As part of ARUCAD Department of Sound Arts Design’s webinar series, the talk titled “A Sonic Spirituality in Istanbul: Perspectives from a Colombian Ethnomusicologist” was held. Assistant Professor Dr. Juan Castrillón drew on his ethnomusicological research in Turkey to examine how sound, spirituality, and listening practices intersect within Istanbul’s musical and cultural landscape.
The webinar discussed multimodal research methods, diverse listening cultures, and the role of sound across both historical and contemporary traditions. Castrillón also highlighted how ethnomusicological representation can function as more than a simple “reflection,” noting: “It’s a mirror… but not a mirror that shows things as they are—it’s a refraction.” Emphasizing listening as a formative practice, he framed sound as central to lived experience, stating: “Islam is a very sonic experience of the divine.”
During the Q&A, participants explored the transformation of learning/teaching spaces in Istanbul, the social contexts of ney practice, and how institutional and market dynamics can reshape traditions. Castrillón’s reflections through the lens of Cyprus further expanded the discussion around borders, language, and cultural circulation.
Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKjDGxL7Yb0&t=13s