Turkish Cover Song Reveals Hidden history of Musical Exchange Behind the Iron Curtain

Sofia, Bulgaria – A recent cover song release by Turkish singer Goksel has sparked a discussion about the often-unacknowledged flow of music and copyright across the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. The song, a popular tune in turkey attributed to Sezen aksu, was originally composed by Bulgarian composer Alexander Yosifov with lyrics by Pavel Matev, and first recorded by Lili Ivanova in 1975 on her album Tango. This discovery highlights a complex history of musical borrowing and adaptation that often went uncredited, especially from Eastern European artists.

The revelation came to light as Goksel explained her personal connection to the song,recalling waiting for days to hear Aksu’s rendition on the radio as a child,unable to afford the album. Her cover is a tribute to that childhood memory. However, online sleuthing revealed the song’s true origins, prompting questions about copyright and acknowledgement.

This incident isn’t isolated. The article details a pattern of Eastern European compositions gaining popularity in other countries, often with altered lyrics and arrangements, and frequently without proper attribution to the original creators.

A History of Uncredited Inspiration:

During the cold War,cultural exchange was limited,but music found ways to travel,often through radio broadcasts and unofficial channels. This lead to a interesting, if sometimes ethically murky, practise of adaptation.

“Comfort”/Unknown Turkish Title: Yosifov’s “Comfort” (Утеха), with Matev’s Bulgarian lyrics, was a relatively lesser-known track on Lili Ivanova’s Tango album, despite ivanova being a major star in Bulgaria. The Turkish adaptation significantly altered the rhythm and arrangement, making it a distinct version. The question remains whether Aksu or her team secured licensing or informed Yosifov of their intention to record the song.
FSB’s “We Will Meet Again in 10 Years”: The popular Bulgarian graduation anthem, widely associated with the FSB band, is actually a cover of the 1975 italian song “Amico di Ieri” by Le orme. the Bulgarian lyrics were penned by Mikhail Belchev. Notably, FSB never claimed original authorship, but the album lacked credit to the Italian composers.
Emil Dimitrov’s International Success: Bulgarian composer Emil Dimitrov experienced significant international success, albeit often anonymously. His composition “My country, My Bulgaria” became a hit in France and Italy under the name “Monica,” reaching the top of radio charts in 1973. The song was also recorded in Italian and German. Dimitrov himself initially performed the song, but it quickly gained traction with other artists. his song “Julia” also saw international versions.
Alla Pugachova and “Arlequino”: Perhaps the most striking example is Alla Pugachova’s breakthrough hit,”Arlequino,” performed at the 1975 Golden Orpheus festival in Bulgaria. While the song’s melody originated with Dimitrov’s composition, Pugachova’s version featured entirely new Bulgarian lyrics and a different orchestration, effectively transforming the song into her own.

These examples illustrate a pattern where Eastern European composers’ work was adapted and popularized in other countries, sometimes achieving significant success, but often without proper recognition. The case of Goksel’s cover serves as a reminder of the complex and frequently enough overlooked history of musical exchange during the Cold War, and the importance of acknowledging the original creators of these beloved songs.

Further Research:

Lili Ivanova: A Bulgarian icon, known as the “Prima of Bulgarian Pop Music,” with a career spanning decades.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liliivanova)
Alexander Yosifov: A prominent Bulgarian composer and arranger.
Golden Orpheus: A prestigious international song contest held annually in Bulgaria from 1965 to 2003. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoldenOrpheus)
Le orme: An Italian progressive rock band. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Orme)