Mehmed Nuri Efendi

Seyyid Mehmed Nuri Bey was born in the Eyüp district of Istanbul in 1834 as the son of Mültezim Hacı Mehmed Ali Bey. Because he was the grandson of Moralı Bekir Paşa, he was referred to with the title “Bey” rather than “Efendi.” He became known as “Bolâhenk Nuri Bey” because he played the bolâhenk ney, a type of reed flute, and because of his convivial, conversation-loving personality.

During his secondary education, he began official service as an assistant clerk in the Interrogation Office of the Bâb-ı Zabtiyye, and later held various state posts. His last office was examiner in the Fortification and Inspection Department of the Imperial Arsenal, from which he retired in 1908.

In his musical education he benefited from figures such as Hatice Hanım, daughter of Hamâmîzâde İsmâil Dede Efendi; Dellâlzâde İsmâil Efendi; Rifat Bey; and Mehmed Rızâ Efendi, sheikh of the Eyüp Hatuniye Lodge. He joined the Mevlevi order, learned the ney and developed his knowledge of religious music in this environment.

Bolâhenk Nuri Bey was one of the important figures of late Ottoman Turkish music, known as a teacher, composer, singer and ney player. In the meşkhane he opened near Eğrikapı, he trained figures such as Hacı Kirâmî Efendi, Hâfız Hayreddin Bilgen, Rauf Yektâ Bey, Lemi Atlı, Neyzen Emin Yazıcı and Hâfız Sâmi.

He composed many works in both religious and non-religious genres. His two Mevlevi âyins in the bûselik and karcığar makams are among his best-known compositions. His lyric collection titled Mecmûa-i Kârhâ ve Nakşhâ Beste ve Semâi ve Şarkiyyât is an important work for the classical music repertoire.

Seyyid Mehmed Nuri Bey died in 1328 in the Hijri calendar, corresponding to 1910, and was buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.