Turkish Presidency apologizes to musician for illegal use of song

ANKARA

The Turkish Presidency has apologized to a prominent Turkish musician for using his composition without permission in the official introductory film presenting the controversial Presidential Palace in Ankara, opened last year.

The presidency had used musician Cahit Berkay’s song “Kırık Bir Aşk Hikayesi” (A Broken Love Story), in the film that was shown during the July 3 media tour of the palace.

However, the presidency immediately removed the film from its website after it was revealed that the song was actually used without Berkay’s permission and without paying any royalty.

Speaking to daily Cumhuriyet, Berkay said the presidency’s press consultant Lütfullah Göktaş had called him and apologized for the mistake.

The presidency also issued a written statement acknowledging that the company that prepared the video had made a mistake. 

The same introductory film was then republished on the presidency’s website with a different composition.
Berkay’s song had been composed for the soundtrack of the 1981 movie “Kırık Bir Aşk Hikayesi” (A Broken Love Story).