Difference between revisions of "Istanbul Timeline"
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'''1986:''' Arman Tomurcuk, Agop's younger son, starts working with Istanbul as well.<font color=blue><sup>1</sup></font color=blue><br> | '''1986:''' Arman Tomurcuk, Agop's younger son, starts working with Istanbul as well.<font color=blue><sup>1</sup></font color=blue><br> | ||
'''1992:''' In 1992, Arman completes his education in England and returns to Istanbul. In 1993, he attends the Musikmesse trade show, and helps to expand the company’s distribution to 30 countries worldwide.<font color=blue><sup>1</sup></font color=blue><br> | '''1992:''' In 1992, Arman completes his education in England and returns to Istanbul. In 1993, he attends the Musikmesse trade show, and helps to expand the company’s distribution to 30 countries worldwide.<font color=blue><sup>1</sup></font color=blue><br> | ||
| − | '''1996:''' Agop Tomurcuk passes away. Sarkis (now the chief cymbal-smith), and Arman leave the company, forming Istanbul Zilciler, today known as "Istanbul Agop".<font color=blue><sup>1</sup></font color=blue> Agop's partner forms his own company - Istanbul Mehmet.<br> | + | '''1996:''' Agop Tomurcuk passes away. Sarkis (now the chief cymbal-smith), and Arman leave the company, forming Istanbul Zilciler, today known as "Istanbul Agop", in 1997. <font color=blue><sup>1</sup></font color=blue> Agop's partner forms his own company - Istanbul Mehmet.<br> |
| − | '''1982 - 1996:''' This era of Istanbul cymbals is often referred to as "Pre-Split" Istanbul by drummers. | + | '''1981 / 1982 - 1996:''' This era of Istanbul cymbals is often referred to as "Pre-Split" Istanbul by drummers. |
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Latest revision as of 02:53, 7 December 2025
1941: Agop Tomurcuk, is born in Istanbul, Turkey.1
1950: At age 9, Agop starts working as an apprentice at the K. Zildjian factory in Istanbul.1
1977: After 27 years, Agop becomes well-skilled in the cymbal-making process and becomes a master cymbal smith.1
The K. Zildjian facility ceases operation this year, moving to Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada, then under ownership by Zildjian, which later becomes the Sabian factory.2
1980: Agop becomes partners with his friend Mehmet Tamdeğer.2 (In the 1950s, Tamdeğer works in the K. Zilcan factory in Istanbul. At the age of nine, he starts to work for Mikhail Zilcan, grandson of Kerope Zilcan, after whom the Zildjian K series is named.)3
Agop's and Mehmet's cymbal production begins this year as Zilciler Kollektif Şti. (English: Cymbal maker Collective), initially using a stenciled, painted Zilciler logo on the cymbals.1
Zilciler Heavy Ride profile
Zilciler Heavy Ride top
Zilciler Heavy Ride company engraving
Zilciler Heavy Ride model/size stamp
Zilciler Heavy Ride bell undersize with signature
Zilciler Heavy Ride bottom
1982: Zilciler starts importing cymbals to the U.S.A.. Around this time, the name is changed to "Istanbul". Drummer Mel Lewis becomes the company's first endorser.1
(Mehmet Istanbul states that Istanbul cymbals didn't reach American shores until 1984.)3
Stenciled, painted logo
Later logo
Mehmet and Agop's signature under bell
1984: Sarkis Tomurcuk, Agop's eldest son, joins the company. He works alongside the 9 or 10 others employees to learn the cymbal-making process.1
1986: Arman Tomurcuk, Agop's younger son, starts working with Istanbul as well.1
1992: In 1992, Arman completes his education in England and returns to Istanbul. In 1993, he attends the Musikmesse trade show, and helps to expand the company’s distribution to 30 countries worldwide.1
1996: Agop Tomurcuk passes away. Sarkis (now the chief cymbal-smith), and Arman leave the company, forming Istanbul Zilciler, today known as "Istanbul Agop", in 1997. 1 Agop's partner forms his own company - Istanbul Mehmet.
1981 / 1982 - 1996: This era of Istanbul cymbals is often referred to as "Pre-Split" Istanbul by drummers.
Sources:
1 istanbulcymbals.com (retrieved December 6, 2025)
2 Canadian K timeline(retrieved December 6, 2025)
3 istanbulmehmet.com (retrieved December 6, 2025)
