Turkish pop singer, songwriter, and composer Murat Evgin said that “a generation in Bulgaria grew up listening to my TV series music and songs,” as he took part in the So Alive Music Festival in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, an event designed to give young musicians a platform to perform.
Evgin, who visited Bulgaria for the third time, shared his emotions with Anadolu Agency, saying the number of his fans in the country has continued to grow with each visit.
Best known for composing the soundtrack of the long-running Turkish TV drama “Arka Sokaklar” (Back Streets), Evgin said he was pleased to see how popular the show and its music have become among Bulgarian audiences.
Recalling his performance in 2022 at Sofia’s Central Military Club, Evgin highlighted a special historical connection:
“Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, once attended a costume ball there dressed as a Janissary and danced with Dimitrina, the woman he could never forget. During my concert that night, Dimitrina’s granddaughter was in the audience. It was an unforgettable and emotional experience for me.”
“I’ve Become Identified with Arka Sokaklar”
Evgin noted that he has composed music for Arka Sokaklar and several other Turkish TV dramas for nearly 20 years, saying the series has become an inseparable part of his musical identity.
He added that the show has been broadcast on a Bulgarian TV channel for years:
“There’s a very successful Bulgarian dubbing of the series. Sometimes I watch it — you can still faintly hear the Turkish voices underneath, while a narrator delivers the lines in Bulgarian. It’s fascinating.”
Through social media, Evgin keeps in close contact with his international audience, including many Bulgarian fans.
“They often ask me about the meaning of my songs or the lyrics featured in Arka Sokaklar. They share which pieces they like most. It was a pleasant surprise to realize my music had reached so many people here. I really admire Bulgaria’s calm atmosphere, its order, and especially the warmth and politeness of its people.”
Inspiring Young Bulgarian Musicians
Evgin emphasized that Turkish music — made popular globally through TV dramas broadcast in Spain, Italy, Poland, and Latin American countries — has also inspired a new generation of Bulgarian musicians.
“A generation in Bulgaria grew up with my TV series music and songs,” he said proudly.
He shared that he recently met 21-year-old Misho Todorov, the trumpet player and leader of the Bulgarian band Ethno Forte, who has been an Arka Sokaklar fan for nearly a decade.
“Misho told me that he grew up watching Arka Sokaklar and listening to its music. He performed his own version of one of my pieces, and it was moving to see how my work could inspire young musicians across borders.”
Reflecting on the deep historical and cultural ties between Turks and Bulgarians, Evgin said:
“Music from Bulgaria and our Thrace region share many similarities — the way the clarinet is played, certain rhythms and melodies. I try to incorporate these elements into my compositions. Audiences in Europe and the U.S. find these sounds captivating because they’re unique. That’s why Turkish music attracts attention in the ‘world music’ category — it’s something different, something heartfelt. Music connects people.”
Quoting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s principle of ‘Peace at home, peace in the world,’ Evgin added:
“I believe music plays a vital role in promoting peace. It bridges differences. People from various social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds can feel united through the same song. We should use music’s unifying power to strengthen the friendship between Turkey and Bulgaria.”
Marking 25 Years in Music
Having completed 25 years in music, Evgin announced that he is working on a documentary chronicling his career.
“I want to share my musical journey from childhood to today through this documentary, and Bulgaria will definitely be part of it,” he said. “Bulgaria is one of the countries where my music is most loved and appreciated — it holds a very special place in my career.”
Source: haberbg.net
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