Erdal Erzincan

Erdal Erzincan is a celebrated Turkish Alevi folk musician, composer, singer, and a virtuoso of the bağlama, a traditional Turkish stringed instrument (saz). Born in Erzurum, Turkey, in 1971, he moved to Istanbul in 1981 and honed his skills under the tutelage of the legendary Arif Sağ at his music school. Erzincan is highly regarded as one of the most outstanding exponents of the Anatolian music tradition of his generation. He has made significant contributions to the development of the şelpe technique, a finger-picking method for playing the bağlama without a plectrum, which is akin to the tapping technique on a guitar. His music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of his native country, delivering emotional and expressive performances that blend traditional melodies with a modern approach.

Throughout his prolific career, Erzincan has released numerous successful solo albums and engaged in notable international collaborations. A major highlight of his career has been his partnership with the acclaimed Iranian kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor, resulting in the critically acclaimed instrumental albums The Wind (2006) and Kula Kulluk Yakışır Mı (2013). These projects are known for their improvisational depth and fusion of Turkish and Persian musical traditions. Erdal Erzincan has performed globally at prestigious venues and festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the WOMAD Festival. He is also a dedicated educator, having founded a music school in Istanbul that carries his name, where he leads a bağlama orchestra comprised of his students, ensuring the preservation and continuation of this rich musical heritage.