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Duman has been a household name in Türkiye’s rock scene since 1999, and the band is famous for fusing alternative rock and grunge elements.
They have built a large audience in Türkiye and abroad with songs about love, friendship, and daily life. However, they are also known for songs with critical and anti-authority themes, which are quite common in the rock scene.
Lead singer Kaan Tangoze’s distinct voice has shaped many of the group’s most recognized hits, including “Senden Daha Guzel,” “Her Seyi Yak,” and “Seni Kendime Sakladim.”
Kaan Tangoze performed in Kahramanmaras on Nov. 19 at Sutcu Imam University’s Yunus Emre Congress Hall.
He gave a solo- and group-based set that included an interpretation of the well-known children’s song “Baltalar Elimizde.” The song has been used for years in critical performances about nature and construction projects.
Tangoze's version, which he has been singing on stage for at least 10 years, recently created a wide debate on social media. While some users praised it and discussed how his rendition has remained relatable, others reacted negatively.
During the performance, he sang, “Baltalar elimizde, imari cebimizde. Biz gideriz ormana, hey ormana” (“Axes in our hands, zoning in our pockets. We go to the forest, oh the forest”. The rest of the lyrics also criticized construction decisions, forest destruction, bans on artists and writers, and political figures.
Ruling AK Party circles were offended by the performance and accused the singer of using a state university stage for political messages.
In response, Sutcu Imam University issued a detailed statement. The administration said the concert was not organized by the university and that the hall was rented to a private company. The university also rejected accusations of provoking unrest and said it remained committed to national and moral values.
Rector Professor Dr. Alptekin Yasim said the university had no information about Tangoze’s repertoire. He stated that the concert had the required permissions and that the artist’s ID check had been completed.
Yasim described the lyrics as "tactless expressions" and said the university suspended all external hall rentals after the incident.
He later added that they had not filed a criminal complaint but could issue a statement if the situation grew further. He also rejected claims that his wife applauded the performance or that alcohol was served in a VIP room.
The debate renewed attention to Kaan Tangoze’s previous public remarks. Months earlier, he had criticized the political climate while speaking about pressure on artists.
He said, “I go to the supermarket, and someone asks if writing ‘Boycott’ will get me arrested. While I'm considering my response, someone else asks me, ‘How have you not gotten arrested yet?’”
The recent discussion has also reminded fans of an earlier dispute from 2022, when a Justice and Development Party (AK Party) youth event played Duman’s hit “Senden Daha Guzel.”
Tangoze had reacted to this at a concert and told the audience, “No one asked us [if they can play our song), friends; that is all I can say. We will start seeking our rights after the elections.”
AK Party Youth Branch chairman Eyyup Kadir Inan responded that the song was part of a DJ set and said it was wrong to link it to the organization.
After the Kahramanmaras concert, authorities initiated an administrative process regarding the performance. The university statement said an "administrative review and investigation process” had begun.
The song that caused debate has circulated for years in critical versions that refer to construction, forest destruction, and bans on artists.
Tangoze’s interpretation has now placed the long-standing piece at the center of a political argument.
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