Mor ve Ötesi

Mor ve Ötesi, known by their lowercase name mor ve ötesi, is a Turkish alternative rock and modern rock band formed in Istanbul in 1995 and among the pioneers of Turkey’s alternative rock scene. Recognized for their socially and politically themed lyrics, melodic structures, and dynamic stage performances, the band played a significant role in the rise of Turkish rock music during the 2000s. Particularly through their album Dünya Yalan Söylüyor (2004), which reached a broad audience, mor ve ötesi represented Türkiye at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. The band remains active through both studio albums and live symphonic performances and is acclaimed by critics for its originality.

Band Members

• Harun Tekin: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
• Kerem Kabadayı: Drums
• Burak Güven: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
• Kerem Özyeğen: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

Former Members:

• Alper Tekin: Bass Guitar
• Derin Esmer: Vocals, Guitar

History

• Formation and Early Years (1995–1998): mor ve ötesi was formed in Istanbul in 1995 by Harun Tekin, Kerem Kabadayı, Alper Tekin, and Derin Esmer. Their debut album Şehir was released in 1996. The track "Yalnız Şarkı" became the band’s first music video. In the same year, Burak Güven replaced Alper Tekin.
• Bırak Zaman Aksın and Gül Kendine (1999–2003): Their second album Bırak Zaman Aksın was released in 1999. During this period, Derin Esmer left the band and was replaced by Kerem Özyeğen. Their third album Gül Kendine was released in 2001. The band also gained attention during this time for its sensitivity to social and political issues.
• Dünya Yalan Söylüyor and Büyük Düşler (2004–2006): The 2004 album Dünya Yalan Söylüyor brought the band widespread recognition. The song "Bir Derdim Var" from this album won the Golden Orange Award for Best Music in the film Mustafa Hakkında Her Şey. Their fourth album Büyük Düşler was released in 2006.
• Eurovision and Başıbozuk (2008): mor ve ötesi represented Türkiye at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Deli", finishing in 7th place. The same year, their album Başıbozuk was released.
• Later Years and Sirenler (2010–present): Albums Masumiyetin Ziyan Olmaz (2010) and Güneşi Beklerken (2012) were released in their respective years. In 2022, the album Sirenler was released. The band continues to be active in music production and live concerts.

Diskography

Studio Albums:

1. Şehir (1996)
2. Bırak Zaman Aksın (1999)
3. Gül Kendine (2001)
4. Dünya Yalan Söylüyor (2004)
5. Büyük Düşler (2006)
6. Başıbozuk (2008)
7. Masumiyetin Ziyan Olmaz (2010)
8. Güneşi Beklerken (2012)
9. Sirenler (2022)

Live Albums:

• Canlı Senfonik – Aya İrini (2019)
• Harbiye Açıkhava (Canlı Senfonik) (2020)

Selected Singles:

• "Anlatamıyorum" (2016)
• "Forsa" (2021)
• "Dünyaya Bedel" (2021)
• "Tamiri Mümkün Kalbinin" (2023)

Eurovision Song Contest

In 2008, mor ve ötesi represented Türkiye at the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest held in Belgrade, Serbia. With their alternative rock song "Deli", the band attracted attention for both their stage performance and the originality of the composition. Successfully advancing from the semi-final, mor ve ötesi reached the final and scored a total of 138 points, finishing in 7th place. This result is among Türkiye’s best placements in Eurovision history. Following the contest, the band experienced a significant milestone in their career, gaining broader recognition both in Türkiye and internationally.