Turkish folk poetry and türkü lyrics are built on hece ölçüsü — every line has the same number of syllables, with a pause (durak) in the same place. Paste your lyrics and see each line split, counted and checked.
Paste or type your lines, one per row. Each line is split into syllables with dots, the count is shown on the left, and the possible durak patterns on the right; the first one that fits is marked with a red slash. When every line has the same count, the summary names the metre.
A durak must fall between words, never inside one, so a line can count right and still have no standard durak — that is worth a second look when you are writing to a melody.
In hece ölçüsü only the number of syllables counts, not their length. Folk poets most often use 7 (4+3), 8 (4+4) and 11 (6+5 or 4+4+3) syllables; koşma and semai are classic forms. Because a türkü's melody is shaped to the line, matching syllable counts and duraks is what lets a new verse be sung to the same tune.
Syllables are split by the standard Turkish rule — each syllable has one vowel. Words borrowed from other languages and long vowels pronounced as two may need a judgement call; the counter treats every written vowel as one syllable.
What is a durak?
The pause that divides a line in hece ölçüsü into equal or regular parts, such as 4+4 in an
8-syllable line. It always falls between two words.
Does it handle aruz?
No. Aruz counts long and short syllables, which needs a different analysis. This tool is for
hece ölçüsü.
Why is my count different from what I sing?
Singers sometimes merge two vowels into one syllable or stretch one into two to fit a
melody. The counter follows the written text.