Bringing Turkish Folk Music to Life in America

“Let us focus on unity, compassion, and lifting each other up as a community.”

By Sitki Kazanci
We had the pleasure of speaking with Barış Demir — a professional musician and bağlama instructor who recently relocated to the United States. Known for his dedication to Turkish folk music and his commitment to building community through cultural events, Barış shared his personal journey, his passion for music, and his inspiring vision for Turkish-Americans. From founding the Mozaik Folk Music Choir to leading Zifiri Band, his story is one of creativity, resilience, and a deep love for heritage.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself—your birthplace, family life, and childhood?
My name is Barış Demir. I was born in 1982 in the Gaziosmanpaşa district of Istanbul. I am a professional musician and also a trained mechanical technician. I have one younger brother who currently lives in Germany. My parents have been living in our village house in Erzincan for many years now.

When did you move to the United States, and what led to your decision to settle here? Was it a challenging transition?
I moved to the US in March 2024. My fiancée , Yaprak, had already been living here for a long time while pursuing her master’s degree. After deciding to get married, we agreed to spend some time living together in the US. I have now been here for about a year. Naturally, it was an adjustment, but we have managed well.

How did your music career begin? Who or what inspired you initially?
My journey into music began with bağlama lessons at an early age. It was actually my father who encouraged me to start. Over the years, I developed my skills through personal study and by performing in various music groups. My earliest musical inspiration was Arif Sağ, whose influence shaped my style and dedication.
You are known for organizing events that bring the Turkish community together. How did the idea of founding the “Mozaik Folk Music Choir” come about?
When I first came to the US, I joined a Turkish classical music choir to help as a musician. However, I realized that their style was not exactly in line with my musical roots. That experience sparked the idea to create a Turkish folk music choir—and that is how Mozaik was born. We are currently preparing for a concert on April 26. Our repertoire features folk songs from various regions of Türkiye, with two pieces selected from each area to reflect the richness of our musical culture. We warmly invite everyone to attend.

Is there a process for joining the choir? Who can participate, and how can they apply?
There is no formal application or audition process. The only requirement is a love for Turkish folk music and a genuine desire to sing. Of course, members need to commit time and effort, but there are no exams or eliminations. The choir is entirely volunteer-based.

You also have a group called Zifiri Band. How did this ensemble come together, and what kind of music do you perform?
Zifiri Band came together after I moved to the US. Back in Türkiye, I was part of a band that played Anatolian rock. But here, I felt a strong need to return to my roots and focus on ethnic music. Our group includes Azerbaijani kemençe artist Togrul Orçov, and İsa, a newly arrived musician from Konya who plays clarinet and percussion. I play the bağlama and serve as the lead vocalist. Since there are not many groups like ours in the US, we have developed a unique repertoire and regularly perform live concerts.
We have heard you have an upcoming major concert. Can you share the details?
Yes! We are hosting a concert on April 26 at the Gunston One Theater in Arlington. We will perform our carefully curated repertoire, and the rhythm group will present a special percussion show. Additionally, the folk dance team from our choir will perform short segments during the event. Zifiri Band will close the night with a lively set of traditional dance music, including halay and regional folk dances.

You also offer private bağlama lessons. How can people reach you if they are interested in learning?
I started teaching private bağlama lessons within my first month of arriving in the US, and I have been doing so ever since. I firmly believe that one-on-one lessons accelerate progress. Anyone interested can contact me through the social media pages of either Mozaik Folk Music Choir or Zifiri Band.

Can you tell us more about your new YouTube project? What kind of content can viewers expect?
I have recently launched a new YouTube series that I have been planning for some time. The concept involves visiting people in their homes to share their life stories and perform a folk song of their choice. It is a blend of heartfelt conversation and live music, offering viewers a personal and emotional connection through Turkish folk culture.

How do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies or interests outside of music?
My wife and I love to travel—both within the US and back home in Türkiye. When we are not on the road, we enjoy watching films together (we were both movie buffs!), and I often use my downtime to practice and explore new instruments.

Who has been the most inspiring figure in your life, and why?
There have been many inspirational figures in my life. During my youth, I was particularly influenced by music educators like Ali Dağ and Erdal Erzincan, as well as musicians from various genres and instruments. While I do not draw inspiration from just one style, these individuals shaped my musical identity in significant ways.

Are you currently working on any new projects or planning anything for the future?
Yes, I have a few exciting projects underway. I am developing a new concept for Zifiri Band—I will keep the details as a surprise for now. I have also started initial preparations for the second concert of the Mozaik Folk Music Choir. Additionally, I want to collaborate with young musicians here in the US and get them involved in these cultural initiatives.

Is there something about you that might surprise our readers?
Back in 2016, I recorded a beautiful Anatolian rock album with my band in Türkiye. Following that, I appeared on the show O Ses Türkiye (The Voice Türkiye), where I gained some public recognition. We went on to perform in various concerts across Europe. Besides bağlama, I also play four other instruments as an amateur— and I am hoping to start learning piano soon!

What advice or message would you like to share with the Turkish-American community?
Rather than advice, I would like to offer a suggestion: let us focus on unity, compassion, and supporting one another. By embracing and uplifting our community, we can build a more meaningful and harmonious life together.

Lastly, is there a personal message you would like to leave with our readers?
I will close with my personal motto:
“Goodness is always good. It never harms to be kind or to share.” ■