BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm in the very beginning stages of planning a trip to Morocco, Turkey and Iran- starting there and possibly adding other destinations but hoping to be gone at least 6 months and dedicating 2 months to each place, starting in late August 2008. While the primary purpose of my trip is to seek out music and learn as much as I can about the music of each country (whether by private lessons, independent schools or just observing, if nothing else) I'm also hoping to get in a bit of just sight-seeing and traveling. I'm not entirely sure yet if I'll fly between Morocco and Turkey or go by land; have been assuming that I'll go by land between Turkey and Iran. I realize this is incredibly open-ended. I'm also interested in language classes in each country and wonder if anyone has any suggestions on cities for Morocco, Turkey and Iran. I may not be able to resist going to Armenia as well... Suggestions on places to do further research (besides a guide book) are also much appreciated. Oh, and I'll be traveling alone as a woman, which I imagine will change what's possible/safe in many places. Thanks!!

I know about turkey, and in Turkey you'll be safe enough with normal precautions.

If you go to turkey, the instrument of that country, well, there are several, but most foreigners prefer the Szasz. Its like a guitar or a lute, but its plucked and slid, and apparently tuned very differently.

Its the Sitar of Turkish culture. In Istanbul and other larger cities you can probably find lessons if you look around.

Theres another which looks like a harpischord on a board which is plucked, and strangely enough, often there are women playing that instrument. Its not often used for solos, however, but as a string backround.

Then there is the voice. Traditional Turkish music is big on women wailing in Turkish to the tune of the music. Its a bit disturbing to the ears of the non-musician who is not a fan of choruses, so forgive me my subjective interpretation of the phenomenon.

There is also the music of the Mevlana Sufis, and that can be found in big shows and perhaps by poking around for a Master of Sufi music. It involves soft wind flutes and drums, and is very eery relaxing, almost soul soothing.

Hope this helps.

Tortuga

PS, in Eastern Turkey you need to dress more conservatively.

As A woman you will have to wear Hijab to the head in Iran. You know In Iran, It is must have as a law. All Women must do it. When I’m there , I see that Most girls don’t want to do it (especially in summer), so it is better to stay at home in August. But not Problem for women there Generally (they even have more rights than men really -NOT joking. Don’t Be Surprised Seeing Iranian Women Eating in Restaurants, while their husbands wash the spoons at home).

Also In Iran There are 30 millions Azeris Living There. So knowing Turksh Lanuage can help you both in Turkey And Iran (Azeri Lanuage is nearly the same as turksih). Certainly, For official things you will need Percian language.

About Cities. In Turkey My favorite Is Istanbul certainly. In Iran i recommend Tebriz (i Love It).

I spent 2 weeks in Turkey last year traveling as a solo female and did not have any problems. Occasionally, I received a few curious stares when I was walking through more conservative areas, but that was the extent of it. I dressed fairly conservatively and would definitely recommend you do that in the eastern half, if you make it there.

Turkey is an incredible country, and one of my favorites! I blogged about my trip (see link below), so you're welcome to scroll through it for ideas.

I applaud your goals! Morocco, Turkey, and Iran are all three very fascinating countries with very rich musical heritages, if that's what you're into. I've traveled in all three, but have spent the most amount of time in Morocco (my second home). There are great language schools throughout Morocco (the better ones being in Fez and Ifrane), and you shouldn't have a hard time delving into the music scene at all -- it's huge.

I'm happy that you'll be spending so much time in each country. Each time I visit Morocco I have to stay at least 2 months. I'm returning this June as part of a 4 - 6 months North/West Africa trip and am greatly looking forward to it.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, let me know and I'll do my best to address them.

Hi Josh,

When did you go to Iran? How was the visa process when you went?

Hi Chris, I went to Iran in '06 as part of a larger Middle East trip. The visa process was probably about the same as it is now -- paperwork, photos, letter, hotel registration, month and a half wait. It wasn't too bad, relatively speaking, as I had to go through hell with Ghana.

For Iran, I just had a hostel that I booked a few nights stay with (I hate prebooking, but in cases like this, I do it to get the visa) get the Foreign Ministry to approve my visa, and from there just followed the routine procedure of supplying a couple passport photos (I think it's four now), a basic (and made up) itinerary, proof of sufficient funds -- all the jive you're probably already familiar with if you've looked into it.

It really wasn't that bad.

Hey Chica--
In Morocco I'd suggest trying to go during one of their music festivals. They have a fairly impressive one...around...June/July in Essouria that celebrates Gnawa music (maybe spelled wrong). That's a fun festival to go to because the music is great, Essouaria is laid back and groovy, and also there's a lot to sight see around there. Did I mention the fish stalls?

In Marrakech you can take language lessons (probably in other cities as well, but I lived in Marrakech so that's the one I'm more familiar with.) If you take Moroccan Arabic you wont be understood by the rest of the Arab speaking world. Then again, you're off to Turkey and Iran so that's not really an issue. Moroccan Arabic is a fun and very expressive languge, you may be able to sign up at Marrakech University as a student. Check it out online.

As a woman alone you'll def. get hassled. But dont let that put you off. Just take precautions. Big huge shades where one of the best deterents I found. Eye contact is a big deal in the Arab culture. Take that out of the equation and it works wonders. Also I'm sure you know to not dress in revealing clothing. Lots of tourists and even some locals in the bigger cities of Morocco do...but as a traveller and a guest you might want to invite less attention and stay on the side of caution. Wear a wedding ring, keep pictures of fake children and a fake husband. All these things invite respect.

There are tons of places in Fes and Marrakech and a number of other cities on the coast where the music scene is booming. One thing you might want to do is visit the music stores and inquire if they play in a band. Most will say yes. Ask them to play something, if you hear what you like ask for a reccomendation to a teacher, or for them to give you lessons. Just make sure you meet somewhere public for the lesson, as there are nasty sterotypes about western woman abound and you wouldn't want to give them the wrong idea that 'lesson' meant something else entierly.

Sounds like you're going to have an amazing time on your trip. Rock on and let us know how it goes for you.

In Istanbul Turkey at the Old Orient Express Train Station you would enjoy the Twirling Dervishes..Sulfi Music and Dance ( I might not have spelled it correctly). I was in Fez Morroco for a short while but had my daughter so I did not go to the clubs or evenings out much so I did not experience any Music There. I did go to a bar in Istanbul to listen to some cultural music but didn't find anything out of the ordinary sorry to say...I did in Southern India though. I am a music therapist so I would love to hear what you have found when you get back. Happy Travels. Let me know if you need any advice ...I have a little as traveling Mother/daughter (13 years old) is also a bit of a anxious challenge but I would do it all again...It was wonderful!