Turquazz

June 21, 2026 11 min read

Akra Jazz was not just a festival programme. It was a living room for jazz — where concerts, masterclasses, jam sessions, backstage conversations and late-night encounters kept the music breathing long after the applause faded.

From Father to Ronnie

Critic Diverse

May 13, 2026 24 min read

Before the London leg of Babadan Oğula Bir Gırnata Efsanesi (From Father to Son: A Clarinet Legend): a conversation with Ramazan Sesler, third-generation carrier of the alaturka strand of the clarinet, and Kaan Bıyıkoğlu, who moved from engineering to jazz piano — on stage, inheritance, "accompaniment," and the fourth generation.

Umut Adan & Zebânis ~ Pushing Anatolian Psychedelia into New Territory

Burak Cetindag

Artists Critic Popular

March 8, 2026 8 min read

Umut Adan and Zebânis released their new album Başka Bahar on 6th of March. The band has quickly emerged as one of the most compelling...

A Homage to Neşet Ertaş by Altın Gün

Critic Music Popular

February 27, 2026 8 min read

As Altın Gün returns with their sixth studio album, Garip (released February 20, 2026), the Amsterdam-based quintet finds themselves at a fascinating crossroads. ‘Garip’ album...

Music, Mathematics and Philosophy

Art Diverse Music Traditional

November 25, 2025 15 min read

As an engineer, a music lover - musician and a former philosophy graduate student I always wondered about the mathematical equations, formulas and ideas behind music, the philosophy of music and the interaction between the three.

From Anatolian Pop to Arabesque

Music Traditional

June 15, 2025 13 min read

Music of the Middle East The Roots When Turkish classical music was banned from Turkish Radios between 1934 and 1936, people started fulfilling their musical...

Jazz Between Two Mirrors

Turquazz

June 3, 2025 7 min read

Bold ideas aired—will Turkiye's big festivals and ministries finally hear the call for change?

Rough Edges and Golden Roots

May 18, 2025 5 min read

How Barış Manço and Cem Karaca Became the Canon of Modern Anatolian Music There is a point at which a nation begins to hear itself...

Anatolian Alchemy: How Gevende Turns Folk Dust into Sonic Gold

April 14, 2025 13 min read

What do you get when a bunch of Anatolian misfits smash folk, jazz, and psychedelia into one pot?

Voice of the North: Volkan Konak – His Life, Music, and Legacy

Turquazz

April 1, 2025 5 min read

Volkan Konak was more than a singer—he was a voice of the soul, a poet of the mountains and the sea, and a passionate performer...

A Selection of Movies & Documentaries for Music Lovers

Cinema Movies Music Popular

January 4, 2025 15 min read

Best Music Movies and Documentaries from Turkiye Neredesin Firuze (2004), (Where’s Firuze) which stands out with its cast, is a film that tells the story...

Mustafa Özkent, the Belgian Orchestra and the Famous Monkey

January 1, 2025 4 min read

Mustafa Özkent, a significant figure in music for over 60 years, is celebrated for his innovative blend of Anatolian rock, funk, and psychedelia, exemplified in his 1973 album ‘Gençlik İle Elele.’ Although initially underappreciated, it has gained recognition over the years. Özkent continues to inspire through live performances and collaborations.

The Precariat Musicians: Navigating Insecurity in the Digital Age

September 3, 2024 2 min read

In the digital age, musicians increasingly join the precariat, facing economic instability and uncertainty as traditional revenue streams wane and social safety nets falter, challenging both their livelihoods and creative expression.

Salih Korkut Peker Anatolian Grunge and his Cümbüş

April 21, 2024 7 min read

The teenage and early twenties period of many rock music lovers born around mid 70s have found themselves in the Grunge era around early 90s....

Erkin Koray: The “BABA” of the Anatolian Rock and His Psychedelic World

February 22, 2024 7 min read

Erkin Koray, widely known as the Turkish rock pioneer, has forever transformed the global music scene with his innovative blend of traditional Turkish sounds and...

A Deep Dive into the Impact of Mert Demir on the Turkish Music Industry

February 20, 2024 4 min read

‍Image Source: Pexels ‍Mert Demir, a Turkish songwriter, producer, arranger, and a powerful voice in the music industry, has made a significant impact on the...

The Symphony of Innovation: Alex Hitchcock, Jasper Høiby, Mehmet Ikiz at BlurNotes’ Inaugural Concert

November 13, 2023 3 min read

In the heart of London’s West End, a new chapter in jazz is set to unfold. Under the banner of BlurNotes, a groundbreaking concept that...

Ancestral Resonance: Unveiling the Roots of ‘Islandman’ and ‘Hey Douglas’ Music

October 26, 2023 2 min read

The musical endeavours of ‘Islandman’ and ‘Hey Douglas’ emerge from the fertile grounds of Turkey’s rich musical heritage. A closer look at the roots of...

Bozcaada Jazz Festival

July 19, 2023 2 min read

8th to 10th September Bozcaada, Turkiye Also called Tenedos, the quiet and peaceful island in the North Aegean Sea, Bozcaada will be hosting the 7th...

Standout Sounds of 2022: Turkish Releases Of The Year

December 8, 2022 16 min read

Rock : Psych : Alternative : Electronic Turkish Music Scene As the year 2022 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the standout...

A Brief History of the Ney and its Impact in Anatolia

Bora Cem Savasci

Music Traditional

October 4, 2022 3 min read

An instrument of sprituality and mysticism was once amongst the most popular in Anatolian lands. Let's find more about this artefact of Anatolian music history.

Meet The Honeybee of Turkish Music: Ahmet Faik Şener

Nelin Baykaldi

October 4, 2022 3 min read

In one of my many wanders around Spotify, I came across Ahmet Faik Şener, who is a Turkish harmonica player also known as Balarısı Ahmet—which...

The Beacon of Jazz: A “tunnel”, or the Maffy Perception

Orhan Tekelioglu

Artists Cinema Music

October 1, 2022 15 min read

Maffy Falay was amongst the most prominent Turkish jazz musicians of Europe, here's a deep dive into his persona with the undertone of a documentary feature.

Life and Music of Selda Bağcan: The Bitter Voice of Turkey

Turquazz Editorial

July 22, 2022 18 min read

By Beren Şahinoğlu and William Smith The globalization of the music industry shaped many local genres and subgenres around the world which we know and...

Say Hello to Bagpipe’s Cousin from Anatolia: Tulum

Federico Gennari

June 15, 2022 3 min read

The Anatolian version of the bagpipe, Tulum, has a lot in common with its Scottish counterpart. Discover the instruments of two seemingly distant nations.

Pentagram Presents: A Story of Tenacity and Stubbornness

Can Öktemer

April 15, 2022 15 min read

In the turbulent music paths of Turkey, two roads diverged in a wood and Pentagram took the less travelled one. Here are the consequences of their bold choice.

A Cultural Reorientation in Turkish Music: Anatolian Psychedelia

April 13, 2022 14 min read

In the years following the foundation of the republic, the music scene in Turkey saw a significant transition, and introduced world to the Turkish Psychedelia.

The Brilliantly Unique Songwriting of Bülent Ortaçgil

Hayat Sebep

April 3, 2022 2 min read

Let's explore Ortaçgil's distinct sound, inspirations and observations by returning to an album that embodies the sounds of spring as we welcome the new season!

The Sultan’s Organ: Revealing A Masterpiece Lost in Time

Beren Şahinoğlu

March 31, 2022 3 min read

The Sultan's Organ may be lost in time but it continues to hold a prominent place in the history of politics, music and technology. Here's the timeworn story.

The Pipe Organs of Turkey: Church of St. Antony of Padua

Beren Şahinoğlu

March 24, 2022 4 min read

"Turkey may not have a rich history in organ music but it does have a rich collection of organs from all over the world. First stop: Church of St. Antony!"

Altın Gün: Presenting Turkey’s 20th Century Musical Heritage

William Smith

February 23, 2022 3 min read

Taking their roots from Selda Bağcan's work, the Turkish/Dutch psychedelic rock band, "Altın Gün" is on the rise, here's an insight into the band and its style.

The Entertainment Venue Where West And East Meet: “Gazino”

Zeynep Oya Bayraktar

February 14, 2022 6 min read

Means of entertainment in Anatolia saw many changes, Gazinos were once the latest link of this change, here's how they came to be and how they functioned.

Two Musicians One Colour: Blues, A Canticle for Music

Can Öktemer

February 9, 2022 13 min read

Explore the historic story of how two artists strived to make blues a part of Turkish music scene and the documentary that shed light on their struggle.

The Story of Turkish Progressive Rock Spanning Half a Century

Music Popular

January 29, 2022 19 min read

Turkish Progressive Rock has came a long way since the days of Barış Manço, with its icons and modern representatives, here's the story spanning half a century.

Functions Of Songs: Music That Keeps Playing in Your Head

Tolga Zafer Özdemir

January 3, 2022 5 min read

Music and its influence has been vast throughout the history, but how and why are we affected by songs, why does that one catchy song keep you singing all day?

Shifting a Culture: The Turkish Five and Musical Westernization

January 1, 2022 12 min read

Less then a century ago, five highly skilled men of music undertook the challenge of rerouting Turkey's musical destiny and to a great extend, succeeded.

An Insight Into the Art and Life of a Modern Female Aşık

Sevilay Çınar

December 5, 2021 10 min read

“What does it mean to be a female âşık in the patriarchal art of being an âşık?” asks our writer, and seeks the answer in the âşıklar of the 20th century.

The nostalgia of Jazz in Turkey

November 29, 2021 1 min read

The period between the 1950s to '60s represents a pivotal era that left its mark on the Turkish musical culture.

Jazz at Intercultural Borders – Local Dialects vs The Mainstream

November 29, 2021 1 min read

Jazz musicians from all over the world will come together to discuss the universality of jazz, and how jazz musicians can take inspiration from their country's traditional music to create works of jazz that quote their own culture while still maintaining said universality.

Introducing Turquazz Encounters Club Ethno Jazz In The House

November 28, 2021 4 min read

Turquazz Encounters took off with its first jam session in London. Read on about what you might have missed out on!

Which Instrument Should Represent the Anatolian Music?

Kubilay Devrim Dikkaya

November 22, 2021 6 min read

Is it possible to choose a specific musical instrument to represent Anatolia? Let’s delve into the rich world of Anatolian instruments!

Mehter: The Majestic Music Band of Ottoman Era & Beyond

November 8, 2021 10 min read

Mehter is often marketed as an Turkish-Ottoman military band, but take a closer look and you'll see it has influenced much more than soldiers going to war.

Turkish Military Songs That Could Almost Belong to Musicals

Art Popular

October 29, 2021 2 min read

Military music is often considered to be agressive, so here are some Turkish military songs that tell stories of restoration without provoking people to fight.

Changing And Branching the Contemporary ‘Aşık’ Culture

September 26, 2021 11 min read

Explore the 'aşık' culture of today, where it is going, what might become of it and what its members are doing during this period of transition and change.

Women In Turkish Alternative Music You Need To Know About

September 19, 2021 4 min read

Although Turkish music industry have become more accepting of the female vocalists, these alternative music artists are not getting the attention they deserve.

A Brief Account on Nükhet Ruacan’s Life, Art and Legacy

Sibel Köse

September 14, 2021 5 min read

Nükhet Ruacan's artistic splendour finds its voice once more through this article as we gaze upon her masterful musical creations and her industrious life.

İmer Demirer – Wandering into his World of Trumpets

Barış Demirel

September 10, 2021 6 min read

Take a closer look at İmer Demirer's soothing journey and see his approach to the world of trumpets from the point of a friend in this heartwarming article.

10 Memorable Performances from Turkey’s Eurovision Adventure

September 7, 2021 5 min read

Turkey may no longer be attending the Eurovision song contest, but it surely left its mark. Enjoy a list of Turkey's top entries before its departure in 2013.

Did Sameness In Pop Music Produce Rock Bards – Bard Singers?

September 5, 2021 9 min read

We already reported on how pop music was losing its immense influence in the Turkish music scene, but did that also lead to the emergence of Bard music?

Müzeyyen Senar: The Young Diva Of The Young Republic

Ayça Karcı

August 30, 2021 2 min read

Müzeyyen Senar has our gratitude for instilling hope and joy to the hearts of the Turkish people trying to restore their home in the aftermath of a war.

Transformative Journey Of the Turkish Pop Music Convention

August 30, 2021 3 min read

As it is slowly losing its colossal popularity amongst Turkish listeners, we thought it'd be a good time to take a look at the history of pop music in Turkey.

Brief History Of The Clarinet In Anatolian Music Traditions

Denizcan Bıçakcı

August 30, 2021 2 min read

Clarinets are not foreign to the Anatolian geography, find out how they ended up as one of the indispensable instruments of the Turkish music culture.

Five Phenomenal Music Festivals to Attend In Anatolia

Beyza Gökmen

August 30, 2021 3 min read

Anatolia is the birthplace of some of the first festivals in history, it still continues to host several remarable music festivals, here are five of them.

Open your Eyes, Mind your Ears, Ramadan Drummers Of Turkey

Ayça Karcı

August 20, 2021 2 min read

Drums are often used for communicating messages, during the month of Ramadan they are used to wake millions of Turks, with a helpful but intense musical number.

Video Games Soundtracks Inspired from Turkish Music

August 20, 2021 2 min read

From Battlefield One to Hearts of Iron VI, here are the finest musical pieces that were made to represent a Turkish faction and create that Turkish ambiance.

Down the Rabbit Hole into the Anatolian Psychedelic Music

Beyza Gökmen

August 20, 2021 2 min read

Of all the musical fusions seen in Anatolia, the one between pyschedelic and Turkish folk music is probably the most curious one with its unique elegance.

The Role of Women in the Male Dominated Âşık Music Tradition

Sevilay Çınar

August 10, 2021 15 min read

In this second chapter of the female Aşık article series, we will shed more light on what it means to be a female Aşık in this rather patriarchal area.

An Industry Trying To Survive: Musical Theatre In Turkey

August 8, 2021 3 min read

Will Turkey ever have its own Broadway? Hard to tell, let's try to predict what may happen based on what's been going on, in the Turkish musical theatre scene.

Cultural Fusion Strikes Back: The Rise Of Anatolian Rock

Eylül Belden

August 2, 2021 2 min read

Turkish musical scene often followed its western counterparts, creating an amalgam of musical genres, one of the finest examples of that is the Anatolian rock.

Hasan Saltik

Cihat Aşkın

July 21, 2021 5 min read

It was 1997. I was completing my military service. I had many things in my mind during this period when I served as an officer...

Learning ‘Üçtelli’ With the Grandmaster Osman Kırca

Emre Dayıoğlu

July 19, 2021 9 min read

If you wanted to learn the intricacies of a violin, you could go to Hilary Hahn, if you ever want to learn about 'üçtelli' Osman Kırca should be your guy.

Can Anatolian Instrument Makers Produce A New Brand?

Kubilay Devrim Dikkaya

June 28, 2021 7 min read

Anatolia once gave birth to some of the most prestigious instrument brands, but in this almost monopolized industry of today, can it manage to do it again?

Connecting Bridges Through Müslüm Baba, Bowie, Cohen & Björk

Can Öktemer

June 23, 2021 36 min read

These four may look like too peculiar of a quartet to explore under the same title, but you will soon find out that music a form of art that has no borders

In Loving Memory of Hasan SALTIK – Founder of Kalan Music

Defne Pugh

June 21, 2021 5 min read

Hasan Saltık, the founder and owner of Kalan Music, has passed away due to a heart attack on the evening of the 2nd of June...

Attitude, Wording, Melody: How And Why Bard Singers Blossom?

June 14, 2021 8 min read

Bard singers came under the spotlight as a result of various episodes of the Turkish music history, a cumulative concoction of events that lead to their bloom

What Did I Do To Be So Black and Blue

Feridun Ertaşkan

May 23, 2021 7 min read

Jazz music has been fed to the unconscious as a hedonistic and elitist genre for decades through advertisements, sexy and beautiful singers at a bar...

A Sociohistorical Exploration of the Turkish Rap Part II

Murat Beşer

May 11, 2021 7 min read

If you enjoyed learning about the bumby road Turkish rap took in the first part, now let's get into the details...

The Word “Bakshi” and The Journey it Takes You Through

May 1, 2021 6 min read

A word can carry a hundred meanings and these meanings can guide you onto different journeys. If you wish to embark on such a journey, take a look at Bakshi.

Reflections on A Golden Horn – Jazz and Turkish Music

Francesco Martinelli

April 15, 2021 15 min read

Music is often considered a universal form of art, in favour of that notion, here are the ethnomusicological commonalities between Turkish music and Jazz.

With its Glory and Sorrow the Eurovision Road Turkey Walked

April 2, 2021 6 min read

For 37 years, Turkey participated in the Eurovision song contest, we had our good and bad times but we were there, until we return, thank you for these moments.

Popular Music, Rock, And Weight of Being A Bard Singer

April 2, 2021 8 min read

Being a bard singer gives you power to address crowds, but for those coming from 'aşık' bard tradition, there is great responsibility ingrained to that power.

Handmade Turkish Cymbals Tradition – An Inside Perspective

Burak Ersöz

March 27, 2021 12 min read

Cymbals are produced in their thousands every year, but who's making them?. Find out how, where and since when they are made, sugarcouated with insider info.

Mutatis Mutandis! Contemporary is the new “Old School”

Tolga Zafer Özdemir

March 26, 2021 5 min read

Musical practices revolve with the passing ages, but is that revolution eventually bound to return its starting point where contemporary meets the traditional.

A Great Day to Revive the “Aşık” Tradition in Anatolia

Barış Güney

March 26, 2021 11 min read

In the Anatolian hinterland, mastery of poetry and music coincided at a point and gave birth to the "Aşık" tradition, take a look those masters yourself.

One love, One heart! Let’s join the Turkey Jazz Network

Murat Sezgi

March 26, 2021 6 min read

It's hard to estimate what might come next in the ever changing Turkish music scene, this time it's going for a network that could restore jazz to its glory.

The On Going Journey of the Modern “Aşık” In Turkey

March 26, 2021 8 min read

They may be following a tradition of the past, but they are orienting their tradition for modern times, meet the Aşıklar of today and see what they are up to.

A Sociohistorical Exploration of the Turkish Rap Part I

Murat Beşer

March 26, 2021 7 min read

Rap has a global popularity now and Turkey's no exception in that. But this wasn't always the case, let's take a trip down memory lane to Turkish Rap's origins.

At Every Page of History Stage a Timeless Capsule: Anatolia

Sadettin Davran

Art Culture

March 26, 2021 2 min read

Anatolia, in all its glory! In a few but critical remarks on how the cultural mosaic of Anatolia came to be, learn why we are making all this fuss about it.

Modern Female Âşıklar in Turkish Âşık Music Tradition I

Sevilay Çınar

March 26, 2021 17 min read

In the male dominant realm of the Aşık tradition, here are the roots of the practice and how some very talented women are striving for their place in it.

The Journey of Westernisation from Anatolian Pop Perspective