Yunus Emre Enstitüsü London hosted Mystic Sounds from Anatolia concert

As 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 Ramadan.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.
 

 
Muhammed Recai Çiftçi, a renowned scholar and musician, specializing in Turkish religious music and Sufi traditions. He is a member of the Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Society and the Istanbul Municipality's Sufi Music Choir. With expertise in Quranic recitation and Turkish makam music, his contributions to Turkish religious music are highly respected.
Baha Yetkin, a master oud player and composer, known for his unique fusion of Istanbul and Middle Eastern music. He has collaborated with renowned Turkish and European musicians and made history as the first Turkish oud player invited to perform flamenco in Spain and to give a solo recital at Royal Albert Hall. Based in London, he continues to perform internationally, releasing critically acclaimed albums like The Pearl (2019) and The Turkish Oud (2021), blending intricate rhythms, emotional dynamics, and spiritual themes in his compositions. He teaches at the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London
Muammer Sağlam, a skilled percussionist, who plays a variety of instruments such as darbuka, bendir, and riq, and has a wide repertoire of rhythms and styles.
Serdar Yılmaz, a brilliant qanun player, who has collaborated with many famous artists and orchestras in Türkiye and the UK..
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü (Turkish: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü) is the Republic of Türkiye’s cultural institute. Established in 2007, the organisation has over 90 branches worldwide. Through cultural diplomacy, the Institute aims to increase awareness of Turkish culture, support the learning of the Turkish language and to stimulate greater exchange in the fields of arts, culture, science, education. Since opening its doors in London in 2010, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London has become an improving the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.