Nida Tüfekçi

Nida Tüfekçi — Biography

Born Mehmet Nida Tüfekçi on 1 March 1929 in the Akdağmadeni district of Yozgat, he learned to play the bağlama from his father even before starting primary school. After completing his early education in Akdağmadeni and Boğazlıyan, he graduated from the Ankara School of Finance in 1950 and worked for three years as a finance officer before devoting himself entirely to folk music.

Following the path of his teacher Muzaffer Sarısözen, Tüfekçi, together with his wife Neriman Altındağ Tüfekçi, became one of the leading figures in collecting and teaching Turkish folk music. He spent many years working for TRT before rising to a faculty position at the State Conservatory, and his contributions earned him the title of State Artist.

Tüfekçi died in Istanbul on 18 September 1993. His memory is still kept alive today through commemorative events, especially in Yozgat, and through a folk music choir that bears his name.