In the Ottoman Empire, military bands were an essential element of the shock troop tactics of the Janissary soldiers. During the battles, the mehter would create a tremendous din with mounted timpani, horns and bagpipes, adding to the blast of blunderbuss and cannon as the Ottomans marched through the Balkans into Central Europe. Retreating, they left many of their instruments behind, and these eventually found their way into orchestrations of such illustrious composers as Mozart, Hayden, Beethoven, and even John Phillip Sousa.

The history of Mehter
The history of Mehter, which is known as the oldest military band of the world, was written in the 8th century and extends to the Orkun Inscriptions, the oldest written source of Turkish history. The musical instruments "Kuburge" and "Tug" are mentioned in those inscriptions. In the oldest Turkish dictionary, "Divan-u Lugat-i Turk", which was written in the 11th century, the musical team who played before the sovereign was called "Tug".

The musical instruments, which were in the "Tug" team during the time of the old Turkish states, are the prototypes of the Ottoman mehter. These instruments are a big drum (Kuvruk-Kos), the drum (tomruk-davul), cymbal (ceng-zil) etc. The historical sources indicate that the Turkish horn was famous by the name " Nay-i Turki" in the 12th century and was played in the battles.

The drum and standard or flag, which are the symbols of the Turkish emperors, have continued to be symbols of sovereignty in the Turkish states after Islam.

The name "Tug" was changed to "Tabilhane" and "Nevbet" during the time of Seljuks, to "Mehter" in Ottomans. Osman Ghazi, who the founder of the Ottoman Empire, was given tug, flag, horn cymbal and drum, which were the symbols of sovereignty, by Giyaseddin Mesud II, Anatolian Seljuk Emperor. This incident has been accepted as the establishment of Mehter.

The Ottomans have developed the tradition of Mehter in a large organization, order and quality of music.

As an organization, Mehter has the quality of a state establishment and attached to the Emperor with a high ranked official called "Emir-i Alem"

The music of mehter has animated the army and frightened the enemy with the lively and energetic tune. It denoted pleasure and ecstasy. The mehter, which was a part and symbol of the army, was abolished. Instead, the Military Band was established, like in other European countries.

The Mehter of today
Mehter was re-established in the Military museum, in 1914 to represent the old Janissary Band and the army. At that time, in addition to the musicians, who performed the mehter music; a tug and a historical team were added. In this way, a historical identity was regained.

Mehter, which lasted during the 1st World War, War of the Independence and the first years of the Republic, was abolished again in 1935. It was re-established in the Military Museum with the order of General Nuri Yamut, Chief of General staff in 1952. Mehter interests the whole world with its different musical rhythm and concerts are widely performed inside and outside of Turkey.

Tug
In Turkish states it has been used as a mark of military and official duties, like the Sultanate, Viziership, Governorship (Beylerbeyligi), Governor of a district (Sancak Beyligi). The Sultan has seven horsetails, The Grand Vizier has five, the Vizier has three, and the Governor of the Districts and Brigadier-Generals (Mirliva) have one horsetail.