Renowned Türkiye-born multi-instrumentalist Omer Faruk Tekbilek performed at Madrid's Albeniz Theatre on Wednesday as part of the 6th Madrid Festival, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
Speaking after the show, Tekbilek called music "a universal language" that promotes tolerance across cultures.
The 55-year-old musician will continue performing across Spain, with additional dates scheduled in Ferroz, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia, Cadiz, and Granada.
Tekbilek has mastered multiple Anatolian instruments, including the ney, zurna, baglama, oud, and various percussion instruments. His career has included collaborations with internationally recognized artists such as Don Cherry, Ginger Baker, Ofra Haza, Bill Laswell, and Trilok Gurtu, among others.
His awards include the Best Artist of Turkish Music Award 2003 from the Turkish Writers Association, along with the US Golden Belly Musician of the Year Award for both 1998 and 1999.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.