Mercan DEDE ( Arkın ILICALI )

He was born in 1966, Bursa. He received his music education from experts of Sufism in traditional manner. He moved to Canada in 1988 where he accomplished his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. He also served as instructor in the same university. He conducted studies of world music in Saskatchewan University accompanied by Prof. David Kaplan. He continued music practices in Europe, Canada, USA and Turkey with different Sufi groups. He established world class groups, produced albums and performed concerts. He upheld the task of music director in the project “Guldestan Projesi” of the Ministry of Culture intended to represent Turkey in world culture. He brings together the old and new, East and West by gracefully harmonizing the celestial traditions of Eastern Sufi music with touches from contemporary music.