The Ottoman military band, known as mehter, is historically documented in the Orhun Inscriptions as the oldest military band in the world. Conceptually referred to as "tuğ" or "kübürge," the mehter band performed its compositions both before and after wars. Its primary purposes were to boost the morale and motivation of soldiers and to reinforce national and spiritual feelings among listeners. Additionally, it aimed to instill fear in enemies and disrupt their motivation.

Mehter military music has evolved through various forms over history. In particular, during victories in battles, banners, bells, flags, and large drums (köse) were sent as symbols of dominance to victorious commanders, such as Osman Gazi, by Anatolian Seljuk ruler II. Gıyaseddin Mesud, in recognition of his military successes.

The symbolic culture of recognition and the sending of banners actually formed the basis of mehter culture in the Ottoman Empire. In 1828, the Janissary Corps was disbanded by Sultan Mahmud II, and the imperial band ensemble, known as "Mızıka-i Hümayun," was established. Giuseppe Donizetti, a former band officer of Napoleon, was authorized to lead this ensemble.

Re-emerging in 1914 under the name "Mehteran-ı Hakaniye" with the encouragement of Enver Pasha, the mehteran, the world's oldest military band ensemble, underwent another transformation. However, it was closed again in 1935 and reinstated under military museum management in 1952.

The mehteran music heard and performed today encompasses compositions that date back to the period starting in 1914, spurred by Enver Pasha's encouragement.