When it comes to tango in Turkiye, Esin Engin is perhaps the foremost name that comes to mind. Born to a family of Crimean immigrants, he received training in classical Turkish music and learnt to play the ud and kanun instruments. From his high school years onwards, however, he also pursued a Western music education.

Blending these two musical cultures, he released instrumental albums that transformed traditional Turkish folk music into polyphonic arrangements without compromising their essence.

Today, however, he is best known for his tango pieces. In his 1974-dated “Tangolar”, he sang tango songs that had become popular in the 1930s.

Beyond his singing career, Engin has made a significant contribution to Turkish pop music, art music, musicals, and film musics as an arranger, orchestra conductor, and musician.