The objective is to examine musical texts written in Ottoman Turkish with regard to their source type, language, terminology, and historical context; to develop students' skills in reading selected printed and manuscript texts, transcribing them using a consistent transliteration system, and providing explanations; and to enable students to interpret musical terms appropriately within their context and to utilize these sources critically in scholarly research.

This course covers the source types, linguistic and orthographic features of Ottoman Turkish musical texts, as well as principles of transliteration, the use of dictionaries, and musical terminology. It involves reading and analyzing selected theoretical treatises (*nazariyat* and *edvar*), anthologies of song lyrics (*güfte mecmuaları*), biographical works, periodicals, and documents pertaining to musical life. Terms related to *makam* (melodic modes), *usul* (rhythmic cycles), *perde* (pitches), musical instruments, performance practices, and religious music are examined within their historical contexts. The course also focuses on comparing manuscript and printed editions, addressing variations in readings, interpreting texts, citing sources, and adhering to research ethics; students will prepare a comprehensive project file that includes images of the original texts, transliterations, explanatory notes, and a glossary of terms.