Velvele is a duo of Turkish-born musicians; Merve Salgar (Ottoman tanbur) and Anıl Eraslan (cello), based in Strasbourg, develop their projects in between Strasbourg, Berlin and Istanbul. The duo explores the tension and harmony between tradition and experimentation. Rooted in the forms of Turkish classical and folk music yet infused with contemporary sonorities, Velvele creates a crystalline bridge where listeners are invited into the space between simultaneity and agitation. Through a dialogue of two instruments, their performance divides and reweaves the sonic field: sometimes confronting, sometimes resonating, always inhabiting the liminal threshold where contrast becomes unity.
Links: Bandcamp / Video / Live at Konzerthaus Berlin
Merve Salgar’s work lies at the crossroads of Ottoman/Turkish music, free improvisation, and contemporary music. By developing a unique language on the tanbur (ottoman luth), she explores new sonic frontiers, whether through solo or collaborative projects. In 2016, she founded the trio Savt, a pioneer in musical improvisation with traditional Ottoman instruments. Over the years, she has collaborated with various artists and currently performs with ensembles such as Sousta Politiki, Mire, Imbroglio, Klank.ist, and Ottomaniak. In 2023, she released her first solo album, Step Out, as well as a duo album with Anıl Eraslan, Velvele.
Links: Website
Anıl Eraslan works on various musical projects between Berlin, Paris, Strasbourg, and Istanbul. From traditional Anatolian music to experimental, noise, and free music, he engages in diverse collaborations with creative ensembles from around the world. As a filmmaker, he recently completed his first feature-length documentary on the free improvisation scene in Istanbul, which premiered at the Istanbul Film Festival in April 2025.
Links: Website
“Sound Dreams of Istanbul”, a music documentary by Anıl Eraslan
Leading avant-garde artists in Istanbul’s improvised music scene are invited to recite their sonic dreams and stage them as musical performances in unconventional urban settings. Throughout this phantasmagoric journey, Istanbul reveals its musical and urban transformation.
Links: Website