Orient Expressions

Muzik • Mercan Dede • Engewal

Video Director • Veysel Gençten
"Es la única cuidad del mundo que está situada entre dos continentes, Asía y Europa. A lo largo de historia fue conocida como Bizancio, Constantinopla y Estambul. Fue la capital de dos imperios gigantes, romano-bizancio y otomano. Aunque en la actualidad es la capital de Turquía es Ankara, Estambul con másde 12 millones de habitantes es la ciudad más grande y tiene un papel central en la industria, el comercio, la cultura de Turquía."

Taksim Trio • Belalim
Taksim is the name of a busy square in the heart of Istanbul(the city is home to the Trio) But Taksim is also a Turkish musical term. It means "to improvise." And that's exactly what the members of Taksim Trio like to do.

BrooklynFunkEssentials • Istanbul Twilight

Beyoglu & Okmedana Neighborhoods

"Istanbul is a strange magnet that draws people from all over the place. Over the past 30 years it's become representative of everyone in Anatolia-from the Agean to the East, North South and in-between. This song, "Istanbul 1:26 am," was the first track the band Orinet Expressions ever recorded together(No video), inspired by the nightlife in the city's Beyoglu neighborhood. Beyoglu is at the heart of the city's entertainment district. It's known for its historic cafes, neoclassical architecture, and European consulates. Just about a mile away is a poor neighborhood known as Okmedana. Many Alevi Muslims live here. Alevis' beliefs are rooted in folk traditions. And music is central to their method of prayer." Richard Hamer from the band Orient Expressions.