Recipient of the Best Artist Award during the Turkish Music Awards in 2003 from the Turkish Writers Association, Omar Faruk Tekbilek’s work transcends political and cultural boundaries. Born to a musical family in Adana, Turkey, Omar Faruk displayed a fascination and keenness for religious studies. He has established himself as one of the world’s foremost exponents of Middle Eastern music. A multi-instrumentalist par excellence, he has collaborated with a number of leading musicians of international repute such as jazz trumpeter, Don Cherry, keyboard player, Karl Berger and ex-Cream rock drummer, Ginger Baker, amongst others. Faruk’s music is rooted in tradition, but has been influenced by contemporary sounds. He views his approach as cosmic and his commitment to music runs deep. His creativity resounds with and emanates mysticism, folklore and romance.