The Soundscape of Istanbul

Writer:  Aras Bilgen / November 2024

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Istanbul, a city that has long served as a meeting point for diverse civilizations, carries traces of history and culture in every corner. This ancient metropolis, stretching across both sides of the Bosphorus, is a place where music echoes powerfully and deeply. Embracing melodies from both East and West, Istanbul has a constantly evolving musical identity, much like a living organism. But how did this musical identity form? What sounds make this city unique? How has Istanbul, as a metropolis, acted as a bridge from the depths of the past to the sounds of the future?

Istanbul’s musical identity reflects the civilizations that have inhabited the city. During the Ottoman Empire, saray music (palace music) was one of the most prestigious forms of expression. Classical Turkish music enjoyed high respect among Istanbul's elite and educated circles. Instruments like the tanbur, ney, and ud (oud) were played in the presence of sultans, embodying the city’s noble melodies. Composers such as Dede Efendi shaped the musical soul of the Ottoman era, and this traditional music continues to be preserved, playing a key role in Istanbul’s soundscape today.

However, Istanbul’s musical identity is not confined to palace music. Folk music, echoing through the streets, was enriched by rhythms brought by migrants from rural areas. The music of the working class, who moved from Anatolia to Istanbul, influenced the city through genres like arabesk and folk songs. In the 1970s and '80s, arabesk became one of the most popular genres in Istanbul. Artists like Orhan Gencebay, Ferdi Tayfur, and Müslüm Gürses expressed the emotions of the city’s lower class through their songs. As Istanbul grew into a sprawling metropolis, arabesk spread among both migrant populations and urban youth, embedding itself in the city’s musical veins.

Historically, Istanbul has been a city that unites many cultures, reflecting its cosmopolitan nature in its music. During the Ottoman era, the musical contributions of Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities became vital elements of Istanbul’s multicultural soundscape. This heritage left deep imprints on the city’s musical map. Notably, Greek tavern music dominated Istanbul’s nightlife from the 19th century onward, filling districts like Balat and Fener with nostalgia and melancholy.

This cosmopolitan structure continued during the Republican era. In the mid-20th century, Istanbul turned towards the West with jazz bars and Western music festivals. From the 1960s onward, the Anatolian rock movement emerged, blending Eastern melodies with Western rock tones to create a unique musical identity. Artists like Barış Manço, Erkin Koray, and Cem Karaca made lasting impressions on Istanbul’s musical landscape. In areas like Kadıköy and Taksim, this genre quickly resonated with youth, fostering a new musical identity.

Today, Istanbul boasts a dynamic musical scene where traditional and modern genres intermingle. Since the 2000s, alternative music bands and the electronic music scene have sparked a new wave in the city. Venues like Babylon, Salon IKSV, and Zorlu PSM serve as the beating heart of Istanbul’s alternative music landscape. As the city has become a hub for underground electronic music, world-renowned DJs have begun performing here. Istanbul's vibrant nightlife has merged with electronic music, adding a fresh layer to the city’s soundscape.

Electronic music festivals have further solidified Istanbul's musical identity. Events like Sónar Istanbul unite local and international artists, enhancing the city’s cosmopolitan spirit. Thanks to these festivals, Istanbul is now recognized as a rising center of electronic music in the Western world. This scene illustrates that Istanbul is not merely a city of history and culture; it is also a dynamic metropolis keeping pace with the rhythms of the modern world.

Istanbul’s musical identity is deeply intertwined with the city’s natural landscape and architecture. The bridges spanning the Bosphorus, the horns of ferries, and the cries of seagulls are inseparable elements of Istanbul’s soundscape. These natural sounds inspire artists and often become part of the music itself. The unique atmosphere of the Bosphorus resonates in the works of many musicians. For instance, Sezen Aksu draws inspiration from Istanbul’s streets, sea, and history, reflecting the city’s melancholy and joy in her songs.

The sounds of calls to prayer, church bells, and prayers rising from synagogues express the city’s religious and cultural diversity. In Istanbul, these early morning sounds symbolize the city’s multi-layered identity. Thus, the call to prayer becomes not just a religious invocation but a fundamental element of the city’s soundscape.

Istanbul also makes its voice heard globally through international music festivals. The Istanbul Jazz Festival is one of the most significant events that showcase the city’s musical diversity. This festival brings jazz artists from around the world to the city, reinforcing Istanbul’s position on the global music stage. Concerts held along the shores of the Bosphorus blend the city’s unique nature with music, enriching its musical identity even further.

Istanbul is a musical mosaic where history and the modern world intertwine. The city’s rich past, cosmopolitan structure, and economic dynamics continuously nourish and transform its musical identity. The music echoing in Istanbul’s streets, palaces, and stages makes this ancient city a living organism. Every sound heard on both sides of the Bosphorus is a note from a musical bridge connecting Istanbul’s past, present, and future. This city is not just a place but also a sound, a melody, and a rhythm. And this rhythm places Istanbul in a unique position on the world music stage.

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