Who was Faik Canselen you ask? This house right here once sheltered the great Turkish composer. Faik Canselen lived a remarkable life. He composed the powerful “National Anthem”. He penned this anthem at just 17 years old. The song quickly spread throughout Turkey.
Born in Kirklareli in 1908 he experienced hardship early on. He lost his mother young. His father went off to fight in the Çanakkale Wars. Faik Canselen grew up in an orphanage. He completed primary school in Istanbul. Then he entered the Music Teacher’s School in 1926. Even then he began composing music at only 15.
His talent blossomed. Atatürk commissioned a composition contest. Faik Canselen won first prize. His winning piece “Village Suite” later became a full orchestral suite. This victory connected him to the famous Cemal Reşit Rey. Rey’s friendship boosted his career.
Faik Canselen later studied at the Ankara State Conservatory. He learned from Ferit Alnar. He even taught harmony at the Hasanoğlan Village Institute. Later a state scholarship took him to France. He studied at the Paris National Conservatory and the Cesar Franck Music School. He returned home a highly skilled musician.
Upon his return Faik Canselen taught harmony. This time at the Military Music School. He wrote music textbooks. He created many masterpieces. Some notable ones are “Gelin Ayşe Turkish Song” “Akıncılar” “Youth March” “Flag” and “We Are Here”. He established and conducted choirs and orchestras. His contributions to Turkish music are immense. The Besteci Faik Canselen’in Evi stands as a tribute to his legacy. His legacy resonates today through this very building. This quiet house held a life of vibrant melody.