Private Kurdish Music Session Istanbul - Ancient Music Dengbeji
4 reviews
Experience hosted at home by
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2 Hours
English, Turkish
Hi, I’m Xalide, and I’d love to welcome you into a quiet space in Istanbul for a private Kurdish music session — an intimate cultural moment where stories are told not with books, but with music. In Kurdish tradition, we have something called dengbêj: it’s a way of storytelling through song, preserving memory, emotion, and resistance.
We’ll sit together while I perform traditional Kurdish songs accompanied by ancient stories. I’ll translate the lyrics and share the meaning behind each melody — tales of migration, love, and longing passed down through generations. You’re welcome to ask questions, reflect, or simply let the sound speak for itself.
This isn’t a performance. It’s a cultural ritual — quiet, personal, and deeply human.

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What do our guests say?
This experience with Halide and Baver was truly unique and unforgettable. We loved the songs and the storytelling, and of course we joined in to dance! Baver builds a fantastic community connecting hosts and travelers and you can really feel the warmth and hospitality. Highly recommend not only this workshop but all of Lokalbond’s offerings!
26.03.24
periwinkl

This experience was exceptional in so many ways. Being welcomed into a real Turkish home, meeting friends, family and other travellers. Spending time in this relaxed setting gave real insight into family life and modern Turkish culture. Once the singing started everyone was transfixed. Baver translated the stories of Halide’s songs for us, but even without this you could feel the emotion in the room. This experience is like no other! And what lokal bond are working towards is highly worthwhile and noteworthy. Do not miss out on this opportunity and watch this space for more exciting things from this community of experience.
27.03.24
D1565NAelizabethd

Upon arriving at the charming appartment, we were enveloped in warmth and hospitality, setting the stage for a wonderful evening. A talented woman graced us with the soulful sounds of dengbeji music. As she sang, we were offered insights into the lyrics, each song a narrative steeped in history and emotion. The music, so raw and evocative, coupled with a brief yet joyful dancing interlude, added layers to our experience that we hadn't anticipated. This was a window into the soul of a culture, delivered with genuine passion and joy. For those looking to explore the depths of local traditions, this is an opportunity that transcends the ordinary. Highly recommended for an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of this vibrant culture.
31.03.24
Elien V







