TÜMATA was founded in 1976 by Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç with the aim of researching and promoting the origins, development, therapeutic value, and rich repertoire and variety of instruments in Turkish music.

Guided by the belief that Turkish music exhibits continuity and integrity in terms of history and geography, the organization strives to thoroughly study and preserve the music of every region where Turks reside. More than 400 authentic Turkish musical instruments have been collected for this purpose, and a museum has been established. Our musical heritage is being documented through CDs, DVDs, videos, sheet music, and archival research, and is presented to enthusiasts and academic and artistic communities through ethnomusicology concerts performed by the association’s thirty members. Seminars, symposia, and festivals both in Turkey and abroad also constitute an important area of activity for TÜMATA.