Arto Tuncboyaciyan, a famous musician and composer of Armenian origin who lives in the United States, and Yasar Kurt, who learned of his Armenian origins after the age of 40, have produced an album in Armenia giving messages
Kurt, who says it was a shock for him to learn the truth about his identity, went to Armenia in 2007 upon the invitation of Tuncboyaciyan to satisfy his curiosity about his culture, which he knew nothing about. At that time, the assassination of Hrant Dink, editor in chief for the Agos newspaper, occurred in Turkey. Having the sensitivity of a musician, Tuncboyaciyan composed "Nefrete ve Kine Karsi" (Against Hatred and Animosity) and decided to start a joint project with Kurt as soon as they came together.
Tuncboyaciyan and Kurt have started recording with the Armenian Naval Band, which Tuncboyaciyan had formed a decade ago with other Armenian musicians, and completed an album that included the mentioned song. Tuncboyaciyan sang in Armenian and Kurt in Turkish. The duo recorded the album in a short period but met problems when they decided to release the album in Turkey. Although they were covering for all the expenses, record companies were not into the idea of releasing "Nefret ve Kine Karsi," according to Kurt. The duo did not give up hope and finally signed a contract with Arma Muzik. The album, which raises a voice against hatred and animosity in two languages, will be released in the coming days.
Kurt spoke to the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review and expressed his feelings. "Big pains were experienced in the past. Those pains influenced my life. I learned about my Armenian roots when I was 40. If we honestly want to reach the truth, as Turks and Armenians, we must eliminate hatred and animosity."
Meaning of the rose on the album cover
Tuncboyaciyan and Kurt designed an interesting cover for the album, featuring a rose on it. "This rose represents the flower of peace the two nations should be offering to each other," said Kurt, concluding by expressing his opinions on President Abdullah Gul
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