COMPOSITEURS ET INTERPRÈTES

ZAHARYA (KÜRKÇÜ MİR CEMİL)

(?-1740?)

A composer, singer and musician, Zaharya was said to have served as head cantor at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Fener. It is said that he sang with the patronage of Ahmet III (1703-1730) and Mahmut I (1730-1754). As he was known by the nickname “Kürkçü” (Furrier), he is assumed to have been a fur merchant. Zaharya composed around 100 pieces; only 19 of these have survived to the present.