Pre-History of Street Music in Istanbul: Historicizing the Discourses of Street Music

Street music in Istanbul, particularly after the 1990s, has been linked to global urban struggles, but its pre-1990s history was often overlooked or dismissed. This study identifies four distinct socio-historical contexts of street music prior to this period: music in public spaces like picnic areas and promenades; street vendors accompanied by music; outdoor music tied to drinking binges; and neighborhood performances. It also highlights key groups, including immigrant musicians, Gypsy entertainers, and rural âşık (minstrel) traditions. Using categorical content analysis on historical texts, films, and secondary sources, the research uncovers three dominant themes in historical discourses: street musicians as wandering urban folk artists, members of low-status groups, or outsiders. These findings historicize street music's discourses, providing a deeper understanding of its socio-historical context before its modern explosion.

Aydın, E., & Ayas, O. G. (2024). Pre-History of Street Music in Istanbul: Historicizing the Discourses of Street Music. Musicologist, 8(2), 125–157. https://doi.org/10.33906/musicologist.1454443