The streets of Istanbul have a storied past. The city’s history echoes through the ancient alleys and modern avenues alike, rising from the bustle of its bazaars, the prayers of its religious houses, and the lapping of the Bosphorus. This rich tapestry of sound has been woven into its musical landscape over centuries and wraps […]
London continues to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye with a rich programme of culture. On Friday, 1 December, St James`s Church in Paddington will host Türkiye’s famed pianist Gülsin Onay. The internationally renowned, multi-award winning pianist has performed in 80 different countries alongside the world’s best orchestras and conductors during […]
The Psychedelic World of Barış Manço is now firmly established in the London cultural calendar, allowing fans of the iconic rock star to come together and enjoy his biggest hits in a spectacular tribute night performed by singer Djanan Turan, The Flying Karpet band, and a host of special guests. Barış Manço is one of […]
Derya Yıldırım and Grup Şimşek are a firm favourite on the indie music circuit with their infectious Anatolian psych-pop groove that’s heavily influenced by the likes of Selda Bağcan, Aşık Mahzuni Şerif, and Barış Manço. Music anthropologist, DJ and friend Sebastian “Booty” Carrell (B-music) introduced lead singer and bağlama player Derya Yıldırım to Graham Mushnik […]
A new historic biopic about the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has hit the silver screen this autumn. Starring Aras Bulut İynemli in the lead role, Mehmet Ada Öztekin’s film focuses on the years 1881 to 1919 and includes many bloody battle scenes. The film, which is in Turkish, starts with Atatürk’s childhood. Born in […]
Next year will mark two decades for popular indie rock band Pinhani. Formed by two cousins, Sinan Kaynakçı and Zeynep Eylül Üçe, back in 2004, Pinhani quickly rose to prominence in the Turkish music scene with their unique melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Pinhani were responsible for the soundtrack to TV drama series “Kavak Yelleri” about […]
Those who attended the recent Royal Garden Hotel Kensington Ball to celebrate the centenary of the Turkish Republic will know all about the enchanting voice of soprano Sibel Demir. She wowed guests with her exquisite rendition of Turkish classical music and popular folk songs. Demir returns to the stage for an intimate concert in North […]
The fifth edition of Taste of Anatolia – Films from Turkey starts on Saturday, 4 November. The week-long festival, which this year spreads its weeks to venues in Cambridge, London, Norwich and Aylesbury, will screen a total of 54 movies, which includes 42 UK premieres. The independent Taste of Anatolia – Films from Turkey (TOA) […]
Kurdish folk music meets a contemporary sensibility in the extraordinary vocal talent of Aynur Doğan, one of the most prominent Kurdish singers of our times. Aynur’s impressive voice and compelling gift for musical narration represent the Kurdish music heritage of her cultural roots as a global genre. Born in Çemişgezek, a small mountain town in Tunceli […]
In November, one of Turkiye’s coolest exports, Islandman, will be returning to London to play Camden’s Koko as part of their European tour. Formed a decade ago, Islandman comprises of multi-instrumentalist and producer Tolga Böyük, Eralp Güven (percussion) and Erdem Başer (guitars). The three-piece underground band have gained an international following with their eclectic, otherworldly […]
