Itri was born in Istanbul, in 1640. His real name was Buharizade Mustafa. After his primary education, he went to the convent of the Mevlevi Dervishes, in Yenikapi. He studied Turkish Islamic music. He studied literature and calligraphy with Ahmed Efendi and learned music from composer Hafiz Efendi. The Khan of the Crimea Selim Giray patronaged him. He was appreciated by Sultan Mehmed IV. He was the courtier and musician of the Sultan. He gave music lessons in the women’s quarter. He left the Palace when he was fifty years old. He became the guardian of slaves. He continued this duty until he died. Itri was interested in calligraphy and fruit growing, besides music. He wrote poems with pseudonym of Itri. He wrote folk songs with syllabic meter. He composed thousands of religious and non-religious music. He died in 1712.

©Copyright 1999 FORSNeT (All Rights Reserved)