HasSak (Music Group)

HasSak is a Kazakh-origin ethno-folk music group that reinterprets ancient Turkic instruments such as the kopuz, dombıra, and sıbızgı through contemporary musical arrangements, bringing together the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic World and the universal sounds of modern music.

Formation

The HasSak group was founded in 2013 in Kazakhstan. The group’s name was suggested by member Erzhan Zhamenkeev. The term “HasSak” historically means “the original Saka” or “the original Scythians”. According to Zhamenkeev, this name can be translated as “the true Kazakhs”, and within the group’s name, respect for the deep history of the Kazakh people and a sense of identity are emphasized.

Musical Philosophy

HasSak blends traditional Kazakh melodies with modern sounds. While remaining faithful to its ethnic roots, the group aims to create a contemporary and universal musical language. By combining traditional instruments with electronic backgrounds and symphonic arrangements, it seeks to build a bridge across time periods.

International Activities and Concert in Türkiye

HasSak has a wide audience across the Turkic World, and its music is also used in cinema and theater productions. It gave its first concert in Türkiye in Ankara, in collaboration with the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the KökTuğ Kazakh Culture Association. The concert aimed to strengthen cultural ties between the Turkish and Kazakh peoples. The group gave its first special interview in Türkiye to TRT News.

Connection with the Series “Resurrection: Great Seljuk”

HasSak played a significant role in the music of TRT’s series “Resurrection: Great Seljuk”. The group composed ten pieces for the series, among which “Amanat” and “Jorık” stand out. “Jorık” was created in collaboration with the series’ music director Gökhan Kırdar.

Erzhan Zhamenkeev described this project as a “global initiative” and expressed pride in being part of the series. This collaboration significantly increased HasSak’s recognition in Türkiye.

Audience

According to the group’s members, HasSak’s works are most listened to in Türkiye. Audience statistics show that Türkiye is the country with the largest fan base for the group.