For over a year, Isabelle Dumont, the Ambassador of France to Türkiye, has been serving in Ankara. Beyond her distinguished diplomatic career, Dumont’s multifaceted talents set her apart. A professional cellist, she also plays various other instruments, including the saxophone, flute, ney, piano, and more. In an exclusive interview with Demarche, Ambassador Dumont showcased her musical versatility by performing a selection of Turkish songs, such as “Yiğidim Aslanım,” “Katibim,” and “Elbette,” on different instruments. Dumont shared insights about her early introduction to the Turkish language and her lifelong passion for music.
Haşim KILIÇ
You are particularly skilled at playing the cello. When did you start learning it?
The cello is my main instrument. I initially started with the piano as a child, but I only played it for a year or two. Then, around the age of nine, I transitioned to the cello, and I have been playing it ever since.
Do you play any other instruments besides the cello?
When I was 16, I bought a flute for 50 francs, which is roughly equivalent to about 9 euros today. I taught myself to play the flute and also took lessons. Later, while I was in New York, I tried the clarinet but found it quite challenging, so I switched to the saxophone. I started learning the saxophone here in Türkiye just last year. A few months later, in February of this year, I began learning the ney. Recently, I received a gift—a traditional oud—which I now feel compelled to learn. During my time in Ukraine, I acquired a bandura and took a few lessons. I also have a guitar. All of my instruments are with me here in Ankara.
I CHOSE NOT TO PURSUE A PROFESSIONAL PATH
Have you ever considered becoming a professional musician?
When I was about 16 or 17, I practiced the cello very seriously. However, my teacher advised me that pursuing a professional career in music would be very challenging and that while it could bring joy, turning it into a job might change that. He said I might enjoy it more as an amateur, and he was right. I decided against the professional path, and I’m very happy with that decision.
For instance, I played the saxophone in a concert alongside young musicians. It was a joy to perform with them, and it reminded me of the advice my teacher gave me over 30 years ago. It was truly excellent advice.
TAKING NEY LESSONS
With your demanding schedule, how much time can you dedicate to music?
From Monday to Friday, I am extremely busy and cannot find time to practice. Weekends are also often occupied with travel. However, when I do have a time, I play the cello. If I have more time, I also practice the saxophone, ney, and recently, the piano.
While I dabble in various instruments, the cello remains my primary focus. I take saxophone lessons about once every three weeks, sometimes in İstanbul and sometimes in Ankara. Since January, I have had roughly 10 hours of lessons. For the ney, I have taken three or four lessons so far, but I am determined to learn it.
PERFORMED CONCERTS WITH A MUSIC GROUP
What Turkish songs or pieces can you play?
Twelve years ago, during my first posting in Türkiye, I was part of a music group. We collaborated with wonderful Turkish musicians such as Rüya Taner, Leyla Çolakoğlu, Dinçer Özer, and Bilgehan Erten. We performed across various cities in Türkiye, focusing exclusively on Turkish repertoire. I remember playing “Çökertme.” It was challenging for me as I was unfamiliar with it and had to write out the sheet music myself.
More recently, a few months ago, I performed Zülfü Livaneli’s “Yiğidim Aslanım” with our consulate in İstanbul. It was a wonderful experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am also learning to play “Üsküdar’a Gider İken” on the oud at a very basic level.
GAINING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIETY
What role does music play in your life? Has it influenced your professional career?
Music is immensely important to me—it is at the core of everything. In every country I’ve lived in, I have engaged with music, often playing alongside local musicians. When people see you as a musician, the diplomatic aspect tends to fade into the background. At that point, you connect more deeply with society. It allows for more direct communication and a deeper understanding of the culture and the people.
STARTING TO LEARN TURKISH IN CHILDHOOD
When did you start learning Turkish, and how?
I began learning a bit of Turkish as a child. My father taught me how to count, and by the age of eight, I could count to 20. Later, when I was 22 and living in Boston teaching French, I started learning Turkish more seriously through books and self-study. Eventually, I took a few lessons as well.
I WANT TO SAY ‘KOLAY GELSİN’
What is your favorite Turkish words?
I love the sound of the word “Elbette” (of course). I’m not sure why—maybe because of a song by Candan Erçetin. Another favorite is “Kolay gelsin,” as there is no equivalent in French. It reflects a unique aspect of Turkish language and culture. After spending a year in Türkiye, it feels natural to say it, but I find myself at a loss when I return to France, where such an expression doesn’t exist.
For a third favorite, just for fun and because it comes from French, I would choose “Puantiye” (polka dots). I find it delightful.
SHARED SOUNDS BETWEEN TWO LANGUAGES
Do you find Turkish to be a difficult language?
I don’t think French speakers find Turkish particularly hard, as both languages share similar sounds, like “ü” and “ö.” However, it may be more challenging for Turks to learn French because of its peculiar sounds.
INTERPRETING FROM RUSSIAN TO TURKISH
Do you have any special memories related to learning Turkish?
Twenty-two years ago, I interned at an embassy before becoming a diplomat. At a dinner hosted by the ambassador, one guest spoke only Turkish, while another spoke only Russian. I was asked to interpret between the two all evening. By the end of the night, I was utterly exhausted. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for interpreters and the difficulty of their work.
What other languages do you speak?
I am fluent in Russian and English and know a bit of Turkish, Greek, and Ukrainian. I enjoy learning languages, but it’s getting harder as I grow older. Recently, I started learning Chinese on my own, and I find it fascinating because it is so different.