Customer Reviews

Women of Istanbul

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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

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