ISTANBUL – Zülfü Livaneli, Suavi, Gülten Benli, and the family of Edip Akbayram, who passed away last year, have banned the use of their works by individuals and groups connected to the nullity process within CHP. This summary was prepared by artificial intelligence and reviewed by an editor.
As the "absolute nullity" debate continues within CHP, many artists have opposed the use of their works by the appointed CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his circle. Zülfü Livaneli, Suavi, Gülten Benli, and the family of the late Edip Akbayram issued consecutive statements. The artists argued that the nullity process contradicts democratic values and imposed a ban on the use of their works.
Artist Zülfü Livaneli announced on X that he does not permit the CHP Headquarters, which came through nullity, to use his compositions: "I do not grant permission for the current CHP Headquarters, which came through nullity, to use my compositions."
"I do not want my works to be used" Suavi also closed the door to Kılıçdaroğlu with a statement on X: "I want to share that I do not want any of my works, which I own or have performed, to be used in any environment by those who came to office through nullity and their supporters, and I will monitor the process against any unauthorized use.
Dear friends... I want to share that I do not approve the use of any of my works, which I own or have performed, by those who came to office through nullity and their supporters in any environment... I will follow up on any unauthorized use.
Respectfully🌿 "Edip Akbayram was an artist who believed in democracy" The family of the late artist Edip Akbayram banned Kılıçdaroğlu and his team from using the artist's songs in a statement on Instagram: "Edip Akbayram was an artist who believed in democracy, freedom, the will of the people, and social justice throughout his life; he produced his art in line with these values.
This uncompromising stance, maintained for years, was a fundamental principle not only of his art but also of his life. Within this framework, we want to express that we believe the process known publicly as 'absolute nullity' and the developments that accompanied it do not align with the democratic understanding Edip Akbayram defended throughout his life.
We cannot ignore the concerns, resentments, and sensitivities regarding democracy that resonate with broad segments of society. Therefore, we declare that we do not permit the use of works interpreted by Edip Akbayram at political events by individuals, groups, and organizations seen as representatives or supporters of the 'absolute nullity' process, and we present this to the public.
Our sensitivity is that Edip Akbayram's art and legacy be preserved in harmony with the principles and values he defended for years. We respectfully submit this for public understanding and appreciation.
" Artist Gülten Benli also stated on Instagram: "I want to express that I do not approve the use of any work, effort, content, or sharing that belongs to me or that I contributed to by individuals involved in or serving the ongoing absolute nullity process, or anyone included in the process, without my permission.
" Lastly, Ali Altay banned the use of the song he gifted to Kılıçdaroğlu, saying, "I apologize to Atatürk. I withdraw my song 'Right-Law-Justice' from you!"
Artist Onur Akın, in a statement on June 3 directed at CHP's appointed chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, said, "I am unfortunately saddened by the point you have reached," requesting that songs he prepared for CHP, which mention Kılıçdaroğlu's name, not be used. Akın announced he would take legal action if the use continued.
Akın said in a post on X: "Dear Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the public... We admired you in 2009 when you were CHP group chairman on TV, presenting documented evidence that pressured your AKP rivals to resign and exposing government corruption with a calm, confident, and honest attitude, giving hope to opposition groups.
As an artist sensitive to the people's problems throughout his life, involved in every labor, peace, democracy, and freedom-oriented activism and platform needed, and composing songs in this line, you excited and motivated me. Feeling this artistic responsibility, I composed the Kılıçdaroğlu anthem at 4 a.m.
I do not regret creating this song, which changed the perception of election songs in political parties and started a tradition of new compositions that raised quality, under the conditions of that day... I have always taken responsibility for my country, party, and people when needed, and I would do so again.
However, at this point, due to 13 election defeats, political mistakes, duels that are no longer held, undisclosed documents, and failures, you have driven millions of leftists, social democrats, secularists, Atatürk supporters, and republicans into despair and pessimism again... This rightly led to losing party leadership democratically to the young, hardworking, and promising candidate Mr. Özgür Özel and our presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu at the elective congress, and the party historically surged to become the leading party in the next election.
What I expected from you as a former chairman was to congratulate, shake hands with, and celebrate this young and successful team for the party's success.
It was to support them by standing beside them like other former chairmen when necessary. But I am sadly saddened by the point you have reached. You have placed the biggest obstacle on the party, which became Turkey's number one and is heading to power, by complying with the nullity decision, a trap set by the government and higher powers. As Pir Sultan said, only a single rose from a friend wounds me. It did not work, Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu, it was unbecoming.
Those applauding you are truly caught in a historic mistake, and what you have done will not be forgotten. For these reasons, I request that many of my songs for the party, including those mentioning your name, not be used by you and your administration, which I do not recognize as legitimate, and that they be removed from your digital platforms. Enough, do not harm this country, gentlemen!
I also inform you that I will take legal action if the use of my songs continues. Respectfully..." Grup Yorum: "We will not allow our songs to be used" Grup Yorum reacted to the use of their songs by the Kılıçdaroğlu administration in an official statement titled "You Cannot Exploit the People's Folk Songs for Your Dirty Politics!"
The group stated: "We will never allow our songs to be used or defiled in their rallies, speeches, or videos. We will expose the hypocrisy of those who use them wherever we are."
