A Gentleman of Istanbul

The work, commissioned by A Far Cry in 2017, is a collaboration with composer/multi-instrumentalist Sanlıkol, who sings and performs piano, oud, and ney; and percussionist George Lernis. The symphony, which blends Turkish traditional, western classical, and jazz music, follows a 17th-century Ottoman world traveler, Evliya Çelebi, reflecting the cosmopolitan identity of this Muslim adventurer and celebrating the rich history and cultural diversity within Islam

Mehmet Ali Sanlikol says “Evliya Çelebi (çelebi: a title of distinction during the Ottoman period meaning ‘gentleman’) was an unusual Ottoman traveler, known today largely through his exceptional travelogue, the Seyahatname, probably the longest travel account ever written. Born in Istanbul in 1611 Evliya was a curious and an unconventional person who was educated in the Ottoman court. His is a sophisticated depiction of the known world through the eyes of a 17th century Ottoman Muslim; it has drama and color, darkness and light as well as tragedy and humor. (…) In order to best reflect on Evliya’s dizzying scope as well as the richness of 17th century Ottoman culture, I have incorporated an unusual variety of musical styles and solo instruments in this composition including concert music, jazz, African polyrhythms and various types of Turkish music. (…) In the end, my aim was to create a musical world as rich, colorful, diverse, and cosmopolitan as Evliya’s amazing travelogue. Ultimately, through this piece, I am aiming to be a 21st century Evliya.”