Abstract
This article explores the intersection of music and political ideology in 20th-century Turkey, focusing on three seminal artists: Barış Manço, Erkin Koray, and Cem Karaca. By analyzing their musical styles, lyrical content, and public personas, it argues that their works reflect distinct strands of Turkish nationalism (ülkücülük and ulusalcılık) and leftist thought. Their music became a sonic battleground for Turkey’s cultural and political struggles, reflecting tensions between tradition and modernity, nationalism and internationalism.
The study situates their contributions within Turkey’s socio-political landscape, demonstrating how music served as a medium for ideological expression during periods of upheaval.