Bîmen Şen

Bîmen Şen (born Bîmen Dergazaryan in Bursa, Ottoman Empire) was a Turkish composer and lyricist of Armenian descent. He was born in 1873 and died in Istanbul, Turkey on 26 August 1943.

Life

Şen came from a music-loving family and was esteemed for his singing. As a child, Şen performed hymns in the Armenian church and quickly became well-known. At age eleven, while visiting Bursa, he was introduced to Hacı Ârif Bey. As an adult, Şen moved to Istanbul, and was able to improve his financial situation and establish connections with people in various circles. He studied with some of the most influential musical figures of the day, including Hacı Ârif Bey, Tanburî Cemil Bey, Neyzen Aziz Dede, Şevki Dede, Rahmi Bey, Hanende Nedim Bey, and Hacı Kirami Efendi. Şen eventually became a celebrated hanende.