The serene notes of the kanun, a traditional Turkish zither, filled the Théâtre des Régions on Wednesday evening, as virtuoso Aytaç Doğan delivered a captivating performance that bridged cultures and eras. The concert, a highlight of cultural diplomacy, was presented by the Embassy of Turkey in Tunisia in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
From the first delicate pluck of the strings, Doğan commanded the hall, weaving a sonic tapestry that blended complex Eastern maqams with contemporary Turkish arrangements. His program was a journey—transporting the audience from the nostalgic alleyways of historic Istanbul to the vast, soulful landscapes of Anatolia.
The performance was characterized by technical precision and profound emotional resonance. Doğan’s instrument seemed not merely played but employed as a storyteller, alternating between introspective, melancholic melodies and vibrant, dynamic compositions that elicited palpable engagement from the audience. Each piece was met with sustained, warm applause.
“The evening was more than a concert; it was a dialogue through music,” remarked one attendee during the intermission, capturing the sentiment of many.
The event, supported by the Yunus Emre Institute and sponsored by Med Marine, underscored the power of cultural exchange. It concluded with a standing ovation, leaving a sense of shared admiration and a reinforced belief in music’s universal language. For one night in Tunis, the intricate sounds of the kanun served as a powerful ambassador of Turkey’s rich artistic heritage.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
