Sjahin During’s global travels have exposed him to a diverse array of musical traditions. Raised in Istanbul until age six, he then moved to Texel, an island in the North Sea. In Havana, Cuba, he explored the rhythms of Afro-Cuban Yoruba music. He furthered his studies with the San Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert, worked on the Namibian Tales project, and traveled to Turkey, Iran, and India to study local musical traditions. These journeys led him to the rhythmic and modal traditions he had long sought. He discovered music that transcends personal expression, reaching into realms beyond everyday perception, a spiritual quality shared by the Afro-Cuban Yoruba, the San Bushmen, and Sufi traditions.

Afro Anatolian Tales showcases Sjahin’s talent for bringing together artists from diverse traditions for meaningful collaborations. The project reflects his interest in rhythmic diversity and his ability to merge these influences into a modern framework. The performances present a blend of electro-acoustic music, abstract rhythms, and atmospheric soundscapes, creating an experience that bridges ancient and contemporary musical worlds.

The first album, “Afro Anatolian Tales,” released in 2008 by the Turkish label Double Moon, featured contributions from musicians such as Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Aynur, Mola Sylla, and Theodosii Spassov. The album garnered international recognition and was included in the Top 5 of music journalist Charlie Gillett’s (BBC) compilation. It also received a 5-star review in Songlines magazine, which described it as “a fascinating and contemplative musical journey.”

In the Netherlands, Afro Anatolian Tales made a notable impact with their participation in the Big Bang Festival Tour in 2008, performing at renowned venues & festivals like Heineken Music Hall, De Doelen, Tivoli Vredenburg, Muziekcentrum Frits Philips. The album’s music appeared in films and documentaries, highlighting its versatility and artistic range. The follow-up album, “Live in Tehran,” was released in 2010, recorded live at the Vahdat hall in Tehran, Iran, during Fajr Music Festival.