Producer Hasan Saltık dies at 57

ISTANBUL

Hasan Saltık, the owner of Kalan Music, which introduced the musical richness of Turkey to the world, died on June 2 at the age of 57.

It was reported that Saltık, who produced more than 1,000 albums, died of a heart attack.

Saltık, who carried out important works in the music market for nearly 30 years, had an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency shortly before his death.

“We have never considered projects commercially. In other words, we have always spent a part of the money we earned for the projects without thinking of getting anything in return,” he said in the interview.

Born in Tunceli in 1964, Saltık compiled rare examples of classical Turkish music as well as Anatolian, Caucasian and Balkan folk music and presented them to music lovers.

After completing his primary education in Tunceli and his secondary education in Istanbul, Saltık had to leave his oboe instrument education in the Istanbul State Conservatory unfinished due to economic difficulties.

Saltık founded Kalan Music in 1992 after working for four years at the record company of his uncle’s son, Rahmi Saltuk and published the works that were important for ethnomusicological studies under the label of “Kalan Music.”

He compiled them from collectors, who held archival records that were about to be forgotten, and from former musician families.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry made condolences on its social media accounts.

“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of precious producer Hasan Saltık, who brought invaluable works to our musical memory. We express our condolences to his family and loved ones,” it said.

“I learned of the death of Hasan Saltık, the founder of Kalan Music, who provided great services to our music culture. I convey my condolences to his family and loved ones. I will always remember our conversations and friendship with goodness,” Turkish Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın said.