Istanbul-based band touring the US for Syria

Sitting in a car from Sarasota, Florida to Washington D.C., is an enthusiastic, yet exhausted Istanbul-based band on their way to the last show in America.

For 10 days they played shows in New York, North Carolina, Florida, and Washington, D.C. "And everyone seemed to love it," the band members agreed. Their nationalities are ranging from Syrian and Turkish to Czech, French, and American. Together they are called Country for Syria. 

By blending traditional Middle Eastern tunes with American country music, their mission is to minimize the gap between the two cultures and enlighten Americans on the current conflict in the Middle East and its consequences on the people. Or as the band describes on their Facebook page: "Country music has its origins in the American Civil War. Now, Syria is in the midst of its own civil war."

According to the Syrian guitarist and vocalist of the band, Bashar Balleh, they have succeeded in opening the eyes of their audience and lessen the gap between the cultures when playing. "The American audience seemed very interested in our message. They asked a lot of questions about Syrians and the refugee crises - and did more than just listen to our music," he said. 

"Someone actually offered Bashar asylum," vocalist Owen Harris from the U.S. said. "I think we have definitely reached some new ears when spreading the message about refugees and the conflict and culture in Syria, but we have to wait and see how it ripples and if it has any concrete effect."

American dissociation 

It was in December last year that Harris and Balleh first started the band, and since then, new members have joined. In their opinion, they "are not just a band" though. They make trips to...