Thousands flock to Istanbul for Sami Yusuf's 'Ecstasy' concert, marking his return to the spotlight with a crowd of 25,000 people.
Sami Yusuf, the world music star, returned to Istanbul on August 23, 2025, for a concert that drew a crowd of 25,000 people. The concert, held at a large venue in the city, was a powerful display of Yusuf's commitment to supporting those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Gaza.
Yusuf opened and closed the concert with the track "Nasimi," and during the performance, he addressed the audience in Turkish, expressing his deep affection for the country and its people. In between, he performed a mix of songs from his latest album, "Ecstasy," and some new tracks.
"The Meeting," one of the songs from the concert, is set to verses by Fuzuli and is dedicated to Gaza. Another song, "In That Ocean," features layered rhythms and melodies, creating a hauntingly beautiful sound. Yusuf also sang in Spanish for the first time in the songs "Eterna" and "Amada."
Yusuf's latest album, "Ecstasy," includes songs that draw on the words of Mevlana, Yunus Emre, and Fuzuli, and while it was not specifically released in Spain, it did feature a collaboration with flamenco artist Moro. However, there was no Flamenco artist collaboration on the album during the performance in Istanbul.
Instead, Yusuf was joined by musicians from China, France, the U.K., Spain, and Turkey, creating a diverse and dynamic sound that was further enhanced by a 75-piece orchestra. A mehter ensemble, the historical Ottoman military band, also participated in the concert, adding an air of tradition and history to the performance.
Throughout the concert, Yusuf expressed his solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine, pledging a portion of the concert's proceeds to support those affected by the crisis. The concert was a powerful reminder of the importance of music as a means of bringing people together and raising awareness for important causes.
Yusuf's concert in Istanbul was a testament to his talent as a musician and his commitment to using his platform for good. For those who were able to attend, it was an unforgettable experience, and for those who were not, the concert will surely be remembered as a highlight of Yusuf's career.
