This poem titled “Ey zahit şaraba eyle ihtiram” was written by the Bektaşi poet Neyzen Tevfik. Neyzen Tevfik, who lived between 1879-1953, is known as a poet and neyzen (reed flute player) influenced by the Sufi and Bektaşi traditions. In his poems, he addresses the social and religious issues of his time using a critical and ironic language. In the poem, Neyzen Tevfik uses wine symbolically from a Sufi perspective to emphasize the processes of inner maturation and spiritual perfection. In Sufi literature, wine often represents the love of Allah and spiritual intoxication. The poet criticizes the zahit (pious person), conveying that achieving true spiritual maturity is not possible through prohibiting wine but through inner experience and understanding. The poem explores the human spiritual journey and maturation from a mystical and Sufi point of view.
On a night illuminated by melodies, the SAC comedy lab transformed into a haven of Turkish music in Orlando, as the notes of Sezen Aksu's iconic songs reverberated through the hearts of approximately 100 attendees. The concert, graced by the award-winning singer and kemenche player Aslıhan Erkisi, alongside the world-renowned Armenian oud player and composer Ara Dinkjian, was a symphony of culture, emotion, and collective memory. As Aslıhan Erkisi's voice soared through the opening lines of "Vazgeçtim," you could feel a wave of emotion wash over the crowd. The poignant lyrics, coupled with her expressive delivery, brought many to the edge of tears, as each word seemed to echo their own tales of resignation and poignant reflection. The atmosphere shifted with "Aldatildik," as the audience, now emboldened by the stirring music, joined Aslıhan in a chorus that filled the room. Her ability to engage the audience, inviting them to become a part of the performance...