Şehribanu TuranAs the holy month of Ramadan encourages deep reflection and connection, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London hosted an unforgettable evening at St. Mary’s Islington on March 15, 2025, titled “Mystic Sounds from Anatolia.”
This special concert featured celebrated artists Muhammed Recai Çiftçi on vocal and tanbur, Baha Yetkin on vocal and oud, Serdar Yılmaz on qanun, and Muammer Sağlam on percussion.
Each artist brought their unique talents to the stage, integrating the rich musical heritage of Anatolia with the spiritual atmosphere of RamadEnchanting Melodies of “Mystic Sounds from Anatolia” Illuminate Ramadan Evening at St. Mary’s Islingtonan.
The concert opened with a series of pieces from the Hicaz makam, setting a contemplative tone that resonated with Ramadan’s themes of spiritual introspection and devotion. The evening continued with performances in the Hüseyni and Nihavend makams, where traditional songs like “Âlemlere rahmet olan” and “Bu aşk bir bahri ummandır” captivated the audience with their lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
Alongside these spiritually themed pieces, the concert also featured well-known classical pieces from the Turkish musical tradition. These included the evocative “Gelse o şuh” and “Ela gözlüm” from the Rast-Ussak-Hüseyni segments, demonstrating the skill and versatility of the performers. The evening concluded with an unexpected encore, the classical piece “Sordum Sarı Çiçeğe,” which was particularly poignant. This deeply spiritual piece resonated with the audience, prompting them to join in quietly, enhancing the communal experience. The performance concluded with everyone standing to give a respectful ovation, marking a poignant and memorable end to the evening.
The highlight of the evening came with the deeply moving performances of these classical pieces, which provided a fitting tribute to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Anatolia. They highlighted the universal themes of love, peace, and longing that resonate so deeply during Ramadan.
As attendees left the venue, the resonant beauty of the melodies lingered, echoing the profound stillness and the rich musical tradition of Anatolia. “Mystic Sounds from Anatolia” proved to be more than just a concert; it was a spiritual journey that touched the hearts of all who were present, leaving them with a sense of peace and reflection typical of a Ramadan night.
This event not only celebrated the musical heritage of Anatolia but also showcased Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s commitment to promoting cultural understanding through music.
The evening was a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural barriers and bring people together in celebration of their shared humanity.
