My relationship with Freemuse started in 2003. In August that year I
was imprisoned and was released again soon afterwards. This drew
attention both locally and internationally. Through this incident, the
Freemuse members that got in touch with me had the chance to get
first hand information on the situation in Turkey. This solidarity has
been improving ever since.
One of the Freemuse World Conferences was held in our country in
November 2006 with the participation of guests invited from all over
the world. The barriers of musical expression were discussed for two
full days at Bilgi University. Many musicians uttered their experiences
of repression in their own countries. Turkey was on the agenda as
well, and Turkish and Kurdish musicians of Turkey concisely talked
about the bans and repressions they experienced.
Ferhat Tunç
My relationship with Freemuse has continued afterwards, be it in Turkey or in Europe. The activities of Freemuse have great importance for me, and have since the beginning. The example of solidarity exhibited under the Freemuse roof with repressed and censored artists and musicians – who have to cross barriers and difficulties while presenting their intellectual and artistic works to people – is the primary reason for this importance.
In August 2007 Freemuse proposed a number of important artists around the world to become Freemuse Ambassadors. I was chosen from Turkey, and I accepted this invitation that I take great pride in. In this way I am now required to take a more active role in the international activities of Freemuse. As an artist from Turkey, to be rewarded with such an honorary degree is the result of the values that made me Ferhat Tunç and my strong ties with my people. I live for these values; and without a doubt, the attention and love showed to me is a value that cannot be compared with any degree.
