Meet Osman Zeki Üngör: Composer of Turkey’s National Anthem
Osman Zeki Üngör: The First Turkish Concert Violinist
Osman Zeki Üngör, the grandson of Santuri Hilmi Bey, made a lasting impact in the world of music as the first Turkish concert violinist. Born in 1880 in Üsküdar, Üngör showed an early talent for the violin when he began playing at the age of 7 under the guidance of his grandfather. By the time he was 11, he was already a member of the symphonic orchestra in Muzıka-yi Humayun.
Üngör dedicated himself to studying Western music and honed his skills as a concert violinist. After completing his education, he became the first Turkish concert violinist and performed at various recitals and official events. He also served as the headmaster at the symphony orchestra organized by Fasl Cedid and Saffet Atabinen for the first time.
One of Üngör’s greatest achievements was composing the National Anthem in 1922, written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy. This further solidified his fame and reputation in the music world. Üngör later became the chief of the Ankara Riyaset-i Cumhur Musiki Delegation and played a key role in the establishment of the Music Muallim School.
In addition to his contributions to Turkish music, Üngör also embarked on a European tour as the conductor of the first Turkish Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra performed in various cities such as Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest, marking the first European tour of a Turkish orchestra.
Üngör’s legacy lives on through his compositions, including the “National Anthem”, “Science Anthem”, and “Republican Anthem”. He retired in 1934 and passed away in Istanbul on February 28, 1958, leaving behind a lasting impact on Turkish music and culture.
