Mercan Dede, whose real name is Arkın Ilıcalı, is a world-renowned Turkish composer, ney player, DJ, and producer, well-versed in blending traditional Turkish Sufi music with contemporary electronic sounds. Born in Turkey and now globally active, Mercan Dede is a musical maverick who employs a pseudonym that poetically combines two contrasting elements: 'Mercan' meaning coral and 'Dede' meaning grandfather, a Sufi term for a spiritual elder. This duality is reflected in his music as he creates a symbiotic mix of old and new.

Dede's work is a testament to his deep respect for Sufi traditions and his passion for modern music technology, transcending cultural boundaries with each composition. With albums such as "Journey of a Dervish" and "800", he has gained international acclaim, engaging audiences around the world with mesmerizing performances. His more recent releases, including "Atlantis Rising" and "Aziz", showcase a mature blend of spiritual themes and electronic rhythms, continually evolving his distinct musical signature while contributing to the global world music scene. Mercan Dede's live performances are known for their spiritual intensity, featuring traditional instruments and electronic beats, often accompanying whirling dervishes, which remains a sight to behold for audiences across different cultures.

Genres

Turkish Electronic

Turkish Jazz

World Fusion

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Latest Release

Golconda (Halaken Soundsystem Remix)

Mercan Dede

Single - Released July 4, 2024