KUAN is a music group founded in 2011 by Demircan Demir and Barkın Çoruh, performing Turkish ethnic music. Emerging as part of the Kök Müzik Project, the group later expanded with the participation of Tahir Ayne and Çağrı Akoğlu. Blending Turkish folk music and ethnic music traditions with modern arrangements, KUAN aims to create a unique sound using traditional instruments such as bağlama, kaval, and percussion. The group particularly aims to present Anatolia's musical heritage to audiences with a contemporary approach.

Founding and Background

KUAN was founded in 2011 in Istanbul by Demircan Demir and Barkın Çoruh as part of the Kök Müzik Project. The project aims to preserve the traditions of Turkish music while reinterpreting this heritage with modern and experimental arrangements. With the joining of Tahir Ayne and Çağrı Akoğlu in 2012, KUAN reached its current four-member structure. The group aims to reach both local and international audiences by interpreting folk songs and melodies from various regions of Anatolia. KUAN, incorporating improvisation elements alongside acoustic instruments in its performances, offers an authentic and dynamic musical experience to its listeners.

Musical Style and Repertoire

KUAN's music is based on Turkish folk music and ethnic music traditions. The group reinterprets folk songs and melodies from different Anatolian geographies with modern arrangements. Works such as “Al Cenneti Çal Başına” and “Pirlere Niyaz Ederiz” stand out in their repertoire. These pieces both remain faithful to traditional melodies and are enriched with modern musical elements. Bağlama, kaval, erbane, and other percussion instruments are key elements that form KUAN's characteristic sound. The group aims to establish a strong connection with the audience by incorporating improvisation and interactive elements in its stage performances.

Featured Works

• Al Cenneti Çal Başına: This work, reflecting Anatolia's mystical and emotional folk song tradition, has reached a wide audience through KUAN's modern arrangements.

^{KUAN's Song 'Al Cenneti Çal Başına' (YouTube)}

• Var (Deli Gönül Neyi Özler Durursun): Adapted from Neyzen Tevfik's poem “Çok Şükür”. The song stands out with its deep and contemplative lyrics. KUAN, using ney, bağlama, and percussion in this work, conveys the melancholic and philosophical spirit of the poem to the listener with a musical hypnosis.

^{KUAN's Song 'Var' (YouTube)}

• Pirlere Niyaz Ederiz: In this piece, the group pays homage to the Anatolian Alevi-Bektashi tradition while presenting the music with a contemporary perspective.

^{KUAN's Song 'Pirlere Niyaz Ederiz' (YouTube)}

Impact and Contributions

KUAN has reinterpreted Turkish ethnic music in a modern context, increasing interest in traditional music, especially among young listeners. The group has gained recognition both in Turkey and internationally through its stage performances and presence on digital platforms (Spotify, SoundCloud). Reaching 38,500 monthly listeners on Spotify, KUAN contributes to the global promotion of Turkish folk music. Furthermore, as part of the Kök Müzik Project, it continues its mission to preserve Anatolia's musical heritage and pass it on to new generations.