I use a mix of cymbals, also Zildjian, and the last years I've moved more to Istanbul cymbals but did not know this part of history and the connection the craft had to the old city. It is not surprising, though. Istanbul has a history as a cultural center since the Roman empire and before, holding its position long after Rome fell. It is one of my favorite cities in the world because of the mix of cultures across crafts and arts, and people - also within music. It's role in the cymbal and drum making history just adds to my impression. Istanbul unfortunately currently is a shadow of what it was, after many years of Erdogan and his followers' efforts to make Turkey less liberal and secular. I do hope history will show that this will turn, and that Istanbul will continue to be a metropol of blended cultures and creativity.
People on here just can't seem to comment without the political cheap-shots. Believe it or not, you can enjoy a thing/place/etc without "americanizing" it (making everything political).
I thought Istanbul was amazingly rich in terms of culture, food, etc as well as fairly liberal and safe. Didn't think twice about who's in charge nor cared. Can't wait to go back.
I am not from America, and do not favor Americanizing anything. I enjoy Istanbul, was there last summer actually, and love the city. I just point out what's been happing with the city the last 15 to 20 years, and that this is mostly due to political reasons, connected to the conservative and religious party of Erdogan. You should not mistake a comment made out of love for the city to be a comment of how things are better in the US or trying to make everything political. That is to give me intentions I do not have.
