ISTANBUL SPECIAL 1 - In this special episode coming from Istanbul, I am sitting down with bağlama player Mehmet. The bağlama is not that well known in Europe, but is played all over the Middle East, from ancient times until now. This instrument which in the west is known as the Turkish Saz, has a unique, idiosyncratic sound, very different to what Western musicians are used to. Together we talk about the musical repertoire of the bağlama, its traditions, the philosophy behind the music and the Middle-Eastern maqams. 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zmF76VfAlqenPicF2E2F1

(recorded on the 4th of April 2022)