In an interview, İlhan Şeşen shared his impossible dream and explained why he left Istanbul: I wish it were like that

Succumbing to cancer, İlhan Şeşen had left Istanbul, which inspired him while composing many of his songs, and settled in Bodrum.

Giving an interview to journalist Sercan Meriç regarding this important decision about his life, İlhan Şeşen shared his 'impossible dream' and his feelings about Istanbul in this interview conducted for the Medyafaresi website with the following words:

How did Istanbul shape your music and personal life?

It is impossible to live in Istanbul and not be inspired by this great city. If I had lived in another city, I could not have written not only the songs that belong to Istanbul but my other songs as well. Musically, Istanbul lies at the foundation of my creativity.

You live in Bodrum, not in Istanbul. Is it because you love Bodrum very much, or because you are tired of Istanbul?

It is hard to say this, but unfortunately, Istanbul has become unlivable. Bodrum is a more comfortable and peaceful place. At least we can breathe here. I don't get involved in the chaos of Bodrum during the summer months either. I can sit in my house and work comfortably, and I can produce things.

Everyone wants to leave Istanbul but no one can do it; I suppose the love for Istanbul in the hearts of everyone living in this city also fuels the hatred for Istanbul... How is the situation for you?

Istanbul is an addiction for us. I have never met anyone who does not complain about this city. Even though I live in Bodrum, I cannot completely break away from Istanbul. However, being in Istanbul constantly becomes tiring after a point. Missing Istanbul is better than living there.

What do you miss most about Istanbul while in Bodrum?

I miss Bağdat Street very much. I also miss watching the large ships passing through the Bosphorus.

Some writers stop writing, some musicians stop playing. Do you have such weariness?

Wouldn't I! This situation is felt even more deeply, especially for those living in Istanbul. The contradictions of Istanbul have ceased to be inspiring. It has become a state that suffocates and tires a person.

SOME DREAMS ARE IMPOSSIBLE

1968 was a year that left its mark on the world. In your song 'Istanbul 1968', you say 'Istanbul is not like it used to be'. What comes to your mind when those times are mentioned?

We were living on the shore of one of the most beautiful seas in the world. We used to fish a lot. There was a teahouse called 'Köhne' in Kalamış. We used to read books. We would trade the books we read with the ones we hadn't. There were very beautiful gardens in the city in those dates. We would climb plum trees. Even on the ferry, almost everyone knew each other. Despite this, I wrote a song in 1968 saying "Istanbul is not like it used to be". The sea had started to get polluted back then. We would go to the islands. We would play guitar and sing songs on the ferry. Everyone's face was smiling. Those were beautiful days...

What is the Istanbul of your dreams like, for example?

500 years ago, Istanbul was forested all the way to the Bosphorus. I wish it were still like that. How beautiful it would be if it were a city consisting of two-story houses far from each other, inside the forest... And I would dream of it having a sea that one could still swim in. However, some dreams are impossible.

News Source: 12punto