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World-renowned British-Azerbaijani musician Sami Yusuf will take the stage in Istanbul on Aug. 23, presenting the world premiere of his new album "Ecstasy" at Festival Park Yenikapi, a large open-air venue by the Marmara Sea.
The concert, titled "Ecstasy: Between Two Seas," will feature both re-arrangements of his well-known pieces and selections from the upcoming album, with part of the proceeds pledged to support humanitarian relief for Palestinians.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency ahead of the concert, Yusuf said Türkiye holds a special place in his heart. He recalled growing up listening to Turkish folk, classical and popular music, noting that Turkish traditions played a major role in shaping his sound.
“This is an honor for me. Meeting Turkish people and my audience here is very exciting,” he said.
He described his music as rooted in global traditions, with a strong bond to classical poetry and traditional instruments. “When you listen to my works, you feel a connection. These notes, these modes, are what shaped me,” he explained.
Yusuf underlined that he does not view music merely as entertainment but as a sacred art. Before each performance, he reminds his fellow musicians that the stage is “a spiritual rather than a physical space,” evoking the legacy of poets and mystics such as Yunus Emre, Mevlana, and Nesimi.
His aim, he noted, is to help younger audiences appreciate the weight of centuries-old traditions: “Respect and seriousness are at the center of what I do.”
The Istanbul performance will bring together his international ensemble and Turkish guest artists. Yusuf stressed that no two of his concerts are ever the same, explaining that each show has new arrangements and a distinct program. “Even my own voice is just one instrument among others,” he added.
The upcoming album has been in development for more than 10 years. He described it as a concept album that took him on a journey across cultures and musical traditions.
Yusuf said he prepares for the stage by withdrawing into meditation and zikr—a form of devotional remembrance in Islam—seeking an inward journey rather than outward distraction. “This is a humble experience. Our purpose is not just entertainment, but to honor a heritage that has been passed down for centuries,” he said.
He pointed out that traditional music is not dead, but a legacy carried from one generation to another. “Our role is to contribute to this transmission,” he remarked.
Addressing the ongoing war in Gaza, Yusuf described the situation as genocide and praised the private, often unseen efforts of people in Türkiye, Europe, and elsewhere who provide support. “This is sincere; it comes from the heart. Private efforts are much more important,” he said.
He confirmed that part of the Istanbul concert revenue will go to aid Palestinians. Although reluctant to speak about his philanthropy, he acknowledged that public announcements might inspire others. He has previously worked with the United Nations World Food Programme as an ambassador.
Supporting Palestine, he emphasized, has been a lifelong concern: “It is not for reward. Something inside compels me.”
Yusuf has also published a book in Turkish, "Beyond the Sound: Reflections on Music, Art and Spirituality," a collection of conversations from his "Reflections" podcast series. He expressed hope that the book would help young readers gain new perspectives on art, philosophy, and traditional culture, and even joked that it might help him improve his Turkish.
Looking ahead to his Istanbul concert, Yusuf said he was grateful to perform again in Türkiye: “Artists and audiences coming together create something magical. I am deeply honored to be here.”
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