Honored as a peacemaker and virtuoso, Omar Faruk Tekbilek's work transcends political boundaries while maintaining traditional sensibilities. Omar Faruk was a musical prodigy. He was born in Adana, Turkey to a musical family who nurtured his talents. At the age of eight, he began his musical career by developing proficiency on the kaval, a small diatonic flute. His musical interests were nurtured by his older brother and by a sympathetic uncle who owned a music store and who provided lessons. Omar Faruk recalls, “ had a music store, and he also had another job during the day.