A Living Landmark

By creating and maintaining a living landmark in Ahmet’s birth place of Istanbul, Türkiye, as well as satellite locations throughout the world, Ahmet’s life in music and the story of many other present and past music legends can remain alive. Through sound, vision, education and performance space, Ahmet’s House authentically serves the music by educating present and future music lovers about the immense importance of this legacy, while also providing resources and peer support to the performing and non-performing members of the music profession. This is where we gather to celebrate, remember and learn; to sing, to dance and Connect as Community.

Ahmet’s House will hold a live music venue, recording facility, interactive and engaging archive museum, teaching space and community gathering spot. It will also become the new broadcast home of Ahmet’s House radio, which will allow live interactions with Ahmet’s House patrons! Ahmet’s House, through celebrating and promoting cultural and musical heritage, will play an integral role in maintaining and enhancing the social and economic vibrancy of its various locations.

Warm and welcoming. A place of permanence to honor Mr. Ertegun and his legacy, and the careers of music’s most respected alumni on both sides of the microphone. An eternal gift to the world of music.

Important features of Ahmet’s House flagship location will include:

1. Provide outstanding human and technical resources to supplement and strengthen existing educational programs

2. Key location in Ahmet's home city

3. Affiliation with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to share exhibits

4. Flexible interior space

5. A unique stand-alone music museum and library

6. Small private performance/meeting space for unique guests

7. Mid-sized performance space open to the public

8. Highest quality standards for sound and vision

9. Re-creation of several environments key to Ahmet’s life: Bodrum garden, Studio A, Ahmet's listening room

10. Active outreach programs to connect with the community

11. Central courtyard for quiet reflection

12. An experience that changes people: a place where Ahmet would linger; a place he would call “the real thing”

The story of Ahmet Ertegun is an American success story and a Turkish success story. It is an immigrant's story, written in jazz, rhythm, blues, and rock and roll! It was the birth child of “a Muslim working with a Jew, to bring the Gospel music of the blacks to white America.” It allowed people of color to dance together, and to foster greater racial understanding. It is a mission and a message. When we dance, we talk. When we begin to talk, we learn to not hate. It lives in small phrases written in the same script as our Key Statement scattered throughout the building on walls, floors and ceilings, in song lines, artist quotes, and pieces of our mission statement. It unifies “The Ahmet’s House Experience” throughout the house. Many copies of “What’d I Say”, (the Atlantic Records coffee table book commemorating their 40th anniversary) will be found on the tables. Small individual artist centric books will abound, with quotes about Ahmet, and others which will tell their story. Educate. Always educate.

When people ask others, “So where is the museum? Is it upstairs? Is it in the bar?” The answer will be, “It’s everywhere!” There is no distinction. People are part of the museum when they are there. The history of it all lives with the people as they enter and as they leave. They carry it with them. They carry it in their hearts, where their songs are alive. There will be lectures, and classes. Young and old, together, always learning. We will bring in special guests from the musical universe. There need be a garden, to reflect. To hear our own special songs. Always educating. Always uplifting. Always giving people a reason to elevate themselves. Ahmet's House is not solely a place to “go out”. It changes people.