Yunus Emre InstituteYunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, in partnership with the Embassies of Türkiye and North Macedonia, hosted a unique cultural event between 21–25 September 2025, uniting three national musical traditions under one theme: Sound Bridges: Pipes Across Nations.
The programme showcased the Turkish tulum, the Macedonian gajda and kaval, and the Scottish bagpipes, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience these distinct yet historically rich instruments on the same stage.
Concerts were held on 23 September at the Embassy of North Macedonia in London and on 24 September at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in London. The performances featured renowned Turkish tulum master Mustafa Gökay Ferah, North Macedonian gajda and kaval player Saško Mitev, and a guest Scottish bagpipe artist, each contributing their country’s musical voice to the collaborative programme.
Organizers stated that the aim of the project was to promote cultural dialogue and highlight the shared values expressed through traditional music. The event brought together musicians, diplomats, and London’s international community, celebrating the musical connections between Türkiye, North Macedonia, and Scotland.
The initiative was welcomed as an example of how cultural diplomacy can strengthen ties between nations, using music as a universal platform for understanding and collaboration.
