Istanbul is home to tourists from all over the world. Although the city changes from time to time, this famous street continues to be open to different musicians. We set off from Taksim Square to Tünel to get to know the musicians who enchanted us with their melodies along the street.
It is possible to meet street musicians not only on Istiklal Street but also in different areas in Taksim. We started our route from Taksim subway. Before we left to Istiklal Street, the tunes of the 70-year-old veteran musician on the subway were a good start.
One is Greek, the other is American
The first duo we encounter is able to impress passersby with its energy. In the photo, the musician on the left is of US origin and on the right is of Greek origin. It is also remarkable that the American musician leaned on a wheel while playing the guitar. We can say that they have managed to appeal to both the ear and the eye. In the music festival accompanied by the accordion of the Greek musician, Greek songs spread the warmth of the south to the street.
Music has no age limits
Uncle Remzi, our street musician from Rize, who we met after passing Galatasaray, started playing kemencha (small three-stringed violin) after the age of 50. After his retirement, he decided to work as a street musician. Uncle Remzi, who enjoys making music on Istiklal Street, says that playing the kemencha on the street is his biggest hobby.
Iranian street performers
Iranian street musicians cheer the street with folk songs. The artist on the left with his flute and maracas; the artist on the right attracts the attention of those who pass through the street with his ukulele and beautiful voice.
Youth from Van
Saying that music is a great love for them, Şirvan Dilgeş is another name who carries the melodies of her music to İstiklal Street with her friends. This group carries Van's folk songs to the street.
You can also hear lyric music
This musician adorns the street with his soft melodies and brings lyrical pieces to life. The name of this instrument, which draws attention with its appearance similar to qanun, is sentuğ according to the musician.
Black Sea melodies with bagpipe
Towards the end of the street, our street artist, who performs the most beautiful pieces of the Black Sea together with his bagpipe, says that he has been playing music on Istiklal Street for years.
They bring the jazz and blues of the 1920s to the present day
Uninvited Jazz Band, which seems to have sprung from old American films, plays jazz and blues in the early 1920s, New Orleans style. Swing dancers accompany the Uninvited Jazz Band. If you are lucky, you may come across this feast one day.
A native in İstanbul
