Qanun virtuoso Aytaç Doğan speaks to 12punto: 'My phone won't stop ringing, 100 people call me a day'

Arif HÜR / 12punto.com.tr

Born in Bursa in 1976, Aytaç Doğan took his first steps into the music world at just 13 years old. Having performed concerts in Turkey and abroad for many years, Doğan founded the music group Taksim Trio in 2007 with Hüsnü Şenlendirici and İsmail Tunçbilek. His fame, which transcended the Middle East due to his musical work and concerts, grew in Turkey after he performed Sibel Alaş's track 'Alışamadım' on the qanun.

The qanun virtuoso Aytaç Doğan, who has been the subject of thousands of posts on platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok, said, "I couldn't have achieved this result even if I had spent millions of liras on advertising."

"I am happy that I have come to the forefront with my art," said Aytaç Doğan, who expressed the following:

"It is very precious to me to have touched people's hearts with a piece I played during my Kuwait concert. In addition to my performance, we should not overlook the beauty of the melody. I see all the comments and edits made about me."

'I AM A MAN WHO GETS BY ON HIS OWN MEANS'

Stating that he has become a sought-after artist in recent weeks, Doğan said, "Believe me, my phone won't stop ringing. At least 100 people call me a day. Some of them are making concert offers, while others just want to chat. There is particular interest from Fenerbahçe associations. But at my core, I am a man who gets by on his own means."

'I HAVE NO CONCERN ABOUT INCREASING MY FEE'

Emphasizing that he has been involved in music since 1991, the famous qanun virtuoso said, "I have no concern about increasing my fee. It hasn't increased anyway, my standards haven't changed. What matters is being able to play the qanun in front of thousands of citizens in various venues. Because I am a musician. Even if they put all the treasures of the world in front of me, I wouldn't stop playing the qanun. The joy I feel on stage cannot be measured by money. I go to other realms with the timbre of the music," he said.

'IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ACQUIRE THIS TALENT LATER'

Emphasizing that his musical talent is innate, Doğan said, "The moment I pick up the qanun, my body shifts to another dimension. I can call it a God-given talent. It is very difficult to acquire this talent later. However, Kemal Taşçeşme has made contributions to me."

'I COULD NOT GET USED TO BEING WITHOUT COLA'

When asked, "Is there anything you 'could not get used to' (Alışamadım)?", Doğan replied, "I could not get used to being without cola. I drink cola in the morning, at noon, and in the evening."

WHO IS AYTAÇ DOĞAN?

Aytaç Doğan is a musician born in Bursa on January 6, 1976. He took his first steps into his music career at the age of 13 with a qanun brought by his grandfather. When he was just 14, he shared the same stage with İbrahim Tatlıses and later moved to Istanbul, where he found the opportunity to work with various artists.

Doğan drew attention with his single-plectrum technique and his own unique style, making a name for himself in the music world. Meeting Mısırlı Ahmet gave him the chance to encounter different cultures, which is why he lived in the Arab world for a while.

Throughout his music career, Aytaç Doğan has taken part in various projects, collaborated with many international artists, and participated in festivals all over the world. In 2007, he founded the group Taksim Trio with Hüsnü Şenlendirici and İsmail Tunçbilek, and they released their first self-titled album on October 1, 2007.

Taksim Trio released their second album, "Taksim Trio 2," to music lovers on April 11, 2013. Aytaç Doğan is known as an artist recognized in Turkey and around the world for his wide repertoire and musical talents.

Aytaç Doğan became popular among wide circles after performing the song 'Alışamadım' on the qanun.