If you've been researching handmade Turkish cymbals, you've almost certainly come across two names that look confusingly similar: Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet. Same city. Similar names. Completely different companies — and, crucially, different-sounding cymbals.
The confusion is understandable. Both brands trace their roots to the same legendary workshop, the same city, and the same centuries-old tradition of Turkish cymbal making. But they parted ways decades ago, and today they represent two distinct philosophies about what a handmade cymbal should be.
This guide explains the history, the split, and what actually separates the two brands — so you can make an informed decision about which direction is right for your playing.
The Shared Origin: Zildjian in Istanbul
To understand Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet, you have to go back to the Zildjian family — specifically to the Istanbul branch of the Zildjian cymbal-making tradition.
The Zildjian family had been making cymbals in Turkey since the 17th century. By the 20th century, their Istanbul workshop employed a number of master craftsmen who had spent their careers learning the art of hand-hammering bronze. When Zildjian relocated its primary operations to the United States, several of those craftsmen remained in Istanbul — and continued making cymbals independently.
Two of those craftsmen were Agop Tomurcuk and Mehmet Tamdeger. Both had worked under the Zildjian tradition. Both were masters of their craft. And in the 1970s and 1980s, both founded their own cymbal companies in Istanbul — companies that would eventually become two of the most respected handmade cymbal brands in the world.
The Split: Two Companies, Two Philosophies
Istanbul Agop was founded by Agop Tomurcuk in 1981. After Agop's death in 1995, the company was taken over by his nephew Arman Tomurcuk and master craftsman Sarkis Balyan, who have led the brand ever since. Istanbul Agop has consistently positioned itself as a premium, jazz-oriented brand — deeply rooted in traditional Turkish cymbal-making methods, with a focus on complex, dark, and musical tones.
Istanbul Mehmet was founded by Mehmet Tamdeger, who had also worked in the Zildjian Istanbul tradition. The company has grown significantly and now produces a broader range of cymbals across more price points and playing styles — from traditional jazz cymbals to more modern, aggressive sounds.
Both companies are still based in Istanbul. Both still use traditional hand-hammering techniques. But the sounds they produce — and the players they attract — are noticeably different.
How They Sound: The Key Differences
Istanbul Agop: Dark, Complex, Musical
Istanbul Agop cymbals are known for their dark, warm, and complex tone. They tend to have a lower fundamental pitch, a rich wash of overtones, and a musical character that sits beautifully in an acoustic or jazz context. They respond well to light playing — brushes, mallets, and light stick work — and open up gradually rather than cutting immediately.
This is not a brand for drummers who want instant attack and aggressive projection. Istanbul Agop cymbals reward patience and dynamic sensitivity. They're the choice of jazz drummers, session musicians, and players who want a cymbal that sounds like a musical instrument rather than a percussion tool.
The Istanbul Agop Traditional series is the purest expression of this philosophy — unlathed in places, heavily hand-hammered, and with a tonal complexity that takes time to fully appreciate. The Sultan series offers a slightly more refined version of the same character, while the 30th Anniversary series represents the pinnacle of the brand — handpicked bronze, individually voiced, and priced accordingly.
Istanbul Mehmet: Broader Range, More Versatile
Istanbul Mehmet covers more ground. Their range includes traditional dark cymbals that compete directly with Istanbul Agop, but also extends into brighter, more modern sounds suited to rock, pop, and fusion playing. They produce cymbals at a wider range of price points, which makes them more accessible to players who want handmade Turkish character without committing to the premium end of the market.
Where Istanbul Agop is focused and consistent in its identity, Istanbul Mehmet is more varied — which is both a strength and a potential source of confusion when navigating their catalogue.
Which Brand Is Right for You?
The honest answer depends on what you play and what you value in a cymbal.
If you play jazz, acoustic music, or any style where tonal complexity and dynamic sensitivity matter most — Istanbul Agop is the more focused choice. The brand has a clear identity, a consistent sound philosophy, and a catalogue that has been refined over decades to serve exactly this kind of playing.
If you want handmade Turkish character but play across a wider range of styles — Istanbul Mehmet's broader catalogue may give you more options at different price points and tonal profiles.
If you're new to handmade Turkish cymbals — the Istanbul Agop Xist Traditional series is an excellent entry point. It delivers genuine Turkish character at a more accessible price than the flagship Traditional or 30th Anniversary ranges, and it gives you a clear sense of what the Istanbul Agop sound is about before committing to the higher end.
The Istanbul Agop Range at Into Music
We are an authorised Istanbul Agop dealer and stock one of the largest ranges of Istanbul Agop cymbals available from a UK independent drum retailer. Here's a guide to the main series:
Traditional Series
The purest expression of the Istanbul Agop sound. Hand-hammered, partially unlathed, and with a tonal complexity that is genuinely difficult to replicate. The 18" Traditional Medium Crash (£251.90) and 17" Traditional Paper Thin Crash (£225.50) are standout pieces — the Paper Thin in particular is one of the most responsive crash cymbals we stock. The 14" Traditional Trash Hit (£159.00) is a favourite for players who want an unconventional, raw accent cymbal.
Sultan Series
A step up in refinement from the Traditional — still dark and complex, but with a more controlled wash and a slightly more defined attack. The 20" Sultan Jazz Ride (£319.00) is one of the finest jazz rides we stock at any price point. The 22" Sultan Ride (£420.86) offers more body and spread for players who need a larger platform. For crashes, the 18" Sultan Crash (£236.00) and 16" Sultan Crash (£196.00) are both excellent. The 8" Sultan Splash (£102.28) and 10" Sultan Splash (£115.00) are among the most musical splash cymbals in our range.
30th Anniversary Series
The flagship Istanbul Agop range — individually voiced, handpicked bronze, and made in very limited quantities. These are serious instruments for serious players. The 22" 30th Anniversary Ride (£535.00) is exceptional — complex, musical, and with a stick definition that rewards careful playing. The hi-hat range is equally impressive: the 14" 30th Anniversary Hi-Hats (£499.00) are among the finest hi-hats we have ever stocked. For players who want something truly special, the 24" 30th Anniversary Ride (£655.00) and 26" 30th Anniversary Ride (£799.00) are extraordinary instruments.
Xist Traditional Series
The most accessible entry point into the Istanbul Agop range. The Xist Traditional delivers genuine Turkish character — dark, warm, and musical — at a price point that makes handmade cymbals accessible to a wider range of players. The 16" Xist Traditional Crash (£185.90), 18" Xist Traditional Crash (£218.90), and 21" Xist Traditional Ride (£321.20) are all strong performers. The 14" Xist Traditional Hi-Hats (£308.00) are a particularly popular choice for players moving up from mass-produced cymbals for the first time.
Signature Series
Artist collaborations that bring specific tonal requirements to life. The 14" Joey Waronker Signature Hi-Hats (£420.86) are a standout — voiced specifically for the studio and live work of one of the most in-demand session drummers in the world. The 16" Signature Crash (£209.99) is another excellent piece from this range.
Istanbul Agop FAQs
Are Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet the same company?
No. They are two separate, independent companies that share a common heritage — both trace their roots to the Zildjian Istanbul workshop tradition — but they have been entirely separate businesses since their founding in the 1970s and 1980s.
Which brand is better — Istanbul Agop or Istanbul Mehmet?
Neither is objectively better. They have different sound philosophies and suit different playing styles. Istanbul Agop is more focused on dark, complex, jazz-oriented tones. Istanbul Mehmet covers a broader range of styles and price points. The right choice depends entirely on what you play and what you're looking for in a cymbal.
Are Istanbul Agop cymbals still handmade in Turkey?
Yes. Istanbul Agop cymbals are still made by hand in Istanbul, using traditional Turkish cymbal-making methods including hand-hammering and hand-lathing. This is central to the brand's identity and the reason their cymbals sound the way they do.
What is the difference between the Istanbul Agop Traditional and Sultan series?
Both are dark and complex, but the Sultan is more refined — it has a slightly more controlled wash and a more defined attack than the Traditional. The Traditional is rawer and more unpredictable in the best possible way. If you want maximum complexity and don't mind a less controlled sound, go Traditional. If you want that character with a bit more focus, go Sultan.
Where can I try Istanbul Agop cymbals before buying?
We stock Istanbul Agop cymbals in our Horncastle showroom in Lincolnshire. You're welcome to come in and play them — hearing the difference between series in person is the best way to make a decision. Call us on 01507 526517 to check current stock before making the trip.
Shop Istanbul Agop Cymbals at Into Music
We stock the full Istanbul Agop range across all series — from the accessible Xist Traditional through to the flagship 30th Anniversary. As one of the UK's leading independent drum retailers and an authorised Istanbul Agop dealer, we carry one of the largest selections of Istanbul Agop cymbals available online in the UK.
Not sure which series or size is right for your setup? Visit us in our Horncastle showroom or call us on 01507 526517 for expert advice, or order online with UK next day delivery available.