The New Messages in Turkish Pop Music (1989-2002)

In the period between 1988-2002, the Turkish pop music world has undergone great changes. These changes have been in close relation with the social, economic and political developments in Turkey. Pop music can serve as a mirror to these developments. Moreover, Pop music has had an important role in these developments. The phenomenon known as the "Explosion of Pop" was one of the most important characteristics of the late 1980s and the 1990s.

In the process of research, theories concerning popular culture, the democratic system, the media and the Turkish revolution were employed. Text analysis was used in order to uncover the messages of the different songs. In addition, theoretical references and primary source analyses were conducted, and interviews with key figures held in order to get data, first hand.
Turkish pop has developed from a politicized effort of certain artists in the days of the second Republic to a more enjoyable, apolitical, market-oriented form of cultural expression. It has changed type a form of art that what closely linked to ideology to a non-ideological type of entertainment. However, while focusing on enjoyment, Turkish Pop music has also produced new types of messages. These messages, although apolitical, have a social nature. Issues like gender relations, the bourgeois lifestyle and self-improvement have become the focus of pop music. The most important messages that this generation of pop artists present is that of individualism. The connection between the development of a consumer society and social change is most evident through the study of Turkish pop music in the 1980s and the 1990s.

(Approved by Prof. Dr. Zafer Toprak, Assoc. Prof. Aydın Babuna, Asst. Prof. Nadir Özbek)