From Notes to Routes: Istanbul’s Musical Memory

From Notes to Routes is a musical journey on foot from Harbiye to Galata. Along the way we look at how music and place shape each other, and follow the social and cultural story of music in Istanbul through its people and venues.

We begin at the Church of Saint Esprit in Harbiye, at the grave of Donizetti Pasha, who shaped Western music in the Ottoman court. We pass the Istanbul Radio House, the Open-Air Theatre, the Atatürk Cultural Centre and the old Maksim gazino, hear about composers and singers on Sıraselviler, and talk about Orthodox church music at Hagia Triada.

On İstiklal Avenue we recall legendary venues long gone, the opera performances once staged in today’s Çiçek Pasajı, and Catholic church music at Saint Anthony’s. We end with Sufi music at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, the instrument makers of Galip Dede Street, and the foot of Galata Tower. The musician who joins us performs at several of these places; depending on availability, a different musician may join each tour.

Tours run on request, in English or Turkish, guided by Osman Altay or one of our guides. €100 per person, minimum 2 travellers; children under 12 free. Private tours for your own group: €250 per group. Guests who wish to go inside the Galata Mevlevi Lodge pay the entrance fee themselves. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.