Devotional poetry set to music known as ilahiler has been used in Turkey for centuries during Muslim ceremonies. From as early as the twelfth century to the present day, both Muslim men and women sing ilahiler as a spiritual practice for remembrance and engagement with the Divine Presence.

Traditionally in urban settings, ilahiler were accompanied by small or large orchestras of various stringed and reed instruments along with percussionists and choirs. Also in the ilahiler tradition, there have been ashiklar, or traveling troubadours on acoustic folk instruments roaming the countryside, bringing the message of love and longing to ignite the hearts of every day people. Zevk Ensemble follows the pattern of this latter tradition.

The poetry emphasizes love of God, His Messenger Muhammed, His saints and all of humanity. Predominant themes are spiritual tolerance, endurance, forgiveness and peace. Some poets represented are the great literary and spiritual personalities of Yunus Emre, Ummi Sinan, Niyazi Misri, Pir Sultan Abdul and Aziz Mahmud Hudai.

Zevk Ensemble also performs a repetoire of Arabic nasheeds, another genre of devotional music, and musical poetry from the Sephardim or Spanish Jews.

We are endlessly grateful for the talents and inspirations of other musical artists that have contributed to the following recordings for sale. Their names are credited on each collection. Please enjoy a download sample from each album.