|
December 29, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations The 3rd edition of the Turkish Folk Music Concert, which has become a tradition at Gebze Technical University (GTU), is held with strong attendance on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the GTU Congress and Cultural Center, presented by Muhammed Faruk Aslan. Reflecting the unifying power of Turkish Folk Music, the concert offers the audience an unforgettable evening filled with culture and solidarity.
Organized by the Social Impact Coordination Office with the support of the GTU Technology Transfer Office and Youth Office, the event brought together guests from YasDer, Gebze Nursing Home, and Çayırova Homes of Love, along with the university’s academic and administrative staff, students, and residents of Gebze under one roof.
The program began with performances by the Folk Dance Team, composed of GTU members and led by instructor Sinan Tokoğlu, who took the stage following their regular weekly rehearsals. Folk dances from the regions of Artvin, Trabzon, Burdur, and Van introduced the audience to the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia.
In their opening remarks, Prof. Meral Elçi, Social Impact Coordinator, and Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan emphasized the importance of preserving Turkish folk culture through universities, passing it on to future generations, and bringing it together with societal stakeholders.
Later in the program, the Turkish Folk Music Ensemble, consisting of graduates, students, and GTU academic and administrative staff, took the stage under the direction of Conductor Ünal Dursun. Following their regular weekly rehearsals, the ensemble performed folk songs compiled from various regions of Anatolia, accompanied by "bağlama" performances, earning great appreciation from the audience.
At the end of the event, Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar presented flowers to Kemal Kaya, Chairman of the Board of Kaya Group, the event sponsor, in appreciation of his contributions, and expressed his gratitude to Sinan Tokoğlu and Ünal Dursun for their dedication and efforts that added value to the evening.
Strongly reflecting the university’s cultural vision and social impact mission, the 3rd Turkish Folk Music Concert came to an end among enthusiastic applause from the audience. Thanks were extended to all artists who contributed to the realization of the event, the sponsoring organizations for their support, and the guests who honored the evening with their participation.
In a statement made by the GTU Social Impact Coordination Office, it was emphasized that social impact activities will continue with the same belief and determination, accompanied by the unifying melodies of Turkish Folk Music. |
|
