About me
Ezgi Benli-Garcia is an ethnomusicologist who specializes in the study of the musical practices of Alevis in Turkey. Her research primarily focuses on participatory musical practices, critical listening, and the concept of "having a voice" in both its literal and metaphorical dimensions, shedding light on the formation of identity through the mediums of sound and voice. As a dedicated baglama artist, and the fifth generation of a family lineage of such musicians, her work reflect a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of Turkey. Guided by ethnographic methods, her work brings together expertise from a performance career spanning over twenty years, along with academic research to explore issues of religious identity, spirituality, and gender in relation to how Alevi music is performed and perceived.
Ezgi is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Ethnomusicology at Indiana University, and her academic contributions have been featured in academic and journalistic platforms. She holds a Master's degree in Central Eurasian Studies from Indiana University's Global and International Studies program, a Master's degree in Turkish Music from Halic University Conservatory and a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ezgi is a music teacher, and her skills extend to coordinating artistic programs for non-profit organizations and community-based creative projects.