International Launch event of Şanlıurfa’s designation as City of Music

As the Metropolitan Municipality of Şanlıurfa, we are organizing a major launch event on October 23-24, 2024, to celebrate our city’s rich musical heritage and designation as a UNESCO City of Music. We wish to share this beautiful event with the UNESCO Music Cities network.

Şanlıurfa’s music presents a heritage deeply rooted in history, enriched by folk culture. This musical genre offers emotional experiences to listeners, enhanced by traditional instruments and melodies. One of the most well-known musical forms of Şanlıurfa is Dengbejlik, a performing art that reflects storytelling and oral tradition. Dengbejs preserve the collective memory and cultural values of the community through music.

Additionally, Aşıklar (folk poets) hold an important place in Şanlıurfa’s musical culture. They engage audiences with poetry and melodies that narrate social events, love, and nature. Urfa Sıra Geceleri (Urfa Traditional Nights) is an event filled with vibrant performances that bring together traditional music and folkloric elements. Local artists mesmerize the audience with their rich repertoires during these events.

Our event will feature an exhibition titled “Music in Urfa: From the Past to the Present.” This exhibition will showcase Şanlıurfa’s rich musical culture and its historical journey. Furthermore, interactive performance concerts featuring our local artists will be held. These concerts will include traditional musical forms such as Aşıklar and Dengbej performances, as well as the Traditional Urfa Nights Community. Audiences will enjoy captivating performances that highlight the universal values of our music and our city’s unique culinary culture.

Additionally, the “Honor Award for Contributions to Music” will be presented to individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of music. This award aims to honor renowned figures recognized for their achievements and contributions to music.

Diplomatic representatives, ambassadors, representatives of international NGOs collaborating with us in Şanlıurfa, and prominent columnists have also been invited to this important event.

With our participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Şanlıurfa’s rich musical heritage will become even more visible. We wanted to share this event with you, as it presents a significant opportunity not only to be recognized as a City of Music but also to promote our traditional melodies and music culture.