L'Islam - Danses Orientales

Released in 1965 on the French label Riviera, L'Islam - Danses Orientales is a significant ethnomusicological document that captures the intersection of Arab and Turkish folk traditions. The album, part of the label's "Richesse Du Folklore" series, features live recordings that prioritize cultural authenticity over the polished, "exotica" style common in Western belly dance records of the period. Side A focuses on the Arabian Levantine style, recorded at the "Taksim" in Istanbul, while Side B features Anatolian Turkish and Ottoman dances recorded at the "Sadirvan" in Ankara. Notable for its raw energy, the release highlights the percussion work of Mehmet Baris on the darbuka and provides a rare look at Middle Eastern regional sounds before the cultural shifts of the late 20th century.