Baha Yetkin

About me

BAHA YETKIN

Baha Yetkin is an internationally acclaimed oud virtuoso, composer, and educator, celebrated for his masterful technique and profound musical expression. With a career spanning 25 years, he seamlessly blends the rich musical heritage of Anatolia with contemporary, jazz, and flamenco influences, creating a unique and evocative sound.

Born and raised in Istanbul, the heart of centuries-old musical heritage, Yetkin honed his craft under the guidance of Turkey’s most esteemed masters. His deep understanding of Turkish makam music, combined with his innovative approach, has made him a sought-after performer on the global stage. Since relocating to London, he has captivated audiences across Europe and beyond, performing at prestigious venues and collaborating with world-renowned musicians.

A dedicated educator, Yetkin has conducted masterclasses and workshops at esteemed institutions, including Cambridge University and SOAS University, and has taught Turkish music to hundreds of international students through his online courses. His method book on Turkish-style oud playing serves as an essential resource for aspiring musicians, guiding them from beginner to intermediate levels with a structured and immersive approach.

Yetkin’s versatility extends beyond traditional music. He has been part of musical ensembles performing in productions by Oyun Atölyesi, İş Sanat the Royal Shakespeare Company and Donmar Warehouse, contributing to the immersive theatrical experience with the evocative power of the oud. He has also participated in numerous multicultural projects and continues to collaborate with artists from diverse musical backgrounds, further enriching his artistic journey.

In 2025, Yetkin expanded his discography with two evocative singles, Uzak Diyarlar and Denizin Kıyısında, released under CT Music, both deeply personal compositions reflecting themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. Additionally, his highly anticipated album The Makam – Oud, released under Karaca Music, showcases his unparalleled mastery of the oud and his deep-rooted connection to the timeless tradition of makam music.

With an unyielding passion for preserving and evolving the art of the oud, Baha Yetkin continues to inspire audiences worldwide, bridging cultures and eras through the language of music. His discography includes the albums The Pearl, The Turkish Oud, and The Makam – Oud, along with singles such as The Emperian, Tears of the Pearl, Shine Again, Uzak Diyarlar, and Denizin Kıyısında—each reflecting his deep artistic vision and mastery of the oud.

In addition to his performances, Yetkin remains a dedicated educator, offering both online and in-person oud lessons to students worldwide. He also shares valuable insights into Turkish makam music and oud techniques through his YouTube channel, where he continues to create educational content for musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Played For

Nurhayat Besiz
Bulent Oral
Hayri Peksen
Demet Sagiroglu
Mustafa Keser
Yilmaz Morgul
Gokhan Sezen
Bekir Unluataer
Seda Gokkadar Beyaz
Bulent Ersoy
Zeki Cetin
Yıldırım Bekçi
Muazzez Abaci
Muazzez Ersoy
Adnan Senses
Haluk Bilginer
Cigdem Aslan
Alp Deniz
Tevrat Colak
Ayda
Djanan Turan
Gokce Kilincer
Monooka

Played With

Ahmet Meter
Halil Karaduman
Michalis Kouloumis
Petros Klampanis
Tolgahan Cogulu
Andy Findon
Nigel Lily
Miri Mesika
Tariq Merchant
Alim Qasimov

Play at

CRR Concert Hall
Zorlu PSM
Lutfu Kirdar Congre and Performance Hall
Oyun Atolyesi
Moda Sahnesi
CKM Performance Hall
Is Sanat
Badau Istanbul
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Shakespeare Company
Vortex Jazz Club
Donmar Warehouse
Royal Asiatic Society
Asia House
Green Note
Rebetiko Carnaval
Gongora Theatre
Alamar Fest.

Albums Involved In

Taylan Polat
Djanan Turan
Olcay Bayir
Tolgahan Cogulu
Ayda
Iclal Aydin
Tevrat Colak
Burcin V
Alp Deniz
Billur Yapici
Ilke Humphries
Oguz Kaplangi
Aneesh Kashalikar

Plays/Movies

Sekspir’s Seven at Oyun Atolyesi,  2008-2009
Fehim Pasa Konagi at Maltepe Council Theatre Collective, 2010
12th Night at Is Sanat, 2012-2014
Father Odysseus at Unicorn Theatre, 2016
Unseen in a short movie, 2017
Midday Land at Kentish Town, 2019
A Museum in Baghdad at the RSC, 2019
The Band’s Visit at Donmar Warehouse, 2022

Taught at

Asiyan Music Association, 2003-2012
Kalkedon Flamenco Music and Art Association, 2011-2015
Hos Seda Art and Culture Centre, 2016-2019
Vatan Culturel Turkish Music Choir, 2016-2018
Yunus Emre Institute London, 2016-Present