Exchange through music: from traditional songs to modern pop music

A mixed playlist of songs that are related to Greece and Turkey.

by Damla Ceyda Uzun

This playlist is an example of how music can be a bridge between cultures. It offers a variety of songs that have been recorded in both languages, some songs include even both in one of their versions. While some songs are very traditional and have been carried and shared through the exchange of populations, others are bilingual pop duets songs popular on both sides of the Aegean today. From melancholy to traditional dances, this playlist is an opportunity to dive into the musical universe of two culturally very rich neighbor countries. Enjoy listening!

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Here you can find some information on some particular songs and an insight on what this playlist has to offer.

Apo Xeno Topo - Glykeria

A greek folk song that dates back to the exchange of populations in 1923; literally meaning “from a foreign place”.

Kaldım Duman içi DağlardaCandan Erçetin

A very famous “Türkü” (Turkish ballade) in Western Turkey that has its actual roots in modern Greece as a love song. This version includes both the Turkish and Greek lyrics.

Damat Oyunu - Ekrem Gültekin

A Turkish folk dance with Greek lyrics that has its roots in Western Thrace. If you ever attend a Turkish Wedding or Celebration, you are very likely to see how people dance and clap in a circle to this music.

Aşka Yürek gerek - Mustafa Sandal

A pop song not just combining both languages, but also traditional instruments of both cultures like the Greek Bouzouki and the Turkish Darbuka.

Çıksam A Urumelin DüzüneGültekin İpekel, Ekrem Pehlivan

Urumeli” is a reference to Rumelia, meaning the Greek part of the former Ottoman Empire. This Turkish folk song from the region of Thrace is about the passion to go to “Rumelia” and find love.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/27zxTk0BDvzIqGAqTocaqj?si=deiiCuSLQAqjbpUswLhJGw