An important part of Alevism is reflected in Alevi poetry and songs. Poets, singers and musicians are highly regarded by the Alevis and folk music is particularly popular. There are many folk poets and folk singers who have made an important contribution to Alevi culture with their poetry, literature, song and music. This is best expressed in the cem ceremonies. These gatherings consist of music, song (deyiş) and dance (semah) in which both men and women participate.

During this concert evening, the bağlama festival brings a piece of Alevi culture to Ghent. Çiğdem Aslan (vocals & percussion) & Tahir Palalı (tembur, kopuz & vocals) already appeared on stage at De Centrale in 2018 with the program 'Mystic Music of the Alevi'.

Mosaic of songs from Anatolia

Çigdem Elmas: bağlama & vocals
Erkan Çanakçi: bağlama & kemençe

Anatolian folk music in the manner of the aşıks, the Alevi troubadours

Telli Turnalar consists of four young instrumentalists from different backgrounds.
Gülay Hacer, Cangül Kanat, Eléonore Fourniau and Petra Nachmanova have found each other around a common passion: Anatolian folk music and the baglama.
The group's name refers to the Anatolian crane and symbolizes migration and the lasting hope of one day returning home. They bring these and other timeless themes of Anatolian music culture through song, percussion and of course the baglama, the most emblematic instrument of Anatolian culture. The addition of the hurdy-gurdy or hurdy gurdy makes the musical experience extra interesting.

Eléonore Fourniau - hurdy-gurdy and vocals
Petra Nachtmanova – saz and vocals
Gülay Hacer - vocals and percussion
Cangül Kanat – saz and vocals