Comments on: The Balkans: “Whose Is This Song?” http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/ The world is talking. Are you listening? Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:18:51 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Global Voices Online » Featured Author: Elena Ignatova http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1600998 Global Voices Online » Featured Author: Elena Ignatova Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:18:36 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1600998 [...] we mention in the interview are: Macedonia: Use Facebook If You Want to Flirt With Politicians, The Balkans: “Whose Is This Song?”, and Macedonia: Student Protest Ends in [...] [...] we mention in the interview are: Macedonia: Use Facebook If You Want to Flirt With Politicians, The Balkans: “Whose Is This Song?”, and Macedonia: Student Protest Ends in [...]

]]> By: Bosanceros http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1600749 Bosanceros Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:46:15 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1600749 The only reason the Serbian people reacted to the "Bosnian" song Adela Peeva played to them was because it's an Islamic song associated with jihad and militant Islam, just as the Dervish in Macedonia said. It has nothing to do with Bosnia. Had she played the real Bosnian version "Oj djevojko Anadolko" the reaction wouldn't have been the same, as it's almost identical to the Serbian version. This is the song she played to them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBTqWgrsDds The only reason the Serbian people reacted to the “Bosnian” song Adela Peeva played to them was because it’s an Islamic song associated with jihad and militant Islam, just as the Dervish in Macedonia said. It has nothing to do with Bosnia.
Had she played the real Bosnian version “Oj djevojko Anadolko” the reaction wouldn’t have been the same, as it’s almost identical to the Serbian version.

This is the song she played to them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBTqWgrsDds

]]> By: El Oso » Archive » Interview with Elena Ignatova of Metamorphosis http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1600632 El Oso » Archive » Interview with Elena Ignatova of Metamorphosis Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:58:45 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1600632 [...] we mention in the interview are: Macedonia: Use Facebook If You Want to Flirt With Politicians, The Balkans: “Whose Is This Song?”, and Macedonia: Student Protest Ends in [...] [...] we mention in the interview are: Macedonia: Use Facebook If You Want to Flirt With Politicians, The Balkans: “Whose Is This Song?”, and Macedonia: Student Protest Ends in [...]

]]> By: Ahmed Karim http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1583525 Ahmed Karim Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:02:13 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1583525 I too have heard teh story that this tune originated from people in Istanbul who were listening to a Scottish regiment's band playing it. But that was in 1853, during the Crimean War. Difficult to tell, for the Turkish version "Katibim" I have is from 1949 by Safiye Ayla (on "MAsters of Turkish Music Vol.2; Rounder CD 1111; USA). Then I have a version from Serbia (I think; it says "FYROM" on the CD but the language is definitely NOT Macedonian) "Ruse kose curo imas" by Zorka Drebetic' possibly also from the late 1940s-early 1950s; On "Music of the Balkans Vol.1; FM Records FM 706 (Greece). Finally, one from Bosnia "Haj oj djevojko Anadolko" by the renowned singer of Sevdalinke Himzo Polovina, probably from the early 1970s; on: "Kradem ti se u veceri"; Naraton NTCD002; Bosnia-Herzegovina. And from the text, both the Bosnian and the Serbian are almost identical, only that in Bosnia it seems they sing it with an additional first verse (which could have been added by Himzo Polovina himself). What really disgusted me was the reaction by those Serbs from Vranje, and from these Bulgarian hooligans. History can't explain or justify that pathologic, sick, mean, evil, foul, murderous, grotesque hatred of everything Turkish, Bosniak and Muslim. I for one do, after that, feel less and less sympathy and comprehension for those people. On one hand it was a typical "shoot the messenger" thing. On the other hand, I don't get it. There have been incredibly bloody wars in Europe and yet, Germans do not for the most hate French or British or vice versa. But these people do hate each other for events which happened centuries ago. Well, if I understood it I think I would hate them more, because they say that to understand is to forgive, but sometimes the better one understands something the more one hates it. I would not go there if they invited me, thank you very much! The Bosniaks were the only ones honest about the origin of that song, and what is it of they made a religious hymn out of it? The Serbs did much worse things in Bosnia, and instead of being ashamed of them they brag about them! And threaten to do more of teh same! Time they were taught a thorough and very painful and lasting lesson in humility and finally rendered harmless to their neighbors! And I do feel symapathy for all Serbs who are not like that. For they are seen as traitors by all the others. I too have heard teh story that this tune originated from people in Istanbul who were listening to a Scottish regiment’s band playing it. But that was in 1853, during the Crimean War. Difficult to tell, for the Turkish version “Katibim” I have is from 1949 by Safiye Ayla (on “MAsters of Turkish Music Vol.2; Rounder CD 1111; USA). Then I have a version from Serbia (I think; it says “FYROM” on the CD but the language is definitely NOT Macedonian) “Ruse kose curo imas” by Zorka Drebetic’ possibly also from the late 1940s-early 1950s; On “Music of the Balkans Vol.1; FM Records FM 706 (Greece). Finally, one from Bosnia “Haj oj djevojko Anadolko” by the renowned singer of Sevdalinke Himzo Polovina, probably from the early 1970s; on: “Kradem ti se u veceri”; Naraton NTCD002; Bosnia-Herzegovina. And from the text, both the Bosnian and the Serbian are almost identical, only that in Bosnia it seems they sing it with an additional first verse (which could have been added by Himzo Polovina himself).
What really disgusted me was the reaction by those Serbs from Vranje, and from these Bulgarian hooligans. History can’t explain or justify that pathologic, sick, mean, evil, foul, murderous, grotesque hatred of everything Turkish, Bosniak and Muslim. I for one do, after that, feel less and less sympathy and comprehension for those people. On one hand it was a typical “shoot the messenger” thing. On the other hand, I don’t get it. There have been incredibly bloody wars in Europe and yet, Germans do not for the most hate French or British or vice versa. But these people do hate each other for events which happened centuries ago. Well, if I understood it I think I would hate them more, because they say that to understand is to forgive, but sometimes the better one understands something the more one hates it. I would not go there if they invited me, thank you very much! The Bosniaks were the only ones honest about the origin of that song, and what is it of they made a religious hymn out of it? The Serbs did much worse things in Bosnia, and instead of being ashamed of them they brag about them! And threaten to do more of teh same! Time they were taught a thorough and very painful and lasting lesson in humility and finally rendered harmless to their neighbors! And I do feel symapathy for all Serbs who are not like that. For they are seen as traitors by all the others.

]]> By: v http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1579845 v Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:16:52 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1579845 I'm a Macedonian Bulgarian and this song sounds like Boney M.'s Rasputin to me :-) I’m a Macedonian Bulgarian and this song sounds like Boney M.’s Rasputin to me :-)

]]> By: SONG http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1571664 SONG Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:54:03 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1571664 Dear Brigit Wehnert, You could order the DVD of \Whose is This Song\ (English subtitles) directly from us. Please write using the following e-mail address: adelamedia@adelamedia.net Adela PEEVA Producer/director Slobodan Milovanovic Executive producer Dear Brigit Wehnert,

You could order the DVD of \Whose is This Song\ (English subtitles) directly from us.
Please write using the following e-mail address: adelamedia@adelamedia.net

Adela PEEVA
Producer/director

Slobodan Milovanovic
Executive producer

]]> By: tayfun http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1570068 tayfun Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:33:06 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1570068 Wow, superb, magnifique, harika. I'm lost for words. I am Turkish and I love this song. I never knew it was known outside Turkey and this documentary made me realize just how similar people and cultures are. It makes me want to go backpacking around the Balkans. Good job! Oh and regarding the hatred and nationalism in people, I believe most people are good and I hope they will be making this world a better place. Wow, superb, magnifique, harika. I’m lost for words.

I am Turkish and I love this song. I never knew it was known outside Turkey and this documentary made me realize just how similar people and cultures are. It makes me want to go backpacking around the Balkans. Good job!

Oh and regarding the hatred and nationalism in people, I believe most people are good and I hope they will be making this world a better place.

]]> By: Ufogorenmasumciftci http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1558390 Ufogorenmasumciftci Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:30:25 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1558390 Dear All According to its lyrics,this is a well-known Turkish-Song named "KATIBIM".Even a single word can proof that.If you look at the lyrics you can see the word "USKUDAR" which is one of the most popular neighbourhood right opposite the Maiden Tower at the Asian side of Istanbul. The lyrics had been written in the late Ottoman term by an unknown local artist.But it was not so popular at that time. But,suprisingly, the rythm is not Turkish. The rythm was first heard by a Scottish Military Band who came to Istanbul during British Military Parade at end of the WWI. At that time, the most of Turkish people was amazed by the members of band who were wearing skirts (kilt).So they could not pay attention to the rythm was playing by the Scottish Military Band. (except a few artists) This rythm became popular on a table clock imported from the U.K. as a gift. In conclusion, The rythm had came from an old Scottish National Anthem.The lyrics had been written by a local artist during end of the Ottoman Imperial. Since than this song has been singing by various Turkish Singers and Performers and also has been translated into hundreds of languages accross the world. It does not belong neither Bulgarian nor other Balkanians. Regards UFOGORENMASUMCIFTCI Dear All
According to its lyrics,this is a well-known Turkish-Song named “KATIBIM”.Even a single word can proof that.If you look at the lyrics you can see the word “USKUDAR” which is one of the most popular neighbourhood right opposite the Maiden Tower at the Asian side of Istanbul.
The lyrics had been written in the late Ottoman term by an unknown local artist.But it was not so popular at that time.
But,suprisingly, the rythm is not Turkish.
The rythm was first heard by a Scottish Military Band who came to Istanbul during British Military Parade at end of the WWI.
At that time, the most of Turkish people was amazed by the members of band who were wearing skirts (kilt).So they could not pay attention to the rythm was playing by the Scottish Military Band. (except a few artists)
This rythm became popular on a table clock imported from the U.K. as a gift.
In conclusion, The rythm had came from an old Scottish National Anthem.The lyrics had been written by a local artist during end of the Ottoman Imperial.
Since than this song has been singing by various Turkish Singers and Performers and also has been translated into hundreds of languages accross the world.
It does not belong neither Bulgarian nor other Balkanians.
Regards
UFOGORENMASUMCIFTCI

]]> By: Birgit Wehnert http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1550812 Birgit Wehnert Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:26:38 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1550812 I am looking out for this documentary in Germany. Is a DVD with English and/or German subtitles available? Thanks for information! I am looking out for this documentary in Germany. Is a DVD with English and/or German subtitles available?
Thanks for information!

]]> By: Sammish http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/20/balkans-whose-is-this-song/comment-page-1/#comment-1547919 Sammish Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:06:32 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=55649#comment-1547919 Thanks Elena for this post. And thank you so much for sharing Adela Peeva's documentary. It is a revealing and shocking documentary. I am not a Balkan however I am interested in the history of nationalism and political movements. It is so sad to know that old wounds never heal when it comes to ethnicities in the Balkans. Although Peeva's approach of going and interviewing common people instead of seeking academics and experts in music history is well taken, it falls short of getting an objective assessment of where this song originated. I guess this approach (common people interviews) is excellent in assessing the deep political differences and ethnocentric tendencies of the population. To this effect the song itself is irrelevant. I, however, would truly want to know how it all started. It is kind of funny as well as very sad to hear people assessment of things. I really was puzzled by the Serbian Orthodox priest discussing St George festival as an example of "Gypsification" of the Balkans. I was amazed when he criticized the famous director Emir Kusterica for doing so in all his films. Yet, this priest was playing the song beating on a drum with other players playing the ney (turkish) and Saz (Anatolian). I was wondering why he held such lower views of the Gypsies. I guess in the Balkans you always have to have one or two scapegoats. They come in handy sometimes when one is overwhelmed with history and is unable to forgo the past. Thank you again. Thanks Elena for this post. And thank you so much for sharing Adela Peeva’s documentary. It is a revealing and shocking documentary. I am not a Balkan however I am interested in the history of nationalism and political movements.

It is so sad to know that old wounds never heal when it comes to ethnicities in the Balkans. Although Peeva’s approach of going and interviewing common people instead of seeking academics and experts in music history is well taken, it falls short of getting an objective assessment of where this song originated. I guess this approach (common people interviews) is excellent in assessing the deep political differences and ethnocentric tendencies of the population. To this effect the song itself is irrelevant. I, however, would truly want to know how it all started.

It is kind of funny as well as very sad to hear people assessment of things. I really was puzzled by the Serbian Orthodox priest discussing St George festival as an example of “Gypsification” of the Balkans. I was amazed when he criticized the famous director Emir Kusterica for doing so in all his films. Yet, this priest was playing the song beating on a drum with other players playing the ney (turkish) and Saz (Anatolian). I was wondering why he held such lower views of the Gypsies. I guess in the Balkans you always have to have one or two scapegoats. They come in handy sometimes when one is overwhelmed with history and is unable to forgo the past.

Thank you again.

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