In Farsi, rastak means a young shoot. Just as a shoot has roots in the ground and is destined to grow and flourish, Rastak see themselves as being connected to the earth as the source of their history and culture. They are now stretching their branches out in many new directions. Formed in 1997, Rastak are now based in Istanbul. While the group has also interpreted music from neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Armenia and Turkey, the core of their work remains Iran. “We have had the privilege of collaborating with outstanding musicians and masters from various regions of Iran. This has enriched our music and enabled us to create unique and authentic melodies that reflect the rich cultural heritage of our nation”. Rastak has collected and adapted Persian, Kurdish, Baluchi and Turkmen folk music for an international audience. “Our aim is to inspire and connect people from all walks of life through the power of music.”