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Turkish rock musician, composer and pioneering figure of Anatolian rock.Founder of influential bands Apaşlar, Kardaşlar, Dervişan and Moğollar. Known for politically charged lyrics leading to exile after 1980 coup. Later reconciled with authorities before his death.

• Born to artistic parents: father Mehmet İbrahim Karaca was a prominent theater actor, while mother Toto Karaca was an opera singer of Armenian descent.
• Studied in West Germany during youth where he discovered rock music, later blending it with Turkish folk traditions to create Anatolian rock.
• Fled Turkey after 1980 military coup when his citizenship was revoked due to leftist political lyrics; lived in Cologne, Germany performing for Turkish migrant workers.
• Unexpectedly pardoned in 1987 after writing a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal, allowing his return amid public celebration.
• Died from heart attack following respiratory failure at age 58. Funeral drew massive crowds singing his protest anthem 'Oh Be Stayed'.