A tribute to Erkin Koray

Since 13, I listen to heavy metal and its derivatives. I never had a close relationship with Turkish music. If I ever listened to it, it was a derivative of Anatolian rock genres. Regarding Anatolian rock, Erkin Koray is a pioneer, and I listened to him a lot. He recently passed away. I am quite sure many older citizens in Turkey from all walks of life have an affinity with him. During my military service, one of the commanders who gave me a hard life was still listening to it. One night I heard it from his office, and I felt good. Rest in Peace, dear Erkin Koray.

“Anatolian rock” pioneer Erkin Koray passes away at 82

Erkin Koray was a Turkish musician and electro-baglama player, active in Anatolian rock[1]. He is considered to be the father of Turkish rock music and a pioneer in fusing regional folk music with psychedelic rock[3]. Koray was born in Kadıköy, Istanbul in 1941 and began playing covers of Elvis Presley and Fats Domino in the late 1950s with his band[1][5]. He released his first psychedelic single “Anma Arkadaş” in 1967 and followed this with a number of singles, both by himself and in collaboration with others[1]. In the early 1970s, he formed the group Ter (“Sweat”), with former members of the band Bunalım (Group Depression) [1]. In 1973, his first album, Erkin Koray, was released, with singles from 1967 to 1973[1]. He left Istanbul Records after the release of the album and, in 1974, signed with Doglan Records, which released his dabke[1]. Erkin Koray passed away at the age of 82 on August 7, 2023[4][6].

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erkin_Koray
[2] https://www.allmusic.com/artist/erkin-koray-mn0000803481/biography
[3] https://www.allmusic.com/artist/erkin-koray-mn0000803481
[4] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-rock-music-lost-a-legend-erkin-koray-185335
[5] https://www.t-vine.com/the-incredible-life-and-legacy-of-erkin-koray-the-godfather-of-anatolian-rock-1941-2023/
[6] https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/music/turkish-rock-legend-erkin-koray-dies-at-age-of-82

What is Anatolian rock music?

Anatolian rock, also known as Turkish psychedelic rock, is a genre of music that emerged in Turkey during the mid-1960s. It is a fusion of Turkish folk music and rock, incorporating elements of both traditional Turkish music and Western rock and roll[1][4]. Anatolian rock became popular in Turkey soon after rock groups gained popularity in the country[1]. The genre is characterized by its unique blend of Euro-American popular forms, particularly rock and roll, with Turkish music, played using both Western and Turkish instruments[4].

Key figures in Anatolian rock include renowned Turkish musicians such as Barış Manço, Cem Karaca, Erkin Koray, Selda Bağcan, Fikret Kızılok, and bands like Moğollar, Kurtalan Ekspres, and 3 Hürel[1]. These artists and bands played a significant role in shaping and popularizing Anatolian rock music.

Anatolian rock has gained global attention in recent years, with its unique sound and fusion of musical traditions attracting listeners from around the world[4]. It continues to be appreciated and enjoyed by music enthusiasts, and contemporary bands like Altin Gün carry on the tradition of Anatolian rock[5].

In summary, Anatolian rock is a genre of music that emerged in Turkey during the mid-1960s, blending Turkish folk music with rock influences. It has been shaped by influential musicians and bands and continues to be appreciated both in Turkey and internationally.

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolian_rock
[2] https://www.last.fm/tag/anatolian+rock/artists
[3] https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/a-brief-history-of-anatolian-rock
[4] https://mozartcultures.com/en/turkish-psychedelic-music/
[5] https://daily.bandcamp.com/lists/anatolian-rock-list
[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=RC2XdemiIMc