Turkish song translated in call for reunification

Α group of Greek Cypriot musicians and singers have worked together to adapt a Turkish song written by important poet and ashik performer Asik Veysel into Greek to express their desire for the reunification of the island.

The song, Uzun Ince bir Yoldayim (I am on a long road), was translated into Greek by Giorgos Kalogirou who said the lyrics, for him, symbolise Ledra street, which in the past was also known to locals as makridromos/uzun yol (long road).

“Based also on the philosophy of the poem, it was a perfect match,” Kalogirou told the Cyprus Mail.

“We adapted a Turkish song in order to express our desire and dream for the reunification of our people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,” he said.

The group, which launched a videoclip this week said that one of the checkoints used by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots when crossing north or south over the Green Line is on Ledra street.

“We wish that someday there will be no more divided homelands anywhere in the world,” they said.

Ashik Veysel (1894-1973) was one of the most important Turkish folk musicians and troubadours. ‘Uzun Ince bir Yoldayim’ is one of his most famous songs.

The video can be found here