ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some local and transnational music trends affecting the Istanbul scene from the 1960s onwards, expanding through the region and beyond. It focuses on Roma musicians of the Istanbul music scene of the early 2000s, which later led to a book and a music documentary, both titled Romanistanbul. The chapter aims to locate the discussion about Roma identity on the basis of professional organizations in interaction with the codes of traditional culture, while posing the question to what extent a socially-disadvantaged subculture can influence the culture of the majority, and how living in a city affects local culture at the same time. The development of the world music market in Turkey gave rise to increasing interaction between Turkish and international musicians. Istanbul's music potential grew richer in its own unique style during the 2000s, a style that is now well-known outside Turkey as well.
