Women of Istanbul [Original recording remastered]

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 9, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Trad. Crossroads
• ASIN: B000006OIG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,911 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Once Mustafa Atatürk founded a secular state in Turkey in the 1920s, women's role in society was strengthened. Consequently, a flood of women entered music, notably as supper club singers. Nonetheless, it was a risky proposition, due to Islamic beliefs, for most women to perform in public. So the phonograph provided a way for women to contribute to Turkey's burgeoning, albeit overly-Westernized and sanitized (the flip side of Atatürk's influence) pop culture. These tunes, made between 1928-53, are traditional folk songs, religious classical, and light cabaret-style cantos. Whether backed by swelling, full groups or single instruments, these women could belt and balladize, in a wholly Turkish mixture of European and Middle Eastern styles. This is extremely rare, previously undocumented music; it's phenomenally moving, liberating stuff. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TRULY AMAZING!! A RARE AND INSPIRING CD!, June 21, 2004

By 

"isil247" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Women of Istanbul (Audio CD)

I was dumbfounded when I saw this CD for sale, and I am so glad that I bought it. Whether you're Turkish or not, this CD brings you back to a time and place that is truly magical. Also the 40 page booklet, with rare photos and biographical information on these incredible women is so insightful and inspiring. I wish there were more CD's like this one from this monumental era in Turkish music.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Voices of a Forgotten World, August 12, 2008

By 

Zekeriyah (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Women of Istanbul (Audio CD)

Just as the early 20th century was a major period for classical Arabic music in Egypt, so too was it important for classical traditions in Turkey as well. Focusing on the period between the '20s and '40s, this compilation showcases many of the great names of Turkish music like Hamiyet Yuceses (who can be heard on the beautiful 'Bakmiyor Cesmi Siyah'), Roza Eskenazi, Faide Yildiz, Zehra Bilir, Muzeyyen Senar and many others. Considering the age, the quality of the recordings is really superb, ranging from classical gazels to night club cabaret songs, but all of them are beautiful examples of Turkey's rich musical heritage. As with similar recordings, the songs are all short enough to fit onto a compilation like this. And best of all, the album includes extensive liner notes about the songs, artists and culture and history of Turkey in the early twentieth century. If you are unfamiliar with Turkey's cultural heritage, you might recognize links with Arabic, Balkan and Greek music (owing to a shared Ottoman history). This is a fascinating and beautiful album, and an excellent choice for exploring the music of Anatolia (along with similar recordings like 'Turkish Village Music,' 'Masters of Turkish Music' and 'Istanbul 1925'). I strongly recommend buying this collection

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice selection, wonderful gift for the Turcophile., February 10, 2003

By 

D. Klevorn (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Women of Istanbul (Audio CD)

My husband fell in love with this cd. You might also like alleys of Istanbul and Istanbul 1925.