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Turkish pop star Tarkan has released "Wake Up," an English-language adaptation of his 2008 song "Uyan," ahead of the United Nations COP31 climate conference, which Türkiye will host in Antalya from Nov. 9 to 20.
The singer reworked the original track with English lyrics and a new musical arrangement to raise awareness of the climate crisis and encourage people worldwide to take collective action.
The accompanying music video features footage showing the effects of climate change on nature and the environment, reinforcing the song's message of environmental protection and shared responsibility.
Known for supporting environmental protection initiatives, Tarkan voluntarily adapted "Uyan," which means "Wake Up" in Turkish, for COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Tarkan wrote the song's lyrics and music, while Pete Martin, known professionally as Boxsta, handled the arrangement, mixing and mastering. HITT Music Production produced the project, with Jessy Terrero directing the music video and Alp Korfali serving as cinematographer.
The new version builds on the environmental message of the original song, presenting nature as a voice calling on humanity to protect the planet.
Explaining the inspiration behind the song, Tarkan said he had always admired nature's ecological balance and the harmony connecting living systems.
However, he expressed concern about the rapid destruction of the natural world through human activity and what he described as insufficient efforts to reverse the damage.
He said these concerns had originally led him to write "Uyan" in 2008, adding that he had never considered accepting or ignoring environmental destruction.
With the English adaptation, Tarkan hopes to reach a wider international audience as world representatives gather in Antalya to discuss solutions to the climate crisis.
"My aim is to be the voice of nature to the world and once again call on all of us to take action," he said.
Emphasizing the urgency of collective responsibility, the singer added: "Time is running out. We must act before it is too late."
He also expressed his belief that meaningful change remains possible through solidarity and shared determination.
Türkiye is preparing to host and preside over COP31 from Nov. 9 to 20 in the Mediterranean city of Antalya.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, artists and volunteers are carrying out various projects ahead of the conference.
Tarkan's "Wake Up" is among these initiatives, using music to draw attention to environmental protection, collective responsibility and the possibility of addressing the climate crisis through joint action.
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