The four female musicians comprising Telli Turnalar offer a unique rendition of Anatolian songs in all their cultural and linguistic diversity. Their repertoire draws on Turkish, Kurdish, Zaza, Armenian and Laze heritage, reflecting the richness of their backgrounds.

The group takes its name from the grey cranes of Anatolia, which symbolise migration, travel and the desire to return.

The project was born from a shared love of the saz and the popular musical traditions of Anatolia, such as the Ak, troubadour poets who express the feelings and revolts of the people, the Alevi, for whom the saz is a sacred instrument, and Uzun Hava, free rhythm laments.

The strings of the saz vibrate to the intensity of these poems, as do the voices, each singer taking her turn whether as a soloist or as part of an architectural piece made up of polyphonic and subtle arrangements. Sometimes their voices ring out in unison, carrying the words and emotions up into the endless sky.

Recorded at the CNCM VOCE in Pigna (Corsica)