The Magical Melodies: How Turkish Songs Have Inspired Global Music

Turkish music, with its rich history and unique sound, has captivated audiences for centuries. Drawing from diverse influences, including Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and European traditions, Turkish music blends various genres and styles to create a distinct sound. It is no wonder that many global artists have found inspiration in Turkish songs, adapting and transforming them into hits across various languages and cultures. Here are some of these iconic songs and the Turkish melodies that inspired them.

The famous Rolling Stones song 'Paint It Black' notably features influences from the unforgettable Anatolian Rock artist Erkin Koray's track 'Bir Eylül Akşamı.' In the December 1995 issue (No. 723) of Rolling Stone magazine, The Rolling Stones' lead singer, Mick Jagger, confirmed during an interview that they were indeed inspired by and referenced Koray's song. This acknowledgment validates the similarities and interaction between the two tracks, further illustrating the global impact of Turkish music.

The influence of Turkish music stretches even further, reaching contemporary artists like The Weeknd. Another fascinating example of Turkish music influencing international hits is the connection between Nükhet Duru's 'Ben Sana Vurgunum' and The Weeknd's 'Often.' Nükhet Duru, a renowned Turkish singer, released 'Ben Sana Vurgunum' in 1983. The song features a sultry, hypnotic melody that captures the listener's attention.  In his 2014 song 'Often,' The Weeknd samples the Turkish classic 'Ben Sana Vurgunum' by Nükhet Duru. Originally released in 1983, Duru's song features a memorable melody that The Weeknd masterfully weaves into his sultry R&B track.

'Yeniden Sev' is a song from famous Turkish singer Nilüfer's 1992 album 'Yine Yeni Yeniden,' with lyrics by Aysel Gürel and music by Onno Tunç. The Gipsy Kings, known for their unique blend of flamenco, pop, and Latin rhythms recorded a Spanish version of the song, titled 'No Vivire,' for their 1993 album 'Love & Liberté.'

Kadebostany's 'Maybe The War Is Over' and Safiye Ayla's 'Katibim' showcase another example of how Turkish music can inspire and influence artists from different cultures and genres. Kadebostany, a Swiss electronic music project, released 'Maybe The War Is Over' in 2013. The song's melody bears a strong resemblance to the Turkish classic 'Katibim,' performed by renowned singer Safiye Ayla.

While it is not confirmed whether Kadebostany directly drew inspiration from 'Katibim,' the connection between the two tracks highlights the enduring charm and impact of Turkish melodies.

Faudel's 'La Main Dans La Main' and Mustafa Sandal's 'Araba' provide yet another example of the potential for musical inspiration and adaptation across cultures and genres. Faudel, a French-Algerian Rai singer, released 'La Main Dans La Main' in 2001, while Mustafa Sandal, a prominent Turkish pop singer, released 'Araba' in 1996. 

Although it is not definitively confirmed that Faudel's 'La Main Dans La Main' was directly influenced by Mustafa Sandal's 'Araba,' the similarities in melody and rhythm between the two tracks are evident. This connection showcases how different musical styles can influence each other, transcending borders and blending to create unique compositions that resonate with audiences around the world.

Ardian Bujupi and DJ R'AN's 'Kiss Kiss' is another example of a song inspired by a popular Turkish track. Released in 2017, 'Kiss Kiss' draws from Tarkan's iconic 1997 hit, 'Şımarık.' Tarkan, a celebrated Turkish pop star, captivated audiences worldwide with his catchy hook and playful melody in 'Şımarık.' 

Ardian Bujupi, a German-Kosovar singer, and DJ R'AN, a French DJ, collaborated to create 'Kiss Kiss,' which incorporates the unforgettable melody of Tarkan's 'Şımarık' into a modern, upbeat production. This adaptation demonstrates the enduring appeal of Turkish music, as artists continue to find inspiration in its captivating melodies and rhythms.

Rammstein's 'Zerstören' and Devrim Kaya's 'Huma Kuşu' present an intriguing connection between the German industrial metal band and the Turkish song. Released in 2005 on Rammstein's 'Rosenrot' album, 'Zerstören' features a melody that resembles the one found in 'Huma Kuşu' by Devrim Kaya, a Turkish folk song that dates back to the early 20th century.This connection exemplifies the wide-ranging influence of Turkish music, as it transcends genres and borders, finding its way into various musical contexts around the world.

Myriam Fares' 'Enta el Hayat' and Candan Erçetin's 'Gamsız Hayat' demonstrate the potential for cross-cultural influence and inspiration in music. Myriam Fares, a Lebanese pop singer, released 'Enta el Hayat' in 2003, while Candan Erçetin, a well-known Turkish singer, released 'Gamsız Hayat' in 2002. 

Though it is not definitively confirmed that Myriam Fares' 'Enta el Hayat' was directly influenced by Candan Erçetin's 'Gamsız Hayat,' the similarities in melody between the two tracks are evident. This instance highlights the far-reaching impact of Turkish music, as artists from different backgrounds and genres find inspiration in its captivating melodies, transcending borders and blending musical styles to create unique compositions that resonate with audiences around the world.