Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest metropolises. This one-day event in East London at the end of September is a chance to indulge in the city’s delicious street foods and immerse yourself in its fantastic music culture.

Brought to you by Mehmet Ali Alabora, Akin Olgun and Tan Morgul (the trio behind the UK’s successful rakı meyhaneevents), the Istanbul Elsewhere Mini Fest offers a chilled environment with a mix of live music, authentic Turkish food, and craft stalls.

Live Music

The Djanan Band

Headlining the day is the Djanan Band, led by singer/songwriter Djanan Turan (pictured top). Originally from Turkiye, she has been at the forefront of North London’s world music scene, fusing earthy Turkish folk, electronica and edgy global beats.

Djanan will front an all-star band, including Baha Yetkin (oud), Berdin Pamukcu (guitar) and Bubu Otis (percussions) to take the audience on a journey into Istanbul’s meyhane(tavern) culture, with a set of well-known covers encompassing Turkish classical gems and contemporary popular tunes.

The North London musical chanteuse told T-VINE the set will include songs such as Yalan Dünya (Neşet Ertaş), Bir Yangının Külünü, Ağlama Değmez Hayat (Zeki Müren), Islak Islak (Cem Karaca), Kalamış (Münir Nurettin Selçuk),  Yarım Istanbul (Levent Yüksel) – all perfect for a community sing-along.

Burak Çetindağ, DJ

Get ready for an explosion of spicy 60s, 70s and early 80s Anatolian fuzz-psychedelic rock, funk and jazz underground tracks, as well as quintessential Anatolian sounds courtesy of Burak Çetindağ (Brainwashed /Turquoise Dream – London).

The London-based DJ and freelance music writer has been spinning records for over 25 years. Burak started out at Turkey’s first independent rock radio station in Istanbul and has since performed at various underground clubs across the globe.

Levent Gürbüz

The oud player will perform a solo set of soothing Turkish classical music.

Street Food

There will be a fabulous range of Istanbul street foods available, cooked freshly on site. Tuck into balık-ekmek by Fieldseat London, or Istanbulitan Pizza by La Biga Pizzeria, plus midye dolma/ tava by The Midyeci, and nohut pilav by Chef Ali Yalçın.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Title: Istanbul Elsewhere Mini Fest

Date: Sunday 25 September 2022

Time:  3pm to 8pm

Venue: Round Chapel, 1D Glenarm Road, Hackney, London E5 0LY

Tickets & Admission: Tickets are priced £5 (+£0.98 booking fee), available online from Eventbrite. Online sales end on 24 Sep. 2022.

Refunds are available up to 1 day before the event, although Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.