Pianist to Islamists: Why are you so scared of us?

Pianist to Islamists: Why are you so scared of us?

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norman lebrecht

October 24, 2014

The Turkish pianist Fazil Say, an outspoken atheist, has published an open letter to the theocratic government, demanding to know why they have removed his works from concert programmes.

Fazil says: 

fazil-say (1)

‘Change your oppressive attitude that sparks outrage and confusion in the whole world. The world condemns this oppression… Stop being destructive… Don’t be afraid of art and artists. We are not a military force. We are just musicians, actors, dancers, humans, ordinary people.’

The ministry of culture responded: ‘We are following with worry the reports and statements aimed at creating an impression that there is censorship on art in our country and blowing the whistle on Turkey to other countries.’

 

Comments

  • Abendroth says:

    When a country’s officials start to dismiss all concerns about basic liberties on the ground that any discussion might damage its image with foreigners, I think it is safe to say that it is no longer functioning on a democratic basis. Turkey looks more and more like Russia or China everyday.

  • CDH says:

    Pity it doesn’t share their enthusiasm for music.

    But I think your comment is unfair to China and Russia. It is actually sounding a lot more like one of its nearer neighbours.

  • Simon S. says:

    “We are following with worry the reports and statements aimed at creating an impression that there is censorship” – let’s censor these reports! (Sarcasm off)

  • Lauren says:

    The Arts are far more important than religion in the modern world. The Arts provide opportunities for people to come together in a positive, constructive way. Religion, particularly Islam, provide opportunities for people to rape and murder their way through society, poisoning everything it touches. If you need something to believe in, Beethoven is a good place to start.

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