Interview with musician Hasan Karadağ on his upcoming performance with Fatih Yaşar at IS Ruhr Unplugged “Turkish Delight”

Oliver: Could you briefly introduce yourselves and explain how you ended up in Germany?
Hasan: We are two musicians performing together. I am a multi-instrumentalist with a background in both Western music and various ethnic instruments. Music has been a part of my life since childhood. I came to Germany through an international teaching program and have been living here for four and a half years. My colleague, who is originally from the Black Sea region of Turkey, shares a similar passion for music.

Oliver: What do you like most about performing music live and why?
Hasan: For us, the most exciting part of live performance is the chance to engage with the audience. We enjoy seeing how people connect with the music, contributing to the recognition of the pieces we play, and of course, experiencing the joy of being fully present in the flow of a live performance.

Oliver: How do regional differences affect the music genres across Turkey?
Hasan: Turkey’s musical landscape is deeply shaped by its geography and cultural diversity. Each region has developed its own styles, instruments, and rhythms that reflect local traditions and ways of life. In the Black Sea, you hear fast-paced and energetic melodies driven by instruments like the kemençe; in Central Anatolia, the music is often more melancholic, with long, emotional tunes called “bozlak.” Along the Aegean coast, zeybek dances highlight a proud and heroic character, while in the Southeast, music tends to be rhythmic and communal, inviting participation through dances like halay. These regional differences create a rich mosaic that not only showcases the variety of Turkish music but also tells the story of how people live, celebrate, and express themselves across the country.

Oliver: Does your personal experience of traveling across different locations provide you with a new perspective on the cultural diversity of Turkish music?
Hasan: Yes, traveling across Turkey gave us the opportunity to experience the strong link between geography, culture, and music. In each city we visited, we noticed how music reflects daily life and the social fabric of the region. This broadened our perspective and deepened our appreciation of the cultural richness within Turkish music.

Oliver: What are you looking forward to in your performance at IS Ruhr?
Hasan: Our goal is to introduce the audience to the evolution of Turkish music, from past to present, while showcasing its regional diversity. We have selected pieces that are lively and dynamic, as we believe energetic songs help keep the atmosphere uplifting in large gatherings. Above all, we look forward to sharing the joy of Turkish music with the audience and creating an engaging and memorable experience together.