The Short History of Syrian Street Music in Istanbul

This article, published on Research Gate in English, delves into the evolving experience of Syrian street musicians in Istanbul between 2015 and 2020. It highlights how political, legal, social, and economic changes have influenced not only their daily lives but also their musical practices, performance venues, repertoires, and the meanings attached to these elements. The study focuses on street musicianship as a multifaceted practice fulfilling economic, social, and political functions amidst a lack of systematic support and institutional resources. By examining various aspects of this practice, the article sheds light on the intricate social relations and issues affecting both migrant musicians and other actors. Central to the discussion is Omar Alkilani, a prominent Syrian street musician in Istanbul, whose journey exemplifies how street musicianship serves as the first step in a career within a newly forming market for migrant musicians.
The research was conducted by Evrim Hikmet Öğüt, an Associate Professor specializing in musicology and migration studies at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul. She was awarded the ICTM 2022 Best Article for her research on Syrian street music in Istanbul.