Nereden Sevdim O Zalim Kadını - Selahattin Pınar - 20th Century Turkish Music

"Nereden Sevdim O Zalim Kadını" (How did I love that cruel woman) is a popular Turkish song composed by Selahattin Pınar and written by Yusuf Ziya Ortaç. The song was originally released in the 1950s and has since become a classic in Turkish music. It is considered one of Selahattin Pınar's most well-known compositions and has been covered by many musicians throughout the years. It's worth noting that there is a tragic story related to the song's lyrics. The woman who inspired the song was allegedly a famous Turkish actress named Afife Jale, who was the first Muslim woman to appear on stage in Turkey. She had a tumultuous love affair with Selahattin Pınar, and their relationship ended tragically because of Jale's morphine addiction.

Selahattin Pınar was a Turkish classical music composer and tanbur player. He was born on January 22, 1902, in Denizli, Turkey, and passed away on February 6, 1960, in Istanbul due to a heart attack while having dinner at Todori's restaurant. His compositions are generally known for their melancholic atmosphere. Pınar began learning music at the age of 12. He was married to Afife Jale, the first Muslim actress on stage in modern Turkish theater, between 1929-1935. Some of his most popular compositions include "Aşkınla Sürünsem," "Bir Bahar Akşamı," "Gel Gitme Kadın," "Anladım Sevmeyeceksin," and "Ne Demiştin Niçin Caydın Sözünden."

Turkish Lyrics

Nereden sevdim o zalim kadını
Bana zehretti hayâtın tadını
Sormayın söylemem asla adını
Bana zehretti hayâtın tadını

English Translation

How did I love that cruel woman
She poisoned the taste of life for me
Don't ask, I will never tell her name
She poisoned the taste of life for me