Fikret Kızılok's Songs as an Object of Memory and Protest in Türkiye

Abstract

This article discusses Turkish multi-instrumentalist and singer Fikret K & imath;z & imath;lok's protest songs in relation to the socio-political context of T & uuml;rkiye from the 1960s to the 1990s. K & imath;z & imath;lok's music serves here as a crucial historical testimony, reflecting the evolving political landscape and cultural trends during a period marked by coups and social unrest. Despite the significance of his work, there is a notable lack of comprehensive academic research on K & imath;z & imath;lok's contributions. This study analyzes his albums, interviews, and discussions in various media, positioning his songs as vital objects of memory and protest. By examining K & imath;z & imath;lok's discography, the article emphasizes the intersections of music, society, and politics, arguing that understanding his music can enrich our comprehension of the broader dynamics at play in Turkish cultural production, social critique, and the commodification of music. The findings prompt further exploration of K & imath;z & imath;lok's impact on protest music.