Askeri Marş - 20th Century Turkish Military Music
"Askeri Marş" (Military March) is a Turkish military march composed by Mehmet Zati Arca.
Mehmed Zati Arca (1864, Istanbul - 1943, Istanbul) was a Turkish composer and musician. Born in Istanbul in 1864 as the son of Sırmakeş Hüsnü Efendi, Mehmet Zati Arca showed an early interest in music. At the age of eight, during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, he joined the Mızıka-yı Hümayun (Imperial Military Band). Initially trained on the violin by Pascualli, he later switched to the flute. Arca also took up the clarinet and achieved the rank of Onbaşı (corporal) in 1882. He participated in the Ottoman military band and even performed in the palace team for the traditional Turkish play, Ortaoyunu. Arca received attention from Sultan Abdulhamid II, who sponsored his piano lessons with D'Aranda Pasha and harmony lessons with Guatelli Pasha. Concurrently, he learned Turkish classical music from Hacı Arif Bey. His talents led to promotions, and he became a Mülâzım (lieutenant) and later a captain. In 1890, Arca was appointed as the conductor and clarinet teacher of a 60-member choir formed after the success of an Austrian choir's concert. His achievements continued, earning him the title of Miralay (Colonel) in 1907. However, with the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, Arca's rank was reduced to major, and he lost his position as choir conductor. After serving as a teacher in various state schools, including Galatasaray, Üsküdar, and Erenköy high schools, he retired in 1923. Arca continued his musical contributions after the establishment of the Republic, working at Darülbedayi and Dârülelhan. He authored music books for schools and composed marches, often incorporating Turkish modes or melodies into Western-style compositions. A mentor to many students, Arca passed away in Suadiye, and he is buried in the Merkezefendi Cemetery in Zeytinburnu.