The voice of a language, the memory of a people: “Piltan” met with the audience

Story Naz Geçgin

The first four songs from the album "Piltan", prepared by artist Şenol Akdağ in the Kırmançki (Zazakî) language, have been released on digital platforms.

The album, which includes the songs “Piltan”, “Zeryam”, “Derdi Derdi” and “Havada Kar Sesi Var” (There is a Sound of Snow in the Air), stands out as more than just a musical production, but as the product of an effort to keep a language and culture in danger of extinction alive.

WORKS BLENDED WITH THE SOUND OF THE MOUNTAIN AND THE EARTH

The album, comprised of eight songs, features six by Kırmançki and two in Turkish. One of the Turkish pieces is anonymous, the other by Sivas folk poet Alican Çelik. "Zeryam" and "Piltan" are original compositions written and composed by Akdağ.

In his album, the artist traces the ancient bards of the Dersim region. The songs of folk poets like Sey Qaji, Sah Heyder, Bava Gülüm, and Baba Dıl, whose songs are etched in the folk memory, are reinterpreted. The melodies on the album are blended with the color of the mountains, the sound of the land, and the inner voice of the people. Akdağ states that he owes this work to both his language and his land. "Piltan," he says, "is a flower of the country, the voice of memory."

WHO IS SENOL AKDAG?

Akdağ, who worked in artistic activities within the Group Munzur between 1996 and 2005, later continued his musical career individually.

His first solo album, "Payiz," was released in 2015. His albums "Bêvengiya Astaru" and "Yol Ver Dağlar" were released in 2021. Akdağ, who released his album "Bana Kendi Dilinden" in 2023, most recently released "Tarihin Irmasında" in 2024.