Things were wild in the neighborhood tonight. I came home around 5pm and found that a couple of blind musicians had set up in the street behind my in-laws’ apartment and were playing Turkish folk music super loud. People were tossing money from their balconies and even making requests to the group’s manager from their windows (watch the video below):
Truth is they were pretty bad and it was hard to have a conversation with all the noise. We were tempted to donate money just so they would move on, but we didn’t, and were treated to a full 30-minute performance. A couple hours later they were at it again down the street.
Around the same time I filmed what could be the pilot for an Istanbul-based Kid Nation. First the kids were dancing and chanting inside someone’s unlocked minibus (I think they might’ve been passing around a conch shell too):
Later they performed a physical challenge that involved stopping a moving car and preventing it from rolling down a hill:
Kind of surprising that we’ll get more peace and quiet by moving into the center of the city, but that’s how things look at this point. After tonight, we can’t wait.
3 comments ↓
Hey Jim, this is so funny… i thought these blind artists were becoming extinct. You took me all my childhood days.. They were everyweek playing in our neighbour, in the fair areas some special days and the last days of the primary school in our school garden. Hedious music. You wouldn’t understand a word.
They were actually carrying documents that the money they collect went to the disabled and blind peoples organization: I don’t remember the name of it but I know it was a state owned organzation back then.
For years I didn’t see any of those bands. Until 6 years ago in Istanbul there was a blind lady singing beatifully in Uskudar port. With a horrendous keyboard accompanying her. Such a funny detail that you filmed.
Yes, I’ve seen them on and off for several years, usually in Taksim. I can’t remember the name of the organization either, but I know the money was intended for charity (although there are apparently stories about the mafia getting involved and taking their cut).
I saw Crossing the Bridge last week, but somehow these groups didn’t make it into the film.
These videos are great. They really gave me a look into life in your neighborhood. I hope you find some peace and quiet at your new place.
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