Turkey's most famous minstrel Aşık Veysel commemorated

SİVAS / ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Turkish Minstrel Aşık Veysel’s Sivas house, which was converted into a museum in 1982, drew many visitors on the 41st anniversary of his death. AA photo

On the 41st anniversary of his death, modern Turkey’s most famous minstrel, Aşık Veysel Şatıroğlu, has been commemorated in his hometown in the Central Anatolian province of Sivas’ Şarkışla district. Sivas Mayor Ali Barut, Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy Malik Ecder Özdemir, Şarkışla District Governor Davut Gül, Aşık Veysel’s son Ahmet Şatıroğlu and Cumhuriyet University Aşık Veysel Vocational School students, as well as many other protocol members, visited the grave of the poet.

During the ceremony, some of his songs were performed and prayers were said. “To understand Aşık Veysel, it is not enough to listen to his songs but their meaning should be perceived,” Mayor Barut said.
Following the ceremony, the groups visited Aşık Veysel’s house, which was converted into a museum in 1982. The museum, displaying his bed, saz, photographs and personal belongings, was full of visitors during the day. The poet’s beeswax sculpture drew the greatest attention in the museum.

Concert in Istanbul

The legendary musician was also commemorated in Istanbul with a concert, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Cultural and Social Affairs Department. Aysun Gültekin performed the poet’s songs in the concert at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall.

Veysel was born in 1894 in the village of Sivrialan in Sivas, and went blind at a very young age due to pox.