Musical storytelling is central to the Alevi faith, with mystical poems and musical ballads (deyisler, nefesler) being orally passed down from generation to generation over many centuries. These traditional folk songs, which can be heard all across Anatolia (modern Turkiye), pay homage to the core philosophy of Alevism, which is based on love, tolerance and […]
From diverse backgrounds, enchanting singer Çiğdem Aslan and virtuoso accordionist Živorad Nikolic come together for this special night in south London of Balkans-inspired songs that celebrate the universal theme of love in all its forms. Sevdalinka, also known as Sevdah music, is a traditional genre of folk music originating in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, its […]
This summer’s heatwaves across Europe created difficulties for many countries, but in Greece and Turkey it led to some of the worst wildfires in living memory. Countless people lost their homes, and dozens were killed or injured, whilst wildlife and swathes of forest were destroyed as the fires ravaged everything in their path. News reports […]
Hura Nights is back this Thursday, 29 July, with a fabulous line-up: musical chanteuse and host Djanan Turan is joined by special guests oud virtuoso Baha Yetkin and Rebetiko star Çiğdem Aslan for a stunning night of Turkish and Greek music. Launched four years ago in Covent Garden, this unique live music club celebrates the […]
If you’ve missed live music, then check out She’Koyokh’s upcoming performance at JW3 in Hampstead for an evening of beautifully crafted music combining the high energy of klezmer with ancient Sephardic songs. Istanbul-born singer Çiğdem Aslan forms part of this brilliant London-based international seven-piece klezmer & Balkan band, whose music reflects the diversity of Jewish […]
“Since bursting on to the UK’s music scene in the early naughties, busking at London’s East End markets, She’Koyokh – a Yiddish word meaning “nice one!” – has toured the world, won international awards and released four critically acclaimed albums earning themselves the reputation as “one of London’s musical treasures playing the best klezmer and […]
After her critically-acclaimed 2013 debut release Mortissa¸ Çiğdem returns with an inspired follow-up. Her musical cue is again Rebetiko – the shared cultural heritage of Turkey and Greece in the 1920s – but Çiğdem spreads her musical wings in A Thousand Cranes, travelling from Istanbul and Izmir to Greece, the Balkans, and eastern Turkey picking […]
Çiğdem Aslan’s second album, A Thousand Cranes, is a mesmerising sequel to her debut album Mortissa, which celebrated the songs of 1920s’ Izmir and Istanbul. Her latest offering takes its cue from turna / crane – a migratory bird whose symbolism as a messenger can be found in many cultures and mythologies. On A Thousand […]
Istanbul-born Çiğdem Aslan brings her multi-lingual skills to this year’s Rebetiko Carnival, singing the songs of her roots. Çiğdem came to the forefront of the UK Rebetiko revival with her stunning 2013 debut release Mortissa, which breathed new life into 1920s and 1930s Rebetiko and Smyrnaic songs. The album received great reviews from all around […]
It’s been an incredible 12 months for Çiğdem Aslan. Described by the Guardian as, “one of the best British-based discoveries of the year”, she released her debut album Mortissa last October to critical acclaim in both the UK and in her native Turkey. Among her many achievements this past year was to be nominated in […]
