Honored as a peacemaker and virtuoso, Omar Faruk Tekbilek is one of the most sought-after Middle Eastern musicians living in the United States. Relentless worldwide touring and a welcoming openness to music from all cultures position him as the rare artist who transcends political obstacles while maintaining traditional sensibilities. Tree of Patience is his personal acknowledgment of all the remarkable people he has encountered and who contributed to his development as an artist and a human being.

Omar Faruk is the recipient of the 2003 Turkish Music Award for “Best Artist” from the Turkish Writers Association. He was a nominee for the 2003 BBC World Music Award in the Middle East category. He was also the recipient of the people’s-choice US Golden Belly Musician-Of-The-Year-Award in 1998 and 1999.