Description:

Join The Keyman Modern Turkish Studies Program and Keyman Postdoctoral Fellow Kenan Sharpe for a talk titled "Turkish Psychedelic Rock and the World 1960s" on Wednesday, Febraury 28, 2024 from 12:30- 2:00 PM CST in Norris 2-264 (Arch Room). Lunch will be served!

In recent years, psychedelic rock music from Turkey has enjoyed a surprising revival around the world. Celebrities like Elijah Wood have declared themselves fans of this music while musicians like St. Vincent claim it as an influence and rappers such as Mos Def sample tracks from Turkish bands from the 1970s. Revivalists adapting the sound to the present day like the Dutch band Altın Gün have even been nominated for international awards like the GRAMMYs. Known in Turkey as “Anadolu Rock,” this genre of popular music combined Anatolian folk music with Euroamerican rock ’n’ roll. It began in the 1960s when musicians like Cem Karaca and Selda Bağcan brought together traditional lyrics and melodies from the countryside with instruments like electric guitars, drum kit, and synthesizers. This talk discusses the historical roots, musical underpinnings, and political implications of Anadolu Rock, as well as the reasons for its ongoing appeal today.