This document discusses the history and role of military bands in Turkey. It outlines that Ottoman military bands were some of the earliest marching bands, tracing their origins back to ancient times. Today, the Mehter Troop performs as the band of the Turkish Armed Forces. The document describes the various instrument types that make up military bands, including woodwinds, brass and percussion. It notes that each branch of the Turkish Armed Forces has its own bands that perform important ceremonial and commemorative functions both domestically and abroad.