The Berlin musician İpek İpekçioğlu is one of the most unusual stars in the Berlin night sky. As DJ Ipek, she has made a name for herself on the dance floors of the world; her wild mix of oriental folk pop and electronic music is her trademark. She mixes Turkish, Arabic and Albanian hits with Kurdish disco folk dances, combines them over the course of a club night to create belly dance music and Balkan rhythms, or weaves in the psychedelic sounds of “Anadolu Rock” from the 1970s. Their spectrum ranges from Turkish tango and Anatolian folk to breakbeats, house and Berlin techno. If you wanted to summarize her style, you could call it “Ethno Electro”, she herself calls it “Eklektik Berlinistan”. The Süddeutsche Zeitung celebrated her as a “musical and political visionary”.
Socialized in Turkish choirs
İpek İpekçioğlu was born in Munich in 1972, grew up in the Mediterranean metropolis of Izmir in Türkiye and came to Berlin as a teenager. She was musically socialized in Turkish choirs and folklore groups, and she is at home in the transcultural border area between Berlin’s two immigrant districts, Kreuzberg and Neukölln. At Christmas 1994, as a young lesbian woman who had just come out, she played her favorite music for the first time at a party in the Berlin trendy club SO36 with a red DJ suitcase full of cassettes and a black chador she knew: This is her thing. At that time she didn’t have any CDs or records, but played cassettes.
A lot has happened since then: today she plays regularly at SO36, and the queer-oriental “Gayhane” parties in Berlin-Kreuzberg have been her regular venue for over 25 years. Initially intended as a meeting place for lesbians, gays and transgender people of Turkish origin who were looking for a safe space to party to their own music, the series quickly attracted more and more people of all backgrounds and sexual orientations – in recent years, many queer refugees from Syria, but also expat Berliners and tourists. The monthly party series is legendary: At the end, everyone hugs each other to Anatolian folk dance rhythms.
Internationally successful artist
DJ Ipek also plays at other places in Berlin: in the Maxim Gorki Theater, the Radialsystem or in the Humboldt Forum. She also accompanies artists at their concerts and has curated her own series of musical events. For a while she had her own radio show on a local station. But their reputation has long since spread beyond Germany. It is booked worldwide, from Amsterdam to Istanbul, from Morocco to Mexico and from Spain to Sweden. She has been a guest at many renowned festivals, from the British Glastonbury to the Sziget Festival in Budapest to the legendary “Fusion” in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
A Successful Artist Between Berlin and Istanbul
The vibrant connection between Berlin and Istanbul has long fostered creativity, blending cultures and traditions into unique artistic expressions. For many contemporary artists, these two cities represent a dual identity, a dialogue between East and West. One such individual, whose work flourishes in this dynamic space, stands as a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange.
Berlin and Istanbul: A Cultural Bridge
Berlin, a hub of modern art and avant-garde movements, is known for its experimental spirit and openness to diverse perspectives. Istanbul, with its rich history as a crossroads of civilizations, offers an unparalleled blend of tradition and modernity. Together, these cities create a fertile ground for artists exploring themes of identity, migration, and belonging.
Artists living between Berlin and Istanbul often draw inspiration from both urban landscapes. Berlin’s vibrant street art, cutting-edge galleries, and multicultural environment contrast with Istanbul’s historic architecture, bustling bazaars, and the timeless allure of the Bosphorus. This interplay of old and new, East and West, becomes a canvas for artistic innovation.
The Artist’s Journey
For a successful artist navigating these two cultural capitals, the journey often begins with a deep connection to heritage, coupled with a curiosity to explore global influences.
1. Roots in Istanbul
Born and raised in Istanbul, the artist is shaped by the city’s layers of history and its vibrant contemporary art scene. Early exposure to Ottoman art, Islamic motifs, and the natural beauty of the Bosphorus instills a sense of pride and curiosity. Istanbul’s ever-changing energy, a blend of tradition and progress, becomes a defining influence on their work.
2. Growth in Berlin
Berlin offers the artist a new perspective, a chance to challenge conventions and experiment with form. Here, they encounter a global network of creators, critics, and curators. The city’s thriving art scene, characterized by inclusivity and bold expression, provides the freedom to explore new mediums, from digital installations to performance art.
Themes in Their Work
The artist’s work embodies themes that resonate with their life between Berlin and Istanbul:
- Identity and Migration: Exploring what it means to belong in a world where boundaries are increasingly fluid.
- Tradition and Modernity: Reinterpreting classical motifs through contemporary techniques, blending the past and present.
- Urban Landscapes: Capturing the essence of Berlin’s raw industrial charm and Istanbul’s vibrant textures in striking visual narratives.
Artistic Achievements
The artist’s success is marked by exhibitions in prestigious galleries across both cities.
- In Berlin, their work is celebrated in venues like the Berlinische Galerie, where pieces exploring migration resonate with a diverse audience.
- In Istanbul, exhibitions at SALT Beyoğlu and Istanbul Modern highlight their innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms.
Their art often bridges cultures, addressing universal themes that speak to audiences worldwide. This has earned them accolades, including international art awards and residencies.
Impact and Legacy
Living and creating between Berlin and Istanbul, the artist becomes a cultural ambassador, showcasing the richness of these cities to the world. Their work highlights the beauty of dual identities and the creative possibilities born from cultural exchange.
As borders blur and identities evolve, the artist’s journey between Berlin and Istanbul inspires a generation of creators to embrace diversity, celebrate heritage, and forge new paths in art. Their success is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of the power of cultural fusion in shaping the future of artistic expression.
