Born in 1872, Cemil Bey earned the nickname “Tanbûrî” due to his talent for playing the tambur, a musical instrument. Although he began playing the tambur at the age of 15, his aptitude for music enabled him to master the kemençe, lute and violin before he was even 20. Before his death in 1916, he made significant contributions to Turkish music through his compositions, performances and technical expertise.