Kaan Kansu Toprak - Biographical Record
A lover of Truth, aspiring to nothingness. Kaan Kansu Toprak is an independent researcher, Turkish folk music artist, writer, scientist, Ashik, poet, composer, and performer. As an Âşık (troubadour) living in the 21st century, the artist embodies and represents the very essence of the Âşık culture itself. In the traditionally produced Turkish Folk Music works and poems, from the age of sixteen, the artist uses the pseudonym Aşkuzâr to reflect this cultural identity. Furthermore, it is also observed that the artist uses the title Aşkuzâr Serâbî. Both in literature and within their personal circles, the artist is recognized by their official name as well as by pseudonyms and epithets such as Aşkuzâr, Aşkuzâr Serâbî, Âşık Serâbî, Deli Âşık, and Garip Âşık, and actively incorporates these pen names into their works. While performing Turkish Folk Music with deep fidelity to tradition, the artist also creates unique, contemporary pieces. In other words, the artist actively integrates alterna...