Streets making artists meet
Istanbul could be considered a stage featuring street artists from around the world, with performances in neighborhoods ranging from Kadıköy to Karaköy, from İstiklal Caddesi to Galata or Bakırköy …
While the quality and artistic content of street music varies, the tradition is long-established, hearkening back to village centers, urban plazas and medieval fairs. Street music removes the barriers between audience and artist, offering a unique dialogue between performer and spectator.
We trace the footsteps of street musicians to Taksim Square, the heart of Istanbul, and along İstiklâl Street, the heart of Taksim. The sound of the baglama, which wafted in the air at the metro exit, is followed by a folk song or several on the way to the Galata Tower.
Who are they?
Some are established musicians. Some are performing as a hobby. Some street performers do it for fun; others strive to make a living via donations and contributions. The common denominator is a desire to perform, to entertain and to bring a diverse crowd of people together with art. For street musicians in Istanbul, there’s the added appeal of performing on historical streets that have long witnessed similar activities.
Some performers are more fortunate than others, in terms of attracting an income and an audience. Sometimes, performers are scooped up by directors, such as Siya Siyabend, who appeared in Fatih Akın’s “Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul”.
The street is the great equalizer
When you are in the moment of the music, do you think about the socio-cultural or socio-economic class of the person beside you? The streets – the ultimate common area and mingling ground –push all to come together with the music, or even participate in it! Wherever you are from, be it Türkiye, Russia, Saudi Arabia or anywhere else, street performers embrace the entire audience under the umbrella of the music. Language ceases to matter as the instruments speak for themselves. When a song familiar across cultures is played, a diverse audience unites in joy and recognition. Istanbul is a city where this magic manifests most beautifully!
The stage experience is different!
Illuminated by the lights of shops and the street, performers are anointed with the dust of hundreds of pedestrians. There is no set program: everything flows in its own rhythm.
In Taksim, as you wander along İstiklâl to Galata, the range of musicians and music is evident. Murat, a 22-year old clarinetist, and Uncle Remzi, playing a 50-year-old kamancha, are both in Taksim.
Sometimes spectators request certain songs and accompany the musician. This is why you’ll hear Murat performing Sezen Aksu’s song “İstanbul İstanbul Olalı” multiple times.
Meanwhile, the baglama from the metro catches up with us again, just ahead of Galatasaray High School. And then, you spot a Bolivian folk band! Don’t be surprised: you are in Istanbul.
Take your place in this city, this city with an enormous heart that embraces all cultures. At least, as a listener. And if you can’t contribute money, contribute your applause – the street musicians are working hard to keep us all entertained!
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