Mısırlı Ahmet

Mısırlı Ahmet, born Ahmet Yıldırım in 1963 in Ankara, Turkey, is a renowned Turkish virtuoso darbuka player. His musical journey began in Turkey, but he soon traveled to France and then Egypt, where he refined his skills alongside masters. In Egypt, he developed his unique "split-finger technique," which enabled rapid playing. Known as "Ahmed el Turkî" in Egypt, he later became widely recognized as Mısırlı Ahmet or "Ahmet of Egypt." He has toured extensively and recorded several albums, including *Mel de Cabra* and *The Search*. Mısırlı Ahmet's music spans various genres, incorporating diverse influences from his travel experiences. He founded the Galata Rhythm School in Istanbul in 2007, emphasizing improvisation in percussion education.

His career highlights include collaborations with notable artists and performances at international festivals. Mısırlı Ahmet continues to tour globally, contributing to the rich landscape of world music with his innovative techniques and cultural fusions. His music often combines traditional ethnic rhythms with modern influences, creating a distinctive sound that resonates across different cultural contexts.