Music of the Jews of Monastir

Throughout the Ottoman Era, Jews, mostly of Sephardic origin, inhabited the city of Monastir (today, Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia). After World War I, most of these Jews moved to North and South America as well as Israel carrying with them a rich musical tradition. Zack Youcha, a young descendant of a distinguished Monastirli family living in New York City, initiated the present project by assisting in the digitization of historical recordings carried out by Joe Elias, arguably the most prominent Monastirli active musician of recent decades.

Recorded materials in the playlist are made available to the public by Dan Elias. Digital repair and mastering by Nikhil Wadhwa and Zack Youcha, with guidance from Phil Klum and Elliot Majerczyk.

See also in our website the biographies of Sarah Elias ("Shorty") and Joe Elias.

Sound Examples

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
El Rey Ke Muncho Madruga

Sung by Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Kara De Luna- Section 1

Sung by Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Kara De Luna- Section 2

Sung by Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Vate Vate

Sung by Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Tengo Hermana- Section 1

Sung by Joe Elias and Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Tengo Hermana- Section 2

Sung by Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Ninya Ke Yo Amo

Sung by Joe Elias and Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
En Mi Huerta

Sung by Sarah Elias

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
La vuelta del marido

Sung by an anonymous singer

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Adios Granada mia

Sung by an anonymous singer

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Trez De La Noche

Sung by an anonymous singer

Monastirli Music cover
Monastirli Music cover
Una Pastor Ke Yo Ami

Sung by an anonymous singer



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