Journal Article

The Transformation of Balkan Music and Dance in the Context of Globalization, Modernization, and Digitalization: An Analysis of Aesthetic, Social, and Economic Dimensions

Tokgöz, Hande

2025

Overview

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the transformation of Balkan music and dance through the processes of globalization, modernization, and digitalization, focusing on their aesthetic, social, and economic dimensions. The research seeks to understand how Balkan culture is shaped within these dynamic processes and to develop strategies for ensuring the sustainability of cultural heritage. The primary objective is to analyze the position of Balkan music and dance on the global stage, evaluate the impacts of these processes on authenticity, commercialization, and cultural hybridization, and support the reinterpretation of these art forms in the modern world. In terms of contribution to the literature, the study employs theoretical frameworks such as Homi K. Bhabha’s theory of ‘cultural hybridization’, Arjun Appadurai’s ‘global cultural flows’ approach, and Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of ‘cultural capital’ to examine Balkan music and dance. By analyzing specific cases such as Goran Bregović’s musical career, the Guča Trumpet Festival, and the modernization of folk dances, the research provides a new perspective on understanding the transformation of Balkan music and dance. The study offers valuable insights for academic circles, cultural policymakers, and artists, making a significant contribution to this field by addressing both theoretical and practical dimensions.