Newsletters
World music star Sami Yusuf returned to Istanbul on Aug. 23, after a long break, unveiling his new album “Ecstasy” before a crowd of 25,000 and pledging a portion of the concert’s proceeds to support those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Gaza.
Performing with a 75-piece orchestra, Yusuf shaped the night around arrangements prepared specifically for this concert.
He shared the stage with musicians from China, France, the U.K. and Spain alongside Turkish vocalists, and said it was an honor to perform with artists he described as outstanding. He opened with his acclaimed 2019 track “Nasimi” and returned to the stage to close with the same piece.
Spanish poetry took center stage in “Eterna” and “Amada,” where Yusuf sang in Spanish for the first time and collaborated with flamenco artist Moro.
The album showcase extended the concert’s cross-border tone and underlined the artist’s latest creative direction.
“Between Sea and Sky” featured musicians from a mehter ensemble, the historical Ottoman military band.
“In That Ocean” drew on the words of Mevlana and Yunus Emre with layered rhythms and melodies, while “The Meeting,” set to verses by Fuzuli, was dedicated to Gaza.
Yusuf greeted the audience in Turkish and told fans that Istanbul and the country have a deep place in his heart.
He also voiced solidarity with people in Gaza and Palestine, saying: “We hear you; we stand with you.”
7 min read
