Aşık Veysel commemorated on fortieth anniversary of his death

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Deputy Mayor Ahmet Selamet presents a painting to Aşık Veysel’s granddaughter Çiğdem Özer at the ceremony. AA photo

Modern Turkey’s most famous minstrel, Aşık Veysel, was commemorated in Istanbul on the 40th anniversary of his death at an event held at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall. 

One of the granddaughters of Aşık Veysel, Çiğdem Özer, said the minstrel played to end fighting and called for people to live in peace and solidarity. 

Aşık Veysel also gave priority to human honor regardless of a person’s language, religion, race and sect, she said. “What Aşık Veysel said many years ago should enlighten 
our way today.”

She said the name of the bard had been given to parks and schools and that they appreciated what had been done for him.

Istanbul Deputy Mayor Ahmet Selamet said Aşık Veysel was very important for Turkey’s cultural life. “Aşık Veysel means tolerance. It means unity and brotherhood. He unites people and makes them love general customs.” 

The ceremony also featured a documentary film produced by Can Dündar, while folk artist Cengiz Özkan also gave a concert performing the bard’s works. 

In addition to Selamet, Veysel’s relatives, Culture and Social Affairs Department Chairman Abdurrahman Şen, Mufti Rahmi Yaran, the bard’s close friend Nuri Sesigüzel and many others also attended the ceremony.