The musicians work hard to ensure their music reflects Istanbul's unique position as a city straddling East and West. Erdem plays the Turkish ney reed flute, an instrument traditionally used by Sufis, a mystical branch of Islam, while his band mate plays a Western-style keyboard. - 'Like being in a movie'-In total, 82 musicians work on the intra-city line from 9:00 am until the last ferry at 1:00 am. Ferry musicians rely on the tips to make their living and it has offered a lifeline for those struggling with Turkey's economic downturn. "We have turned the ferry musicians into part of our brand."

Source: Bangkok Post May 26, 2019 04:41 UTC