Deniz Mahir - KafaNar

KafaNar (meaning "Pomegranate-head") is the solo performance of multi-instrumentalist Deniz Mahir Kartal. Originally from Istanbul and now based in Berlin, Kartal bridges East

and West through a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The name KafaNar draws from the image of a pomegranate—its seeds symbolizing the musical memories Kartal has collected over a lifetime. Each genre he has explored becomes a seed, and together, they form a vibrant, multifaceted whole. From the outside, it may appear unified, but within lies a rich diversity of musical traditions.

This boundary-defying performance fuses rare instruments like the kaval, duduk, and çağlama with vocals rooted in Anatolian heritage. Kartal weaves these elements into a rhythmic journey, layered with electronic textures, loops, and beats inspired by Berlin’s techno scene. The result is an experience that speaks to both body and soul.