As we had reported earlier, on December 14, the Armenian and Turkish musicians gave a joint concert in Yerevan, which will be held also in Istanbul on December 22. The concert entitled “Melody for Harmony” will be attended by the “Beautified Project” rock-group, folk instruments by Turkish players and Istanbul-Armenian singer Sibil. Among Turkish musicians, there is well-known kanon-player Göksel Baktagir, founder of Yekpare Group Burak Malçok playing on the ney folk musical instrument, 18-year-old Mert Elmas playing on the percussion instruments and a member of the National Music Orchestra of Istanbul at the Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, famous oud-player Osman Yurdal Tokcan.
“When Andre said that he wants to organize such a concert, we all rejoiced, because the musicians of the “Beautified Project” band play in a more popular style while we are playing folk music. The combination of these two different styles of music transforms great energy. The combination of different cultures creates a harmony”, said Osman Yurdal Tokcan in an interview with Aravot.am. According to the source study, oud is an Armenian instrument by origin, some authors consider it also an eastern instrument.
We asked Tokcan what data he had studied about this instrument. “Actually, it is not determined in the historical sources about which of nations it belongs. Importantly, that it has become common in this region. If you ask the Arabs, they will say that it is their instrument. Turks and Armenians also say the same thing,” said the musician. He communicates with the Armenian oud-players living abroad and perform their works. He assures that he was not subjected to criticism and pressure in his own country for presenting the Armenian culture. “During our concerts, we always announce what kind of music we are going to play. When it comes to music, everything is put aside.”
Yurdal Tokcan also told about his friendship with the Armenian family. “When I was young, we had Armenian neighbors, we were having good neighborhood relations. When I was playing oud at home, my uncle Artin (the father of the Armenian family) was coming to our home to listen to my playing. We were congratulating their holidays, and vice versa. If a family member was dying, they were coming to the mosque with us and we with them to the church. I remember that my grandmother from my mother’s side used to die eggs on Easter holiday and distributing to the neighbors.” The oud-player also said that one of the music groups of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has prepared the CD of the songs authored by the Istanbul’s Armenian musicians.
Our interlocutor refrained from answering our question about his posture on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its condemnation. He just said, “As long as we carry the love in our hearts born from the music, we will understand each other better in the future too. The art is important in connecting the people together.”
Luisa SUKIASYAN
