Kerem Alar, a 25-year-old clarinetist, is a member of the country’s Roma minority. He plays solo at weddings and other events, such as henna nights, where brides prepare for their weddings by decorating themselves with temporary tattoos.
On such occasions, he can earn around US$100 for a day’s work – good money for a member of the Roma community. The work is irregular, usually occurring only on weekends between May and September.
When he is not performing, Kerem works in a factory. For many Roma in Turkey jobs are hard to come by. Collecting recyclable materials or being a musician are two common ways of making a living.
Sometimes Kerem performs by himself. At other events a small group of friends accompanies him playing tambourines, darboukas, and other types of traditional drums. His goals are to make music his main source of income and earn enough to buy a house where he can live with his wife and children.
The Other Hundred is a not-for-profit photo book by the Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) to provide a counterpoint to the mainstream media consensus about some of today's most important issues. The book introduces readers to the vast majority of people, ideas, places and cultures simply ignored by most major media publications. Through an annual series of books, each focusing on a particular subject, The Other Hundred provides an alternative and refreshing view on everything from people and their homes to performers, chefs and authors.
Sign up for Eurasianet's free weekly newsletter. Support Eurasianet: Help keep our journalism open to all, and influenced by none.