"Turkish pianist: Art is belittled in Turkey
Turkish pianist Fazıl Say issued a written statement yesterday after an interview he gave to a German magazine sparked controversy.
In his written statement, Say said that he opposed a return in Turkey to 'the darkness of the Middle Ages.'
'I am opposed to Turkey returning to the darkness of the Middle Ages, for I am of a culture that supports contemporary civilisation. Although as a composer and pianist I represent European musical culture, I have never disaffiliated myself with my native Anatolian culture. Everybody knows this. All my work incorporates folk culture. This is why I think the European Union chose me as ‘ambassador’ in the year of ‘intercultural dialogue’."
More:Turkish pianist: Art is belittled in Turkey - Hürriyet
