Turkish World Concert by Haliç Conservatory at Rami Library

With the participation of the Turkish Music Department of Haliç University Conservatory and the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a special concert titled “Melodies of the Turkic World from the Strings of Our Hearts” was held at Rami Library. The artistic director of the event was Prof. Dr. Murat Salim Tokaç, Director of the Conservatory, while the concert was conducted by Lecturer Ehsan Raeisi from the Turkish Music Department.

Speaking about the event, Lecturer Raeisi noted that preparations for the concert came together quickly in honor of Turkishness Day (commemorated annually on May 3rd in Türkiye to celebrate Turkic identity, unity, and cultural heritage). “Our ensemble is composed of students from the Turkish Music Department of Haliç University Conservatory. Both in the instrumental section and the choir, we are joined by our students and faculty members. Prof. Dr. Murat Salim Tokaç served as the artistic director of the event. Many of the pieces from the Turkic world may be unfamiliar to the audience; however, we perform them in their original dialects and accents,” Raeisi explained.

The concert program featured a rich repertoire of traditional melodies originating from diverse regions including Turkistan, Tatarstan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Kirkuk, the Balkans, Artvin, and Kastamonu. The instrumental ensemble and choir skillfully interpreted these pieces, captivating the audience throughout the evening.

Notable works performed during the concert included “Selam Ey Kutlu Vatan,” “Güzel Türkistan,” “Hasret Çektim,” “Bagçalarda Kestane,” “Pulun Var?,” “Ben Bir Göçmen Kızı Gördüm,” “Münüse,” “Plevne Marşı,” “Süseni Mahmur Yakası,” “İndim Dere Irmağa,” “Benden Selam Olsun Bolu Beyine,” “Çırpınırdı Karadeniz,” “Gafil Ne Bilir Neşve-i Pür Şevk-i Vegayı,” “Qara Jorga,” “Kırk Yiğit,” and “Anayurt Marşı.”

The concert, filled with culturally rich and diverse compositions, received high praise and admiration from attendees.