Etymology Map
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Mehter

3 stages from Persian to English.

Today it means the Ottoman military band of drums, cymbals and shawms

Where does the word "mehter" come from? It comes from Persian mihtar, passing through Ottoman Turkish before entering English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
mihtar
Persian · medieval
"chief"
'greater, chief', a title for senior servants of a court
2
Stage 2 of 3
mehter
Ottoman Turkish · 1300s-1800s
"military band"
the Janissaries' band played on the march and in battle; its sound inspired European 'Turkish music', such as Mozart's 'Rondo alla Turca' of 1783
3
Stage 3 of 3
mehter
English · 1900s
"Ottoman military band"
used by music historians for the Janissary band and its influence on Western composers
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Read the full story

Mehter’s story begins in Persian: mihtar meant “chief.” 'greater, chief', a title for senior servants of a court. By 1300s-1800s, the word had taken hold in Ottoman Turkish as mehter. The Janissaries' band played on the march and in battle; its sound inspired European 'Turkish music', such as Mozart's 'Rondo alla Turca' of 1783. It reached English by 1900s as mehter. Used by music historians for the Janissary band and its influence on Western composers. Today, mehter means the Ottoman military band of drums, cymbals and shawms.