widespread term Horon. This localized naming convention underscores the phonetic influences of regional dialects in central communities. Across various locales, additional spellings such as Horom, Horum, Foron, , and Korum appear, reflecting adaptations shaped by local linguistic traditions and cultural exchanges in the Karadeniz region. These variant forms demonstrate how the dance's nomenclature evolves with the diverse dialects spoken in coastal areas like , , and , where subtle shifts in pronunciation and preserve community-specific identities. Documentation reveals over 50 named variations within a single , illustrating the profound impact of local dialects on the dance's terminology and its embedded role in regional . Such multiplicity in naming highlights the dance's adaptability to the heterogeneous of the area, from eastern mountainous dialects to central coastal inflections.

Historical Origins

Ancient Roots

The Horon dance traces its ancient roots to the classical Greek world, particularly through its resemblance to the Pyrrhic armed dance, a martial performance executed by warriors to replicate battlefield maneuvers with swift, precise footwork and weapon simulations. Originating possibly in Dorian Crete around 1250 BCE and referenced in Homer's Iliad (8th century BCE), the Pyrrhic dance was tied to mythological figures like the Curetes, who used rhythmic movements to shield the infant Zeus from harm, and was employed in military training across ancient Greece. This war dance's emphasis on agility and group synchronization mirrors core elements of Horon, suggesting a direct lineage in the Pontic Greek traditions of the Black Sea region. Further linking Horon to antiquity is its evolution from the Pontian Greek "serra" war dance, a tradition preserved through the Byzantine era (4th–15th centuries CE) among Greek communities in Pontus. The serra, performed exclusively by men in closed circles, featured intense shoulder tremors, knee bends, and abrupt halts to evoke combat readiness, often without actual weapons until the 19th century due to Ottoman restrictions. Byzantine sources and later Pontic ethnographies describe it as a rite of passage for young warriors, maintaining Hellenistic influences amid the empire's cultural synthesis. This continuity underscores Horon's role as a vessel for ancient Greek martial heritage in the rugged Black Sea terrain. Preceding these classical and Byzantine layers, Horon's foundations lie in prehistoric pagan worship practices of the , where circular dances like the ancient koron-horon served as rituals honoring deities. Derived from terms evoking "hur-kor" (sun), these communal performances predated Turkic migrations and , symbolizing cycles of renewal and communal strength through raised arms and circular formations that invoked harmony. Such rites, common among pre-Hellenic and early Indo-European groups in and the Pontic coast, highlight Horon's deep-seated ties to animistic and astronomical veneration.

Development in the Black Sea Region

The term "horon," denoting a form of dance, first appears in Turkic languages in the Codex Cumanicus, a 1303 linguistic manuscript compiled for Kipchak Turkic speakers interacting with Latin and Persian traders in the Eurasian steppes and Black Sea periphery. This reference, borrowed from Greek "khorón" (χορόν), indicates early adoption by Turkic peoples such as the Cumans, who migrated into the Black Sea region during the medieval period, where they encountered and integrated local Pontic Greek dance practices into their cultural repertoire. Building on ancient Pyrrhic connections, this blending marked the initial consolidation of horon as a shared expressive form among diverse ethnic groups in the area. Following the conquest of the in 1461, which ended Byzantine rule in the Eastern , waves of Turkish migrations and settlements from and reshaped the region's demographics and cultural landscape. These movements facilitated the incorporation of horon into communal life, transforming it from isolated ethnic performances into widespread traditions at village gatherings, weddings, and festivals, where Turkish and remaining communities participated jointly. The dance's vigorous, collective style became emblematic of regional solidarity amid the empire's administrative integration of the area, with policies encouraging cultural synthesis through interethnic interactions. In the early , during the transition to the Turkish Republic, horon received systematic documentation as part of broader efforts to compile and preserve national folk heritage. Pioneering studies in the late and early Republican periods, including notations and performances organized in People's Houses established in , captured regional variants for educational and cultural promotion. These compilations, led by institutions like the Ministry of National Education, elevated horon within official anthologies, ensuring its role in fostering Turkish identity while standardizing communal traditions for public exhibitions.

Description of the Dance

Formation and Movements

The Horon dance is characteristically performed in a line, , or formation, with dancers linking arms at shoulder height or to maintain tight and collective unity. This spatial arrangement emphasizes group cohesion, allowing for fluid progression around the performance area, often in open spaces during communal gatherings. In some variants, such as those from Eastern Pontos, dancers , while Western Pontos styles may involve shoulder links, adapting to the terrain and number of participants. Central to the execution are dynamic movements demanding and speed, including fast shoulder shimmies known as tremoulo or titreme, where participants rapidly tremble their shoulders and upper torso in a rippling motion that extends to the entire body, evoking the flickering of like anchovies. Sudden squats or bends, termed çökme or aşağı alma, involve abrupt lowering of the body followed by explosive rises, often synchronized across the line to build intensity. High lifts and sharp footwork further characterize the , with small, precise steps punctuated by knee bends and swaying, requiring precise timing to the underlying 7/8 or 9/8 rhythms. The lead dancer plays a pivotal role in directing the flow, initiating patterns by calling guttural signals or phrases to cue transitions, such as synchronized jumps or shifts in direction. In certain styles like Giouverlantoum, the leader holds a to guide the group, tracing labyrinthine paths or snake-like formations that weave through the circle, enhancing the dance's spatial complexity without emphasizing individual flair over communal harmony. These elements collectively demand and coordination, transforming the formation into a living, pulsating entity.

Musical Accompaniment

The musical accompaniment of Horon features uneven rhythms in time signatures such as 5/8, 7/8, 7/16, 9/8, and 9/16, often described as aksak or limping patterns that provide a distinctive, propulsive drive. These rhythms typically begin at a moderate in the düz horon before accelerating progressively into faster sections like yenlik and horon, mirroring the escalating intensity and speed of the dancers' movements. Central instruments include the kemençe, a three-string bowed that delivers agile, ornamented melodies essential to the style; the , a droning bagpipe favored in inland areas like Hemşin; the davul-zurna duo, where the lays down steady percussion and the shawm adds piercing, melodic lines; and the , an contributing airy, sustained tones. In some regional variants, occasional instruments like the or saz provide harmonic support or plucked rhythms, though they are less traditional than the core ensemble. A key aspect of Horon's is its improvisational quality, where musicians actively respond to the dancers' energy through verbal or gestural cues—such as calls of "alaşağı" or "tak tum"—to shift tempos, extend motifs, or transition between rhythmic sections, creating a dynamic interplay between performers and audience. This responsiveness ensures the music adapts in real time, with short, repeating phrases building urgency as the progresses. Dancers' shimmies, for instance, align closely with the accented beats of these evolving rhythms.

Variations

Pontic Styles

Pontic styles of horon are deeply rooted in the martial traditions of the Serra dance, a war dance originating from the that emphasizes disciplined footwork and escalating intensity. These variations, influenced by the ancient Pyrrhic dance, feature small, quick, precise steps combined with syncopated knee bends, abrupt pauses, and strong foot taps that mimic combat movements. In regions like Argyroupolis (modern ), horons such as Serrenitsa incorporate these elements, starting with slower, measured builds that gradually accelerate into frenzied jumps and wide leg spreads, symbolizing a progression from composure to battle fervor. Similarly, Bafra horons, including the Monon Horon—a men's dance from the Bafra plain—exhibit vigor through energetic arm swings and coordinated group advances, reflecting the area's historical exposure to Pontic military customs. In some Pontic dances, (mantilia) are used by the lead dancer to signal changes in rhythm or pattern, allowing for fluid transitions while maintaining the tight-knit structure of the group. Held between the first and second dancers or twirled by those at the ends, the handkerchief facilitates freer movement for the leader, who guides the circle through serpentine paths or sudden halts without breaking the hand-holding grip that underscores communal unity. This practice not only aids coordination but also reinforces social bonds, as the interlocking arms and shared signals evoke collective strength and solidarity among participants, a core value in Pontic heritage. These styles have been preserved through the efforts of diaspora communities, particularly in , where refugees from the 1923 population exchange settled in regions like around . Local associations and cultural groups organize performances and workshops to transmit the dances to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of Argyroupolis and Bafra variants amid . Festivals in areas like and showcase these horons, blending traditional instrumentation with modern stages to maintain their energetic essence and cultural significance.

Turkish Regional Adaptations

In the Turkish provinces, Horon dance manifests through localized adaptations that reflect ethnic influences, geographical contexts, and social practices, with numerous distinct styles reported across the region. These variations emphasize communal energy, often performed in circular or linear formations accompanied by instruments like the in or kemençe in . While core movements such as shimmies persist, provincial tweaks introduce unique rhythms and gestures tailored to local traditions. Düz Horon, a standardized style with Pontian roots prevalent in , features sections with call-and-response structures and is also performed in other areas like and in linear or circular formations where dancers link arms or hold hands palm-to-palm, prioritizing endurance through repetitive, precise steps that test participants' stamina over extended periods. In 's Vazriya style, this adaptation incorporates accompaniment and adapts to during communal events, allowing for flexible leadership that accommodates varying participant abilities, such as omitting squats for elders. 's versions, often in lines or circles, use music, fostering in gatherings. These elements distinguish such horons from more circular forms, highlighting their role in building physical and social resilience. Trabzon's adaptations include upbeat variants like Sevgi Horonu, a lively with quick movements performed to kemençe, often in circles. Other Trabzon horons maintain endurance elements but infuse them with regional flair, such as faster rhythmic accents that align with the province's historical ties to expressive and music. In , the dance is known as Horan, featuring accelerated paces and energetic patterns that heighten the overall intensity, distinguishing it from slower regional counterparts. This naming and stylistic emphasis on speed reflect local , with performances often escalating in tempo to sustain high engagement during assemblies. Such adaptations underscore Horon's versatility across provinces, where variants—ranging from Artvin's Hemşin and Laz influences to 's rapid executions—preserve and evolve the dance's communal essence.

Cultural Significance

Traditional Contexts

Horon has long served primary roles in key social occasions within the Black Sea region of Turkey, including weddings, festivals such as harvest celebrations, and community gatherings, where it promotes unity and collective participation among villagers. For instance, during the Otçu Göçü Şenliği, a traditional post-harvest feast tied to seasonal migrations to mountain plateaus, Horon performances draw hundreds of locals to celebrate the agricultural cycle and reinforce communal bonds. Historically, Horon originated as a male-only , linked to ancient pagan rituals and resembling the Pyrrhic war of the , which simulated battle preparations through synchronized movements. In rural villages, participation has evolved to include mixed-gender groups, allowing both men and women to join in line or circle formations during these events. The dance integrates seamlessly with regional customs, often preceding or accompanying feasts and occurring alongside religious holidays, enhancing the festive atmosphere in Black Sea communities.

Symbolism

The Horon dance incorporates symbolism drawn from the maritime life of the , particularly through its characteristic trembling and shimmying movements that mimic the wriggling of hamsi (anchovies) ensnared in fishing nets. These rapid, synchronized shakes represent the abundance and vitality of the local fisheries, where hamsi schools are a cornerstone of coastal sustenance and culture. The dancers' collective undulations thus embody the communal harmony with the sea's rhythms, reflecting the fishermen's daily struggles and triumphs against the waves. Agricultural cycles are evoked in Horon's formations and motions, symbolizing the interconnectedness of rural labor in the Black Sea's fertile highlands. The circular arrangement of dancers, akin to bundled cornstalks (horom) tied in sheaves after , signifies in the planting and processes that define seasonal migrations to pastures. Performed prominently during harvest feasts like the Otçu Göçü Şenliği, the dance's fluid bends and sways mirror the resilience of crops swaying in the wind, celebrating the cyclical renewal of land and community. Rooted in the ancient dance, certain Horon variants, such as the Serra, carry motifs of conflict and endurance, portraying warriors' defiant struggles and survival. These quick, combative steps imitate injured fighters clinging to life, symbolizing the rugged perseverance of inhabitants amid historical invasions and harsh terrains. The progression from tense, erratic motions to triumphant circles underscores themes of and collective strength forged in adversity. Pagan fertility and worship underpin Horon's circular patterns, tracing back to ancient rituals honoring the sun's life-giving power. The dance's name derives from "hur-kor," evoking sun-centered ceremonies of the pre-Christian coast, where ring formations represented cosmic cycles and bountiful renewal. This elemental symbolism ties the performers to ancestral of natural forces, fostering a sense of enduring spiritual continuity.

Modern Revival and Preservation

Contemporary Performances

In contemporary , Horon remains a staple in troupes such as those affiliated with cultural ensembles in the Black Sea region, where it is performed at national events including celebrations. For instance, during the 2019 festivities in 's Konak Square, groups of dancers executed Horon as part of the official program honoring the founding of the Turkish . These performances highlight the dance's energetic circle formations and rapid footwork, often accompanied by traditional music, drawing crowds to public squares and stadiums across cities like and . Internationally, Horon is actively performed by diaspora communities in and , preserving its and Turkish roots through organized troupes and festivals. In , the Federation of Greek Pontian Associations (OSEPE) hosts an annual Pontic Dance Festival, with the 39th edition in , , on June 7, 2025, attracting up to 7,000 attendees for performances of Horon and other traditional dances that emphasize communal unity and . In , Turkish communities maintain dedicated ensembles like the Horon Turkish Folk Ensemble under the Turkish American Association of , which holds weekly practice sessions in Monterey to teach and perform the dance at local cultural events. groups in the United States, such as those in , also feature Horon in community gatherings, blending it with other regional variations for intergenerational participation. Since the 2010s, Horon has seen adaptations in , with performances shared through and online tutorials that introduce the to global audiences. The 3rd International Trabzon Horon and in August 2025 exemplified this trend, uniting nearly 800 dancers from 20 countries—including , , and —for Horon showcases that were documented and disseminated online, fostering interest. These representations often incorporate modern filming techniques to capture the dance's dynamic leaps and synchronized movements, while tutorials break down steps for beginners, extending Horon's reach beyond traditional settings. Regional variations, such as faster tempos from styles, appear in these adaptations to add visual diversity.

Efforts to Preserve

Since the early 2000s, Turkish folk dances, including , have featured prominently in discussions and safeguarding initiatives under 's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the , with ratifying the convention in 2006 and submitting periodic reports on national efforts to document and protect such traditions. Accredited non-governmental organizations, such as the for Promoting and Protecting Turkish Folk Dances (established in the ), have advocated for recognition and institutionalization, contributing to the registration of 16 elements under the category of "Traditional Folk Dances" in 's National Inventory of by 2019. These efforts emphasize 's role within broader regional repertoires, supporting research, transmission, and community involvement to counter cultural erosion. Educational programs in the region have been instrumental in teaching Horon's traditional steps, with institutions like University offering a in that includes practical training in regional variants such as Horon, alongside theoretical studies on its cultural context. Similarly, Anadolu University incorporates Horon into its Culture courses, focusing on energetic styles accompanied by instruments like the kemençe, with examples from areas like to ensure authentic step preservation. schools affiliated with national associations conduct trainer courses, such as those held in 2019–2020 that trained 440 participants nationwide, prioritizing techniques to pass knowledge to younger generations through hands-on workshops and certifications. Community festivals serve as vital platforms for sustaining Horon amid urbanization pressures that threaten rural traditions in the Black Sea region, with events like the annual International Horon and Music Festival—reaching its third edition in 2025—gathering hundreds of dancers from and abroad to perform and exchange regional variations, fostering intergenerational transmission. These gatherings, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, align with broader national initiatives like the Ethnosport Culture Festival (launched in 2016), which promotes s including Horon through public demonstrations and competitions to maintain visibility and participation. Complementing these, digital archiving projects under the National Inventory of involve systematic documentation of elements, including video recordings and field research on Horon's variations, to preserve them against modernization and demographic shifts in coastal areas.

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