Musical Performance

Şenkop is an Istanbul-based trio formed in early 2024, featuring Cem Mazlum (percussion), Rûbar Dindar (keyboard-vocals), and Ruşen Can Acet (kabak kemane/vocals). Their name blends "şen" (Turkish for joy) with "syncopation," creating "Joycopation" – reflecting their mission to reimagine authentic Anatolian folk songs with vibrant contemporary arrangements. The band's distinctive approach fuses jazz harmonies with traditional makam music while preserving microtonal elements essential to Anatolian multicultural sound mosaic. Şenkop bridges traditional heritage with modern sensibilities, creating fresh interpretations that honor cultural essence while infusing joyful energy.

The trio began with live recordings, and debuted at Art Istanbul Feshane in May 2024. Besides many concerts in the historical centers of Istanbul, Şenkop performed at the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival and Anopolis World Music Festival in Thessaloniki. Their first album was released in 2025 on major streaming platforms.

Nasin Quartet

The quartet Nasîn presents a selection of Anatolian repertoire which consists of Turkish, Armenian, and Kurdish tunes. They explore traditional melodies and blend the sounds of string instruments, vocals, and the breath of wind instruments.

The musicians met in Istanbul – together, they take the audience on a musical journey, full of feeling and emotion.

Other Music Projects

OneBeat is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, & produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.

In 2016, OneBeat Istanbul brought together socially engaged musicians from Turkey’s many ethnic backgrounds, and those feeling conflict, to create music projects that contribute to building resilient civil societies.

OneBeat

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In celebration of a decade of the global music diplomacy initiative OneBeat, the “Best Of OneBeat 2012 - 2022 Mixtape” features tracks from 18 OneBeat programs.

Listen

Musicians from across the globe gather in the heart of Jerusalem and create a space beyond jurisdiction in 2022.

arkho

Arkho

arkho

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Productions

Kemane Sample Kit @Splice

For this sample collection Found Sound Nation teamed up with master daf (frame drum) player, Tarık Aslan, and self-taught luthier and craftsman, Ruşen Can Acet, to create a set of dynamic percussive Daf loops and intoxicating melodies played on one of the oldest Turkish bowed instruments - the kabak kemane. This set of samples was recorded in Istanbul by Tarık and Ruşen and features hand-built instruments made by the performers themselves.