By Nazlan Ertan
The term “arabesk” (arabesque) originates from the Italian “arabesco,” (“in the Arabic style,”) initially describing ornate patterns featuring interlacing foliage and geometric designs. In Turkey, however, “arabesk” evolved beyond its artistic origins to signify a deeply emotive genre of music that emerged in the 1960s, blending Middle Eastern melodies with themes of longing, despair, and resilience.
Rooted in the struggles of rural-to-urban migrants, Arabesk music was the soundtrack of upheaval, encapsulating the dislocation and melancholy of a generation. Artists such as İbrahim Tatlıses, Orhan Gencebay, Müslüm Gürses, and Ferdi Tayfur shaped its distinct identity, transforming it into the voice of Turkey’s disenfranchised. Yet, this popularity came with criticism. To cultural elites striving for a Westernized, modern Turkey, Arabesk was seen as regressive, emblematic of bad taste —a kitsch counterpoint to their vision of progress. Eventually, Arabesk became a pejorative word in the polarized Turkey - it could mean a clothing style or emotional excess.
The recent death of Ferdi Tayfur, one of the movement’s most iconic figures, has reignited debate over its cultural significance. Tayfur’s career, marked by poignant lyrics and a heartfelt delivery, made him a beloved figure among millions. His passing prompted tributes from all corners of Turkish society, but none captured the Arabesk ethos more vividly than that of MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli. Known for his admiration for Tayfur, Bahçeli’s condolence message was a masterstroke of emotional prose:
“[Tayfur] was a brother to me, a master of voice and words who spoke to the realm of my heart. From the cotton fields of Adana, where he earned his livelihood with the sweat of his brow, to reaching the pinnacle of Turkish music and carving a place in the hearts of millions, he was a steadfast, selfless patriot and an artist of unmatched dedication.”
Bahçeli’s tribute continued: “The voice of Çukurova, which echoed with the melancholy cries of orphaned lambs, has now fallen silent, leaving his admirers steeped in sorrow. The death of Ferdi Tayfur has taken a piece of me with it.”
Bahçeli’s connection to the singer-songwriter who also acted, was more than ceremonial: Tayfur’s music, with its themes of longing and resilience, often accompanied the MHP leader on his car journeys. In April 2024, Bahçeli cleverly employed a clip of Tayfur’s song, “You Are the One Who Made Me Say It,“ to voice his frustration over President Erdoğan’s hesitation to shut down the pro-Kurdish DEM Party. The lyrics (“You put me in chains, I remained a friend to you whilst you acted with hostility”) resonated with Bahçeli’s sense of betrayal. Erdoğan, however, remains an outsider to Tayfur’s music and its layered symbolism, leaving the gesture's depth lost on him.
But Tayfur’s death also exposed lingering tensions surrounding Arabesk. Controversy erupted when Tele1 anchor Musa Özuğurlu dismissed Tayfur during a morning program, calling him “terrible artistically“ and his music “whiny arabesk.” Özuğurlu added, “Everyone is praising him now, but let’s be honest—musically speaking, it was awful, awful, awful.” The remarks sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) to launch an investigation.
The Council’s chair, Ebubekir Şahin, condemned the comments: “The immoral remarks about our artist Ferdi Tayfur on Tele1 are on our radar. This disrespectful behavior towards a beloved artist who has earned the admiration of millions will not be tolerated. Following an expert review, the matter will be brought to RTÜK's agenda.”
Tele1’s editor-in-chief, Merdan Yanardağ, quickly apologized, describing Özuğurlu’s comments as “exceeding their purpose“ and extending regret to Tayfur’s fans.
This episode highlights the enduring cultural sensitivity surrounding Arabesk. Once derided as unsophisticated, the genre remains a powerful cultural force, resonating with millions and giving voice to life’s rawest emotions. Ferdi Tayfur’s legacy ensures that Arabesk, in all its emotive complexity, will continue to spark admiration, criticism, and debate in equal measure.
