Senede Bir Gün - Şekip Ayhan Özışık - 20th Century Turkish Music

"Senede Bir Gün" (One day a year) is a Turkish song composed by Şekip Ayhan Özışık, with lyrics by Sâdık Şendil. It is performed in the Zirgüleli Hicaz makamı (mode) and follows the Düyek usul (rhythm). Şekip Ayhan Özışık (1932-1981) was a Turkish Classical Music composer. He was born in 1932 in Ankara, Turkey. He started his primary education in Ankara and completed it at Istanbul Haydarpaşa High School. He developed an interest in music at a young age and although he was inclined towards playing the oud, he took violin lessons at his father's request. His first teacher was Emin Ongan. He completed his military service as a reserve officer in 1954 and joined the Turkish Music Conservatory in 1955, followed by Ankara Radio in 1958. He worked at Ankara Radio until 1966 and composed many of his works during this period, the most notable being his song "Belki bir sabah geleceksin" in the Rast makam. Some of his compositions were used as background music in Turkish films of that time. He received Turkey's first gold record from Grafson Company for his composition "İçin için yanıyor" in the Muhayyerkürdi makam. In addition to being a virtuoso oud player, the composer began composing music in the 1950s and established a prolific profile as a composer in the late 70s. However, he spent his last years battling throat cancer, which severely affected his health. In fact, he lost his ability to speak in the last few years. Şekip Ayhan Özışık passed away on April 17, 1981. Turkish Lyrics Gönlümde açmadan solan bir gülsün, Her zaman gamlıyım, her zaman üzgün. Beklerim yolunu aylar boyunca, Yeter ki gel bana, senede bir gün. Ağarsın saçlarım, solsun yanağım, Adını anmaktan yansın dudağım. Bu aşka canımı adayacağım, Yeter ki gel bana, sene bir gün. English Translation May you be a rose that withers in my heart without blooming, I'm always sorrowful, always sad. I await your arrival for months, Just come to me once a year, that's enough. May my hair turn gray, may my cheek fade, My lips burn from uttering your name. I will dedicate my life to this love, Just come to me once a year, that's enough.