Meral Polat‘s MEYDAN is a fearless statement of voice and vision. Where her debut, Ez Ki Me, searched for identity through her father’s poetry, MEYDAN stands firmly in the present: a celebration of women’s strength and the Kurdish philosophy of Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (“Woman, Life, Freedom”). Across ten tracks, Polat blends Anatolian rock, Kurdish soul, protest blues, and world fusion into an expansive sound that is both rooted in tradition and global in scope.

The opening track, ‘Meydana Gel’, immediately sets the tone with Polat’s commanding voice, striking a balance between intimacy and defiance. Its rhythmic drive underscores the album’s central theme: the right to stand in the open, unshaken. Later, ‘Govend’, featuring Senegalese musician Mola Sylla, bursts with improvisational fire, weaving Afro-diasporic influence into Anatolian textures.

The rousing ‘Cenek’ showcases a mighty choir of 26 women, spanning various cultural backgrounds and age groups, all coming together to deliver a message of defiance and unity. The dreamy ‘Çiya Icaro’ sees Meral Polat teams up with Bolivian-born artist Ibbelise Guarda Ferraguti for a duet, perfectly embodying the band’s commitment to cross-cultural collaboration.

Throughout, layers of choir, percussion, synths, and distorted guitars create a sonic tapestry that feels both urgent and uplifting. MEYDAN is not just music; it is a rallying cry, an open square for resistance, solidarity, and joy.