Divan and Divine
About the design
Zeynel’s album ‘Divan and Divine’ is a compilation of traditional Turkish folk songs, with a prominent focus on justice. The songs feature works by three esteemed Turkish poets: Pir Sultan Abdal, Nesimi, and Şah Hatayi. For the album’s visual design, I placed their portraits against the backdrop of Turkey’s Munzur Mountain. The sun, adorned with 40 spikes—a nod to Alevi tradition—shines brightly behind them. Initially depicted with blindfolds to symbolize impartiality, their torsos reflect the Anatolian landscape.
As the album unfolds, the blindfolds are gradually lifted, symbolizing their awakening to the injustices of the world. This versatile design was crafted to adapt seamlessly across various applications. Notably, Şah Hatayi’s portrait against the same backdrop was also featured in one of the album’s single releases. The design aimed to evoke both the timeless spirit of Turkish poetry and the contemporary relevance of its social themes, resonating with audiences beyond cultural boundaries.
The album was released by ARC Music, and their design team was actively involved throughout the entire process, which was incredibly enriching.