Cafe De Anatolia live at Suli An (Grand Bazaar) Skopje
March 26, 2024 – Skopje’s Old Bazaar witnesses a captivating fusion of culture, history, and music as Cafe De Anatolia unveils its latest live performance amidst the ancient walls of Suli An. Collaborating with the esteemed Faculty of Fine Arts, this extraordinary event features renowned artists Majnoon, Billy Esteban, A. Jovevski, and Emrah Kanturovski, promising an unforgettable auditory journey. Against the backdrop of one of Skopje’s most iconic landmarks, this live set transcends mere entertainment, transforming into a profound celebration of tradition, innovation, and the universal language of music.
Suli An, a venerable 15th-century caravanserai, stands as a testament to Skopje’s rich historical tapestry and cultural legacy. Originally dubbed an “aquatic inn” owing to its adjacency to the Serava River, Suli An emerged as a crucial nexus for travelers and traders traversing the region. Across centuries, it has borne witness to the tides of history, evolving from a bustling marketplace to a hub of cultural confluence. Today, it stands as a symbol of Skopje’s enduring vitality, drawing visitors from afar eager to immerse themselves in its storied past.
Nestled within the hallowed confines of Suli An lies the Faculty of Fine Arts, a bastion of creativity and artistic expression. Established in 1980 as an integral part of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, the faculty nurtures the talents of burgeoning artists and scholars through its comprehensive array of courses in fine and visual arts. Its presence within Suli An underscores the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, as students and faculty alike draw inspiration from the architectural and cultural opulence surrounding them.
Amidst this backdrop of historical grandeur and creative fervor, Cafe De Anatolia’s live performance unfolds, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that transcends boundaries and genres. From the haunting strains of the ney flute to the pulsating rhythms of the darbuka drum, each note reverberates with the essence of Skopje, echoing through the ancient corridors of Suli An. Majnoon, Billy Esteban, A. Jovevski, and Emrah Kanturovski grace the stage, infusing traditional Anatolian melodies with a contemporary twist.
As the music fills the air, spectators embark on a sensory odyssey, ensconced within the sights and sounds of Skopje’s Old Bazaar. The cobblestone streets, adorned with centuries-old edifices, provide a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the overall experience for attendees, both local and distant. It serves as a testament to music’s unparalleled ability to unite individuals across cultures and continents, bridging the chasm between past and present.
As the final notes fade into the ether, the resonance of Cafe De Anatolia’s live performance lingers, imprinting an indelible mark upon all who bore witness. Whether a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the realm of world music, this spectacle promises to captivate and enthrall. So, recline, surrender to the melodies of Suli An, and embark on a voyage of discovery and enchantment. And remember, the music endures, poised to seize the next moment of inspiration and weave its magic once more.
Cafe De Anatolia, established in 2017 by Monika Ilieva, Nikola (Nickarth a.k.a. Rialians On Earth), and Zoran Iliev (Billy Esteban), is a Macedonian production and publishing company. Originating as a concept in 2009, it stands as a pioneer in genres such as “Organic House,” “Oriental Deep House,” and “Ethno House” within the global music arena. With a roster of over 4,000 artists-DJs performing worldwide, their extensive catalog boasts more than 6,000 musical compositions, making it the largest in the “Organic House” genre. Cafe De Anatolia holds the distinction of being the most awarded music publisher on YouTube, having received 31 Creator Awards. Additionally, it was the first Macedonian brand to be promoted in New York City’s Times Square and has established collaborations with renowned global brands like Forbes, Giorgio Armani, W Hotels, Four Seasons, and GoTurkiy. The brand has garnered attention from numerous prestigious publications including Forbes, Billboard, Entrepreneur, Gulf News, Gothic Magazine, Influencive, The Jerusalem Post, and CDA Mag, reflecting its growing influence worldwide. Nikola Iliev and Monika Ilieva are esteemed members of the Forbes Business Council and have participated in the Forbes Under 30 and Forbes 30/50 Summits through exclusive invitations, recognizing their status as leading young entrepreneurs and business figures globally, spanning the years 2022/23/24.
Credits for the Project:
➤ Faculty of Fine Arts ➤ Stojko Mitkovski – FA “Kitka” Istibanja ➤ Cafe De Anatolia ETHNO PROJECT Orchestra: Majnoon; Billy Esteban; Aleksandar Jovevski; Emrah Kanturovski ➤ Dancer: Anastasija Dancevska ➤ Directed by Nikola Iliev ➤ Organised by Monika Ilieva ➤ Camera: Kristian Gorgiev ➤ Decoration: Dajana Jovanovska, Rozeta Ilieva ➤ Technique & Equipment: Daniel Gorgiev