The Turbans

The Turbans are an international collective of musicians.

The Turbans are an international collective whose music draws deeply from Arabic, Balkan, and Turkish traditions, with threads from Eastern Europe and the wider Mediterranean. Built from the intertwining paths and cultural crossings of its widely travelled, highly skilled musicians, The Turbans have grown from humble beginnings into a distinctive force on the global world music scene. Founded in folk but lit by powerful electric guitar lines, their sweeping orchestral layers and ancient oriental rhythms combine to create a psychedelic, transcendental sound.

Their live show is the real driving force: an interstellar, crowd-igniting experience that pulls everyone into the same rhythm. Energy flows freely between stage and audience and the crowd moves as one. With a bold eastern sound, driving rhythmic pulse, and a striking presence, they leave audiences with little choice but to smile, dance, and shout for joy.

The band’s core members have roots in Bulgaria, Greece, Iraq, Iran, England, Spain, and Italy, and have come together, united beyond borders, to play concerts and main-stage festivals across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Hong Kong, India, and beyond. They have appeared numerous times at the BBC, as well as at Glastonbury Festival and WOMEX, and have collaborated and performed with projects such as Africa Express.

Their aim is to show unity in action by bringing music directly to the people, young and old alike, creating shared moments of joy and genuine connection. Blending vibrant spontaneity, openness of spirit, and deep respect for one another’s traditions, the music speaks for itself.
“The Turbans are a British-based fusion band whose “music from manywhere” switches from the Balkans to the Middle East and from flamenco to North Africa. The best track on their self-titled debut is a cheerful love song to Hackney.” The Guardian

“A debut that’s politically conscious in all the right places.” New Internationalist

“The Turbans are a stomping ensemble that sound like Eastern Europe swinging the Middle East around by the arm in the middle of a raucous party. ”Songlines (from the tour preview)