Aşina – Istanbul Reflections

Istanbul, once the capital of three empires, is a crossroads where languages, religions, and cultures have met for centuries. This rich historical tapestry has given rise to a diverse musical tradition. The program explores the musical traces of the city's Greek, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim communities, bringing Istanbul's multifaceted soundscapes to life. This event is part of the 'aşina' concert series. Derived from Persian, 'aşina' describes something familiar even if not fully known—a sense of closeness requiring no explanation. The series represents a new way of listening that recognizes the familiar within the supposedly foreign. Renowned international musicians travel to Berlin for these performances, bringing traditional forms and urban sounds to the concert hall stage to reflect the music of the present day.