'Ertugrul' offers a stunning look into our history: Hadiqa Kiani

The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient talks about the remastered Turkish song she just released

KARACHI: Singer and icon Hadiqa Kiani recently released a re-mastered version of her rendition of the popular Turkish track Sen Ağlama, originally sung by Sezen Aksu. 

Kiani dedicated this version of the song to the famous Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, coupled with a video featuring a compilation of moments from the show.

In a tweet announcing her tribute to the period drama, Kiani wrote, "In 2005, I had the honour of singing the Turkish song #SenAğlama at the AKM Opera House. Today, I have remastered that song as a tribute to @TRTErtugrulPTV series, #SezenAksu, and to the people of Turkey. May our love and bond be forever strong."

In 2005, I had the honor of singing the Turkish song #SenAğlama at the AKM Opera House. Today, I have remastered that song as a tribute to @TRTErtugrulPTV series, #SezenAksu & to the people of Turkey. May our love and bond be forever strong. 🇹🇷🇵🇰❤️ Stream: https://t.co/OT2vwrsTty

— Hadiqa Kiani (@Hadiqa_Kiani) June 19, 2020

Kiani's rendition paired with the clips from the series resonates power, love, and sanctity, reflecting her heartfelt appreciation for the show and the people of Turkey.

In a conversation with The Express Tribune, Kiani recalled her touring days and revealed how she would always sing a song in the native language of the country she was traveling to. It was then that she was graced with the opportunity to perform at the Atatürk Cultural Center Opera House in Istanbul, Turkey.

"The song actually dates back to 2005. At that point in my career I was touring internationally quite a lot and as a gesture to the host country, I would sing a song in their native language," she said.

Adding that when her manager told her about the concert at the AKM Opera House, she instantly knew she had to sing a Turkish song. "And there is not a Turkish song that is more powerful than Sen Ağlama by the incredible Sezen Aksu," assured Kiani.

The Boohey Barian singer then religiously studied the song and the language took lessons from her Turkish friends and performed it. "It was one of the most meaningful performances in my career and one of my favorite songs but after the performance, the song was placed at the back of my music library, that is, until Ertuğrul came into all of our lives," she confessed.


Kiani went on to relay how it was actually filmmaker Abdullah Haris who suggested the idea so that the friendship between the two countries could be celebrated.

"I have been sent so many videos of Turkish people reacting to my rendition and sending so much love and it is just so beautiful," said the Hona Tha Pyar singer.

On that note, Kiani even commented on the debate surrounding the airing of the Turkish series on Pakistan's national television. With a big heart, she said, "I am a firm believer in the fact that there is enough room for everyone in this world, there is a market for brilliant Pakistani movies and dramas and Ertuğrul is not eating that market up. We need diversity."

She then lauded the serial for what it has long been appreciated for. "Ertuğrul offers a stunning look into the history of our people in an incredibly interesting way; it should be an inspiration to everyone," remarked Kiani.

As for her time in Turkey, the 2006 Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient recalled how she first visited the country on a student exchange programme as a part of the Children’s Art Workshop. "I will always cherish that trip and I have continued to visit Turkey ever since, for concerts and tourist purposes. There is so much culture and history in all parts of the country that one just has to try to experience."

Kiani has also performed at several other prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.