Osman Zeki Üngör, born in 1880 in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, hailed from a family deeply rooted in music. His grandfather, Santuri Hilmi Bey, was the founder of the “Fasl-ı Cedid” division of the Ottoman Imperial Orchestra, Muzıka-i Hümayun. His father, Hüseyin Bey, belonged to the notable Şekerci Hacı Bekir family. Growing up in Üsküdar, an important musical environment of the period, significantly contributed to the development of his artistic identity.
Education and Early Musical Career
After completing his education at Beşiktaş Military Secondary School (Askerî Rüştiye), Üngör joined the Muzıka-i Hümayun under his grandfather’s direction at a young age. Recognized by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, he received violin instruction from Italian violinist Pepini Gaito and French musician Vondra Bey. Additionally, he studied music theory and theory of music under Saffet (Atabinen) Bey and d’Aranda Pasha. During this period, he earned the distinction of being the first Turkish concert violinist.
Roles and Advancement in the Imperial Orchestra
At a young age, Üngör succeeded Vondra Bey as the concertmaster of the opera orchestra. He frequently performed violin recitals for Sultan Abdul Hamid II and was subsequently promoted to the rank of major. Although his rank was reduced following the Second Constitutional Era, he played an active role in the modernization efforts of Muzıka-i Hümayun. He contributed to the transformation of the orchestra from a group performing primarily marches and fantasy pieces into a full symphonic orchestra. Concurrently, he served as a music instructor at the Istanbul Male Teachers’ School (İstanbul Erkek Muallim Mektebi).
First European Tour
In 1917, as part of the Ottoman Empire’s cultural promotion efforts in Central Europe, Üngör organized and led the first European tour. The orchestra gave successful performances in Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Budapest, and Sofia. Following this tour, he initiated weekly public symphonic concerts, facilitating the imperial orchestra’s inaugural interaction with the general public.
Republican Era and Activities in Ankara
After the abolition of the sultanate in 1922, Muzıka-i Hümayun was subordinated to the Caliphate Office (Hilafet Makamı). At the invitation of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Üngör relocated to Ankara and founded the Presidential Symphony Orchestra (Riyaset-i Cumhur Musiki Heyeti), serving as its conductor. In 1924, he established the Music Teachers’ School (Musiki Muallim Mektebi) and was appointed its director. In 1926, he conducted promotional concerts for Türkiye in European ports aboard the Karadeniz Ship. In 1932, he spearheaded the process of separating the orchestra and band from military control and integrating them into civilian administration.
Osman Zeki Üngör (AA)
Composition of the Turkish National Anthem
Following the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem on March 12, 1921, a composition competition was held in 1923, which was won by Ali Rıfat (Çağatay) Bey. His composition was used as the official anthem until 1930. However, in 1930, Osman Zeki Üngör’s composition was officially adopted as the national anthem and has remained in use ever since.
Original Recording of the Turkish National Anthem – (Istanbul University)
Retirement and Final Years
In 1934, Osman Zeki Üngör retired due to declining ability to play the violin and advancing age. He withdrew to his residence in Moda, Istanbul, where he spent his remaining years. Üngör passed away on February 28, 1958, in Istanbul. At his funeral, he became the second person after Mehmet Akif Ersoy to have the Turkish National Anthem performed in his honor.
Works and Musical Legacy
Among his compositions, the Turkish National Anthem stands out prominently. He also composed the Mustafa Kemal March, Alphabet March, Ankara March, Youth and Sports March, Imperial Army March (Asakir-i Şahane Marşı), Hamidiye March, Science March, Music Teachers’ March, Children’s March, Tradition March, Turkish March, as well as various children’s songs. Üngör was a pioneer in establishing polyphonic Turkish art music and symphonic orchestration in Türkiye.
