Dolapdere Big Gang

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Cover bands aren’t usually musical innovators. But Dolapdere Big Gang of Turkey might be the exception. Most of the group lives in Dolapdere, an Istanbul neighborhood with a rough reputation. This eight-piece band of young Roma musicians, plays Western pop hits in a traditional Turkish style. Matthew Brunwasser has the Global Hit.Download MP3

• Dolapdere Big Gang
• Video: Dolapdere Big Gang

Istanbul struggles with gentrification

Some of Istanbul’s old neighborhoods are struggling to modernize. The Turkish government is razing buildings to make way for new homes. But in the process, some argue, the original character of the neighborhoods is being destroyed, along with the fabric of the communities that live there. Aaron Schachter reports from Istanbul. (Audio available after 5PM Eastern)

• Slideshow: Istanbul gentrification
• Article on Sulukule from The Guardian newspaper
• Podcast: Istanbul, A Past and Future City