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Ahmet Kaya was a prominent Turkish-Kurdish singer, songwriter, and composer known for his politically charged protest music and advocacy for Kurdish rights.Born in Malatya, Turkey, Kaya began his career in Istanbul, releasing over 20 albums blending Anatolian folk with contemporary protest themes. His 1999 declaration about singing in Kurdish triggered intense backlash, leading to exile in France where he died of a heart attack at age 43.

• During a 1999 awards ceremony, Kaya stated he would release a Kurdish-language song and make a Kurdish music video, provoking nationalist outrage. Concerted media attacks and legal charges followed, forcing his exile.
• Turkish authorities issued an arrest warrant for Kaya under Article 312 of the Penal Code for 'inciting hatred' after his Kurdish-language remarks. His records were destroyed, and citizenship was revoked posthumously.
• Kaya died of cardiac arrest in Paris exile at age 43. Turkish authorities barred his burial in Turkey; he was interred at Père Lachaise Cemetery under heavy police guard during his funeral.