Aşık Veysel (1969) | TRT Arşiv

Summary

The transcript presents an insightful interview with a Turkish folk artist who reflects on his life and artistic journey. It covers his early experiences, including his struggles with losing his sight at a young age, and how he came to learn the saz (a Turkish string instrument). The conversation delves into his deep connection with Sufism, nature, and his unique perspective on colors and shapes. He emphasizes his belief in the spiritual nourishment of the earth, expressing a desire to return to the soil without memorials or stones, but through the natural growth and sustenance he provided to others during his life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The aşık (folk poet) was born in Şarkışla in 1894 and lost his sight due to smallpox at the age of seven.
• 😀 Despite his blindness, the aşık developed a deep connection to music and learned to play the saz, a traditional Turkish instrument.
• 😀 The aşık's music and lyrics were heavily influenced by life experiences, including hardships and the teachings of others like Molla Hüseyin.
• 😀 His later works became deeply infused with sufism, reflecting his spiritual journey as he matured over the years.
• 😀 The aşık perceives the world differently due to his blindness, interpreting colors and shapes through touch and emotional resonance.
• 😀 He believes that the inner world, shaped by his unique experiences, is more vivid than the external world.
• 😀 The aşık holds a deep reverence for the earth, seeing it as a life-giving force that nurtures both humans and animals.
• 😀 He rejects traditional memorials, preferring that after death, the earth be left to return to its natural state, with plants and life growing above him.
• 😀 The aşık views the earth as not just a place for burial, but a source of sustenance and continuity for all living things.
• 😀 His philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, art, nature, and spirituality, with music and nature playing inseparable roles in his worldview.

Q & A

What is the significance of the poet's connection to nature in the transcript?

The poet expresses a deep connection to nature, viewing it as a source of life and inspiration. He often describes nature in vivid detail, associating elements like mountains, rivers, and trees with the cycle of life, growth, and nourishment.

How does the poet describe his early life and his loss of vision?

The poet recounts a challenging early life, including contracting smallpox at the age of two, which led to the loss of his sight. Despite this, he describes his upbringing as vibrant, filled with traditional folk experiences, including exposure to music and folk songs.

What role does the saz (a Turkish musical instrument) play in the poet's life?

The saz plays a central role in the poet's life, as it serves as both a tool for expression and a spiritual companion. The poet learned to play the saz later in life, and it allowed him to express his emotions and thoughts, especially those related to love and spiritual themes.

What influence did Mollahüseyin have on the poet's music and development?

Mollahüseyin is mentioned as an early mentor who helped the poet learn to play the saz. His guidance was crucial in shaping the poet's musical style and direction. The poet also references specific songs learned from Mollahüseyin, highlighting the significant impact this mentor had on his artistry.

Why does the poet prefer not to have a tombstone placed on his grave?

The poet rejects the idea of a tombstone, expressing a desire for his body to merge with the earth. He believes that the earth should remain unmarked, allowing plants and flowers to grow freely, symbolizing life and nourishment for future generations.

How does the poet view the concept of aging and its effect on his work?

As the poet ages, his work has become more infused with themes of mysticism and Sufism. He compares aging to the maturation of fruit, where wisdom and spiritual insights become more pronounced with time, leading to deeper connections with divine thought.

What does the poet’s reflection on color and vision reveal about his inner world?

Despite losing his physical sight, the poet describes his ability to perceive a richer, more vibrant world. He perceives colors not in the conventional way but through his heightened sense of connection to light and emotion. His inner world is filled with bright, intense hues that he associates with the essence of life.

What is the significance of the poet's approach to death and legacy?

The poet emphasizes a natural and humble approach to death. He does not seek a memorial or stone but rather wishes his body to nourish the earth, continuing the cycle of life by contributing to nature’s bounty, reflecting his belief in the interconnectedness of all life.

How does the poet integrate the concept of Sufism into his work?

Sufism is a significant influence in the poet's later works, with his lyrics often reflecting mystical themes such as unity with the divine, inner peace, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This shift towards Sufism represents the poet's maturation and philosophical evolution.

What does the poet’s description of his world reveal about his understanding of human connection?

The poet views humans as interconnected through their spiritual and physical essence. He believes that everyone is part of a larger whole, with the earth and nature serving as the ultimate sustainer of all life. This perspective underscores his holistic view of existence, where every element has purpose and meaning.