Ali Ekber Çiçek

Who was Ali Ekber Çiçek?

Ali Ekber Çiçek was a Turkish musician.

Çiçek was born in Erzincan, Turkey. His father died in a disastrous earthquake, and his mother suffered financial problems that made it impossible for her to support his education. Nevertheless, he attended Alevi gatherings called Cems, where he not only became familiar with playing baglama but also with the philosophy of Alevis.

He moved to İstanbul and there made acquaintance with popular folk musicians. After completing mandatory military service, he was given the opportunity by Muzaffer Sarısözen to perform on state-operated TRT radio broadcast services in Ankara, where he remained until retirement.

TRT produced a documentary in 2003 about his life and his music. The documentary presents his work as part of the Anatolian folk tradition and was intended to broaden his influence.

One of his most noted songs is "Haydar Haydar", which took him approximately seven years to master. It is said that Ali Ekber asked himself, with regard to this song, "What did I do!" The song is often considered the pinnacle of symphonic Turkish folk music.

"Haydar Haydar" is the only song that sounds like it is played by two baglamas.

He was married to famous Turkish folk music singer Cemile Cevher Cicek.