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Turkish musician, composer, writer, film director, and political figure renowned for blending Anatolian folk traditions with contemporary sounds and socially engaged themes.Born in İlıca, Kayseri, Turkey, Livaneli gained prominence in the 1970s with politically charged folk music. Following the 1971 Turkish coup d'état, he was imprisoned and later exiled, residing in Sweden and Germany (1972-1984). He achieved international acclaim collaborating with Greek singer Maria Farantouri. Returning to Turkey in 1984, he expanded into film directing and literature, winning awards like the Golden Orange for Best Director (1996). He served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (1996) and was elected to the Turkish Parliament (2002-2007). His diverse career spans music (over 30 albums), books, films, and political commentary.

• Faced imprisonment after the 1971 military coup for his leftist political songs and activism, leading to a 12-year exile in Sweden and Germany.
• His groundbreaking collaborations with Greek singer Maria Farantouri, especially during the Cyprus conflict and military junta in Greece, became powerful symbols of Greek-Turkish friendship and peace.
• His film 'Şahmaran' won the Best Director award at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival (1996), and his novel 'Bliss' (Mutluluk) was adapted into a successful film he directed.
• Served as a Member of Parliament for the Republican People's Party (CHP) from 2002 to 2007, continuing his lifelong engagement with social and political issues.
• Received numerous prestigious awards, including the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador title (1996), the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France (1998), and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ankara International Music Festival (2011).