| In
Europe, Tarkan has already made it. Now, the 26-year old, whose
new single "Şıkıdım (Hepsi senin mi?) has just been released, is
ready to conquer the world. "My
July calendar contains performances at very diverse countries",
Tarkan says, looking great and ten
pounds less weighted. "I
will perform in Tunisia, Portugal, Australia and even in
Russia." The fact that
he is even a star in Russia, is a big surprise for Tarkan.
"Last month I was voted best foreign singer at a Russian radio
station. My song "Şıkıdım" has been covered over there
by a famous Russian singer and has been a giant success over there years
ago." |
To
prepare for the tour he went on a diet en did a lot of working-out to
keep fit. "I don't eat
bread or potatoes", Tarkan confesses.
But, nevertheless his giant success, Tarkan is not completely
satisfied. He regrets not having time for love right now, and he
his homesick. The reason: The Turkish military authorities
haven't decided yet whether or not he can re-enter Turkey after having
refused his military service... |
|
I love my country
and I'm proud to be Turkish
|
You
haven't been to Turkey for 8 months, 'cause you would have to go to the
military immediately. What's the latest news in this matter?
Tarkan: The military
authorities haven't made a decision yet. The only thing for me to
do is wait. My only hope is a special arrangement for Turkish
people living and working abroad. They have the possibility to
reduce their 18 months service to 4 weeks. This would be an ideal
solution for me, and I will do it if I can. But right now my
application hasn't been accepted yet... |
How does
the Turkish public react? Are your songs banned by radio stations?
Tarkan: No, on the
contrary. I've heard I'm more popular than ever. My fans
miss me and finally want to see me live again. Most youngsters
have a modern attitude towards traditional values. But of course
there are conservative people too, to whom I am a disgrace to the
society. Last November, my mother was even threatened on the phone
because of my refusal. I was totally shocked to hear that.
Because I love my country like nothing else, and I'm proud to be
Turkish! |
Your
mother Neşe is still living in Istanbul. Do you miss her much?
Tarkan: I sure do! I
can hardly bear it. Luckily she meets me often when I perform
somewhere in Europe. In the United States, no one from my family
has visited me yet. But in August I will finally be moving into my
new home in Manhattan - I will invite them all then: my sisters, my
mother and her friend. She married again two years ago, with an
architect. |
Your
father Ali died four years ago. Was his death a big shock for you?
Tarkan: No! He had
a serious heart disease for about 15 years and always suffered
unbearable pains. Sometimes I can still hear him crying.
When he had the relieving cardiac arrest, it was a relief for him and
for us. We had never been very close. But I was close to my
sisters - and I still am. I visit my sisters Gulay and Nuray often
in Mainz (Germany). |
Do
they treat you like a superstar?
Tarkan: * laughs * No,
no. They spoil me with my favorite dish: fried chicken with
potatoes and onions. I have to sleep in my little niece's kids bed
- in between the dolls, cuddle bears and toys. Yeah, really!
My nieces and their friends are my hardest critics. I'm
really glad they like my new single "Şıkıdım"... |
What
is the song about?
Tarkan: It's about a girl
that's dancing so sexy and hot that she made me go crazy.
Has this already happened to you?
Tarkan: Yes, with my latest
girlfriend! I fell in love with her in November, when I saw her on
the dance floor in a club in Paris. I was totally fascinated by
her movements. When she suddenly grabbed my hand and dragged me to
the dance floor, I was lost. |
Sikidim is about
a girl I fell in love with
|
I don't believe love
can grow into friendship |
Are
you still together?
Tarkan: No,
unfortunately. We broke up a month ago. The reason was the
distance between us: she is 23 and lives in Switzerland.
How did you get over it?
Tarkan: Better than I
thought. I threw myself at my job and broke all contact with
her. It's no use in staying good friends after a
relationship. It can't work, it only makes things more
complicated. |
You
seem to know what you're talking about...
Tarkan: Well, yeah. It
was my third serious relationship since I moved to New York four years
ago. The hardest thing was breaking with Elif. She was five
years older than me and worked as an head editor of the magazine
"Cosmopolitan" in Turkey. We met during an
interview. When I moved to the States in 1994, she quit her
interesting job and joined me. Our love didn't survive my hectic
life. Therefore Elif went back to Turkey after two years. I
haven't heard from her since. I also never saw my last but one
girlfriend again, even though we were together for 8 months. She
was also Turkish, but lived in Los Angeles and worked as a graphic
designer. I'm now solo again. Too bad! |
I am back single since
one month and I threw myself
at my work |
What
are your future plans?
Tarkan: When I'm back in New
York, I'm going into the studio to work on new songs. Next to a
Turkish album, I'm also going to release my first English
album.
I don't know when it's going to be released yet. |
Do
you already know how you are going to celebrate the new Millenium?
Tarkan: My biggest wish is
to spend it with my family in Turkey. I hope the authorities will
come to a decision... |
