The Street Musicians of Istanbul

In September 2015 the streets of Istanbul were filled with musicians from all over the world. At a time of increased migration, people from Syria, Iran, Iraq and elsewhere were passing through Istanbul, and musicians who stayed some time in the city realised that they could make a living playing on the streets.

Istiklal street is the main thoroughfare leading from the central Taksim Square down to the Bosphorus river, and during those days every busking spot on the street was filled with musicians from all over the world.

We became friends with some of these musicians, and we decided to make this podcast to explore their stories and experiences, but primarily to celebrate their music and their lives as musicians.