Istanbul Timeline
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, and starts a partnership for cymbal production. This year Zilciler Kollektif Şti. (English: Cymbal maker Collective) is started, initially using a stenciled, painted Zilciler logo on the cymbals.1
Zilciler Heavy Ride
Zilciler Heavy Ride
Zilciler Heavy Ride
Zilciler Heavy Ride
Zilciler Heavy Ride
Zilciler Heavy Ride
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
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".1
Sources:
1 istanbulcymbals.com
2 Canadian K timeline
