“Bu Akşam Bütün Meyhanelerini Dolaştım İstanbul’un” (Tonight, I wandered through all the taverns of Istanbul) is a Turkish song composed by Avni Anıl with lyrics by Turhan Oğuzbaş. It is performed in the Kürdilihicazkar makam (mode) and follows the Curcuna usul (rhythm). The song is structured in a traditional şarkı form.

Avni Anıl (1928 – 2008) was born in Istanbul, Turkey. He completed his primary education at Selimiye Elementary School, followed by Paşakapısı Middle School and Haydarpaşa High School. After completing his military service, he entered the Police Institute. In 1955, he left the police force and started his career in journalism. He spent three years as the editor of the arts page at Akşam newspaper. From 1955 to 1967, he worked in the news service of Istanbul Radio. In 1967, he established the “Anıl Publishing Agency” and became the editor of the arts page at Dünya newspaper. He also published the magazine “Musıkî ve Nota” and released a four-volume work titled “Musıkî Sözlüğü,” which featured important memories related to the history of music. As a composer, Avni Anıl had over 120 works. In 1998, he was honored with the title of State Artist by the Ministry of Culture. He notably contributed to Turkish Classical Music in the 1960s and 70s, composing music for poems by Ümit Yaşar Oğuzcan. Among the prominent composers of his time, he stood out alongside Yusuf Nalkesen. He strived to reflect the emotions conveyed in the lyrics through music and dedicated years of work to each composition. Almost all of his songs are of a high standard. Avni Anıl passed away on June 14, 2008, in Izmir, Turkey.

Turkish Lyrics

Bu akşam bütün meyhânelerini dolaştım, İstanbul’un.
Seni aradım kadehlerdeki dudak izlerinde.
Canım doya doya sarhoş olmak istiyordu.
Seni aradım kadehlerdeki dudak izlerinde.

English Translation

Tonight, I wandered through all the taverns of Istanbul.
I searched for you in the lip prints on the glasses.
My soul longed to be intoxicated to the fullest.
I searched for you in the lip prints on the glasses.