The Women Who Play Copper

The tradition of women’s folk dances in Bursa is a vibrant living heritage, traditionally preserved through private social gatherings. A unique feature of these celebrations is the practice of "playing the copper," where a skilled local singer—well-versed in regional folk songs—is accompanied by others keeping a rhythmic beat on a copper tray (bakır tepsi).

As the rhythmic clinking of the copper fills the room, the women dance with wooden spoons known as "tongurdaklı kaşık" (clattering spoons), which add a distinctive percussive sound to the melody. These gatherings are more than just entertainment; they are a centuries-old ritual of female solidarity, storytelling, and cultural preservation.