Mustafa Ozden2020 Halayв©erzurum | Halaylari

A young man named , his name a title of honor in these mountains, adjusts his traditional vest. He hears the first notes of Özden’s 2020 track, "Utanirem Diyemirem". The zurna’s sharp, trilling cry pierces the twilight, and the "halay" begins to form.

Dadaş feels the surge of the music. In this moment, the songs—"Oy Naim" and "Erzurum Ovaları"—are more than just melodies. They are the stories of the "Dadaş" spirit: brave, hospitable, and deeply rooted in this rugged land. The faster the rhythm, the lighter his feet feel. Mustafa Ozden2020 HalayВ©Erzurum Halaylari

One by one, the men join hands, fingers interlocking, shoulders touching. They are a wall of strength. As the "Erzurum Halayları" pick up speed, the line moves as a single organism. They kick in unison, their boots rhythmically striking the earth, sending up puffs of dust that glow in the fading light. A young man named , his name a