The song questions the fairness of the world, lamenting that it favors the "evil" while the "good" suffer in poverty and heartbreak. Historical and Cultural Impact
Selda Bağcan , often called "the bitter voice of Turkey". Release Date: December 1, 1971 (Single). Genre: Anatolian Rock, Folk-Psych, Protest Music. Composer/Lyricist: Ali Ercan.
(Is This Your Justice, World?) is a seminal protest song by Turkish folk-rock legend Selda Bağcan , first released as a single in November 1971 . The track, written by Ali Ercan, serves as a powerful critique of social inequality and has become an anthem for political resistance in Turkey. Song Overview
Selda Bağcan’s interpretation of this folk song helped define the movement of the 1970s.
Released during her final year at university, the single was part of a series that sold over a million copies, skyrocketing her to national stardom.
In recent decades, the song has gained a global cult following. It has been sampled by major hip-hop producers like Dr. Dre (on the song "Issues") and praised by artists such as Elijah Wood and Mos Def. Musical Style
The track typically features Bağcan’s powerful, "muezzin-like" vocals accompanied by a blend of traditional Turkish instruments (like the ) and Western psychedelic rock elements (fuzz guitars and synthesizers). Modern Availability
The 1970s were a period of intense political polarization in Turkey. Bağcan’s music, which often championed the working class, led to her being banned from radio and imprisoned multiple times following the 1980 coup.
The song questions the fairness of the world, lamenting that it favors the "evil" while the "good" suffer in poverty and heartbreak. Historical and Cultural Impact
Selda Bağcan , often called "the bitter voice of Turkey". Release Date: December 1, 1971 (Single). Genre: Anatolian Rock, Folk-Psych, Protest Music. Composer/Lyricist: Ali Ercan.
(Is This Your Justice, World?) is a seminal protest song by Turkish folk-rock legend Selda Bağcan , first released as a single in November 1971 . The track, written by Ali Ercan, serves as a powerful critique of social inequality and has become an anthem for political resistance in Turkey. Song Overview The song questions the fairness of the world,
Selda Bağcan’s interpretation of this folk song helped define the movement of the 1970s.
Released during her final year at university, the single was part of a series that sold over a million copies, skyrocketing her to national stardom. Genre: Anatolian Rock, Folk-Psych, Protest Music
In recent decades, the song has gained a global cult following. It has been sampled by major hip-hop producers like Dr. Dre (on the song "Issues") and praised by artists such as Elijah Wood and Mos Def. Musical Style
The track typically features Bağcan’s powerful, "muezzin-like" vocals accompanied by a blend of traditional Turkish instruments (like the ) and Western psychedelic rock elements (fuzz guitars and synthesizers). Modern Availability The track, written by Ali Ercan, serves as
The 1970s were a period of intense political polarization in Turkey. Bağcan’s music, which often championed the working class, led to her being banned from radio and imprisoned multiple times following the 1980 coup.
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