Part 3: From Fan to Friend – An Unexpected Journey

2015

After the tumultuous road trip, I retreated to Paris before my summer Arts course in London started. Physically, I was in the City of Love, but my mind was still trapped in the haunting landscapes of Turkey. To soothe my aching soul, I turned to music.

Sitting along Canal Saint-Martin, I heard Sen Sevda Mısın for the very first time.

I remember the moment vividly – it was a cool afternoon and I was sitting along Canal Saint-Martin when I stumbled upon this song on YouTube that would forever change my life.

The haunting melody, instantly transported me to another world. The singer's voice, raw and emotive, resonated with the deepest corners of my soul. I didn't understand the lyrics, yet I felt an inexplicable connection to the music.

It was as if the song had been written specifically for me, capturing the pain and longing I was experiencing at that moment. The lyrics, though foreign, seemed to mirror my own innermost thoughts and feelings. I found solace in the music, feeling a sense of belonging in a world that felt alien.

Buray’s talent to convey such raw emotion through his music was awe-inspiring. I knew then that I wanted to be part of his journey, to support his music, and to connect with other fans who shared my passion.

2017

I wrote about this song in my blog (back then)… how beautiful it was, how it impacted me and instantly made me a fan of his music. I poured my heart into fan-art and sharing it on Instagram just for fun. It wasn’t until 2 years later when I saw that he was going to be performing in Melbourne (Australia) that I jumped at the opportunity to watch him perform live.

Not only that, I even got to meet him before the show. The thrill of meeting him in person was beyond words. When he said he had seen my fan-art and read my blog, I was surprised and even more embarrassed that he had read about my ‘drama’ with Mr. S. 🙈 He was very kind about it and I became an even bigger fan.

My Spotify-Wrapped could testify to the obsession.

We met again when I visited Istanbul the following year and this time with a backstage pass to his concert /shrieksss!!/.

“If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on.”

(Below: Notes from my diary)

2018 – An Instagram teaser campaign for the prelaunch of ‘Kehanet’.

A fan meet-and-greet session in Istanbul

Capturing concert moments and producing content for social media – did someone say dream job?

Working alongside the artist who inspired me was a surreal experience, a dream realized. It was a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Every moment, every interaction, was a cherished memory. This experience ignited a fire within me, reminding me that with dedication and hard work, even the wildest dreams can become reality.

Living in Istanbul was also a humbling experience. As a foreigner, I had to rely on the kindness of strangers, who quickly became trusted companions. I faced countless challenges, from language barriers to cultural differences, but these obstacles only strengthened my resolve.

I learned the importance of asking for help, a lesson I initially struggled with. I was so used to being independent but suddenly, I needed help with the most menial tasks (ie. asking for directions or trying to duplicate the house key at the locksmith). At first it was frustrating because it made me feel vulnerable.

In Istanbul I discovered a newfound strength and resilience. With its blend of je ne sais quoi and chaos, Istanbul became a second home, one which allowed me to discover a new side of myself, a side that felt truly alive.