IANYAN Magazine

In 2001, Turkish musician Erkan Ogur and Armenian duduk master Djivan Gasparyan collaborated together on “Fuad” (Heart), a joint album that featured traditional Armenian and Turkish songs. The album that features 10 tracks, including Mayrig (Mother) and Dönüş Yolu (The Way Back), however two tracks from “Fuad” - “Yemen” and “Volor Molor” stand out.

If you’re looking to take a break from present day and explore the cultural music of yesteryear, “Yemen” and “Volor Molor” are the way to go. On the YouTube pages where both videos are posted, many have left comments that probably echo the motivation for these two musicians coming together for a collaboration.

“Maybe we (Turks and Armenians) can just let this grudge, look into each other’s soul, understand and cry for each other’s pain,for our loss someday. just like these two guys did. I’m wishing with all my heart,” said one commenter.

“Just from deep of heart of Armenian highlands - Jivan Gasparian your music makes this cruel world a bit human,” wrote another.

Gasparyan started playing the duduk when he was just 6-years-old. He has toured the world playing Armenian folk music and has collaborated with artists such as  Hossein Alizadeh, Sting, Michael Brook, Lionel Richie and Hans Zimmer.

Oğur is a pioneer of fretless guitars and combines Turkish folk and classical music to form a unique sound. While Gasparyan is a master of the duduk, Ogur is skilled in the kopuz and baglama lutes.

Enjoy both songs below: