Safiye Ayla Targan: The Enchanting Voice of Turkish Classical Music

Safiye Ayla Targan, a renowned Turkish classical music artist, was born on July 14, 1917, in the Kadırga neighborhood of Istanbul. Her father, Hicazîzade Hafız Abdullah Bey, and her mother, Seyyide Hanım, who hailed from Saudi Arabia, had a profound connection to the Ottoman palace. Tragically, Safiye Ayla lost her parents at a young age, leaving her an orphan. However, fate had other plans for the talented young girl.Her life took a positive turn when she was placed in the Çağlayan Darüleytamı, an institution built in Kağıthane known as the Sadabad Palace, where she completed her primary education. Later, she was adopted by Şeyh Servet Efendi, a former member of the Turkish parliament, who enrolled her in the Bursa Muallim Mektebi (Teacher Training School). Safiye Ayla's educational journey led her to various schools in Bursa, Konya, and Adana.Music played a significant role in Safiye Ayla's life from a tender age. She started playing the piano as a child, displaying an early interest and talent in the art. Unfortunately, due to health issues, she couldn't complete her studies at the Muallim Mektebi and began working as an assistant teacher at a primary school in Eyüpsultan, Istanbul. It was during this time that she met Eyyubi Mustafa Efendi, from whom she learned musical rhythm and mode. Subsequently, she received music lessons from Yesari Asım Bey, which further refined her musical skills.In 1930, Safiye Ayla recorded her first record for Columbia Plak Şirketi. She mesmerized the audience by singing 'Sevda Yaratan Gözlerin' and 'Bekledim de Gelmedin,' both composed by Yesari Asım Bey. In no time, she became a sensation and gained widespread fame.One of the most significant moments in Safiye Ayla's career was when she sang in front of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk at a gathering hosted by Istanbul Deputy Governor Nuri Bey in 1932. Atatürk was deeply impressed by her performance and declared her one of his favorite voices. In a concert dedicated to Atatürk, Safiye Ayla sang Sadettin Kaynak's composition 'Yanık Ömer,' which depicted the Turkish War of Independence. Atatürk appreciated her rendition, suggesting it could be arranged in a polyphonic Western style. After Atatürk's passing, Safiye Ayla fulfilled his wishes by working with Muammer Sun to orchestrate the song, which was then recorded by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.Throughout her artistic journey, Safiye Ayla performed countless concerts on various Turkish radio stations, especially on Istanbul Radyosu (Istanbul Radio). She recorded over five hundred records that broke sales records and earned her immense popularity both within and beyond Turkey's borders. She served in the İstanbul Belediye Konservatuvarı İcra Heyeti (Istanbul Municipal Conservatory Executive Board) during Hüseyin Sadeddin Arel's presidency.Safiye Ayla was known for her impeccable diction and captivating performance style. Her smooth voice remained enchanting even in the highest registers. Her repertoire included popular songs of her time, along with folk tunes from the Rumeli region and classical compositions, earning her the admiration of a diverse audience.During her tenure at the İstanbul Belediye Konservatuvarı İcra Heyeti, she met the composer Şerif Muhittin Targan and married him on April 8, 1950. Their marriage lasted until Şerif Muhittin Targan's passing in 1967. After her marriage, Safiye Ayla took a break from gazino stages and occasionally performed in the Saray Sineması Konserleri (Saray Cinema Concerts) once a month, connecting with her audience through her soul-stirring voice. These concerts, which she initiated in 1951, continued until 1974. Her last stage concert, dedicated to Atatürk's memory, was held in 1987 at İstanbul AKM (Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center) in support of the Turkish Culture Service Foundation.On January 14, 1998, Safiye Ayla passed away in Istanbul and was laid to rest at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery. As a testament to her commitment to education, she had bequeathed her entire estate to the Turkish Education Foundation in her will, ensuring her legacy continues to support future generations.Safiye Ayla Targan's enchanting voice and exceptional artistry left an indelible mark on Turkish classical music, and she will forever be remembered as one of the greats in the nation's musical history. Her dedication to her craft and her love for Atatürk will always be cherished by music enthusiasts and historians alike.