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Κότσαρι
Today, the kotsari is one of the best-known and most beloved Pontian dances. It originated in Eastern Pontus, particularly in the Kars region — an area historically inhabited by Armenians, but also by Turks and Greeks who settled there after 1829.
The dance is performed by both men and women, as are all the dances from the Kars region. Its rhythm is binary (two-beat) and it is traditionally played as an instrumental piece, without accompanying vocals.
The name kotsari is popularly believed to derive either from the limping (koutsa) steps of the dancers or from the double heel (kots) strikes used in the choreography. However, these are likely just folk etymologies. The true origin of the name is thought to lie in the Armenian language.
Theodor Kondaras (2022)
Live recording from the concert Songs of Asia Minor with Domna Samiou, held on 8 March 2005 at the Megaron —
the Athens Concert Hall.
Pontic bagpipe
Daouli (davul)
