Turkish music
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The universal language of musicMusic dossier: Tuning in to the unfamiliar
An independent, modern music scene has long since developed in the Islamic world and Europe. Breaking with convention, it is a far cry from belly dance and folklore cliches. In this dossier, we present some of its leading protagonists, genres and events
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"Hediye" by Özgür Akgul (Schnieke)A masterclass in how to bridge two worlds
Özgür Akgul usually composes film and television scores, but performing under the name Schnieke, he recently released his first album – a case study in how the modern and the traditional can co-exist in perfect harmony
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Aga Khan Master Musicians' "Nowruz"Sunshine, peace and the smell of home
While intent is always important, it is no guarantee of artistic merit. "Nowruz", the Aga Khan Master Musicians' debut album, is an example of both in perfect synthesis. Richard Marcus had a listen
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Eklektik BerlinIstan meets Anatolian folkDJ Ipek's space-time continuum in sound
Eklektik BerlinIstan's DJ Ipek – Ipek Ipekcioglu – is famous far beyond her home city of Berlin. Now the music producer has released her first album as part of the musical project "Karmaturji". Daniel Bax had a listen
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Music festivals in TurkeyOnly "halal" festivals acceptable?
In Turkey, concerts and festivals by artists at odds with the government line are being cancelled with increasing frequency. Islamist and nationalist groups are often responsible. Elmas Topcu and Aynur Tekin report
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Music: Universal Echoes by KunéAn impactful message from Canada's Global Orchestra
The musicians in the Canadian music ensemble Kuné come from a diverse array of traditions and cultures. On their new album, they share their concern for our planet's future in a collection of glorious tracks. By Richard Marcus
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Dialogue of culturesTarapzade – "Seek it in yourself"
Tayfun Guttstadt’s debut album “Tarapzade” is a cultural voyage of self-discovery through two seemingly opposite musical worlds. Marian Brehmer had a listen
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Morgenland Festival OsnabruckCountering patriarchal cliches
Focusing on music from the Levant to Central Asia, Osnabruck's Morgenland Festival occupies a special place in the German festival landscape. Prior to the 18th festival, which begins on 21 June, Stefan Franzen spoke to festival manager Michael Dreyer about the musical concept, the political dimension, and whether the term 'Morgenland' [engl. 'the East', 'Orient'] is still in keeping with the times
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Altin Gun's "Aṣk"A strange and wonderful journey
In their latest release, Amsterdam-based Anatolian rock band Altin Gun reinterprets ten folk songs from Turkey for the 21st century, with spectacular results. Richard Marcus had a listen
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Album review: "Anadolu Ejderi" by Gaye Su AkyolLetting the dragon roar!
"Anadolu Ejderi" (Anatolian Dragon) is the latest release from Turkish musician Gaye Su Akyol. She has never lacked a spirit of adventure when it comes to her music – an intriguing mix of traditional Turkish music and everything from psychedelic to American surf. However with Akyol, it's impossible to know what she'll throw a listener's way, and this album is no exception. By Richard Marcus
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Cem Kaya on Turkish pop cultureAs multi-faceted as Asia Minor
Known for his documentary films about Turkish pop culture, German-born director Cem Kaya's latest work "Liebe, D-Mark und Tod" (Love, Deutschmarks and Death) focuses on the musical culture of Turkish migrants in Germany. He talks to Schayan Riaz about his creative processes, German-Turkish relations and of course, about the music
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Musica Sequenza Chamber Music EnsembleSpanning times and cultures
Berlin-based international chamber music ensemble Musica Sequenza is known for its modern interpretation of baroque music. With his latest project, the opera "Kassia", composer and ensemble director Burak Ozdemir transcends temporal, cultural and geographical boundaries. By Ceyda Nurtsch