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May 22, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations — The 4th concert of the GTU Turkish Folk Music Choir brought together not only members of the university but also members of the Darıca YaşDer Elderly Association and residents of the Gebze Nursing Home, creating a meaningful intergenerational gathering. — Organized with the message that “art belongs to all segments of society,” the concert was held completely free of charge and open to the public. — GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan and Social Impact Coordinator Prof. Meral Elçi emphasized that universities must exist not only through science and technology but also through the unifying and healing power of art. — Conducted by Choir Director Ünal Dursun, the choir offered the audience a profound musical journey through Anatolian melodies with vibrant folk dance performances, solo performances, and choral folk songs. — Plaques of appreciation were presented to the main sponsor Neşe Egemen Foot Health Center, "Organize" Auditing, Occupational Health and Safety Inc., Arslan Grinding, and Adem Ceylan, who supported the establishment of the choir.
Organized in collaboration with the Gebze Technical University Turkish Folk Music Choir and the Social Impact Coordination Office, the fourth Turkish Folk Music Choir concert delivered an unforgettable evening this year. Held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the GTU Congress and Cultural Center's White Hall, the concert brought together folk music enthusiasts from many different segments of society around shared emotions.
“On This Stage, There Will Be Not Only Notes but Also Dedication, Friendship, Excitement, and Unity of Hearts” At the opening of the event, GTU Social Impact Coordinator Prof. Meral Elçi emphasized that the university attaches great importance not only to scientific studies but also to the unifying and healing power of art. Stating that Turkish Folk Music is a powerful cultural heritage carrying the shared memory and emotions of Anatolia, Elçi noted that the stage would feature not only melodies but also dedication, friendship, and unity of hearts. Mentioning that the choir had been continuing its work devotedly for two years and was now presenting its fourth concert, Elçi thanked Choir Director Ünal Dursun, the folk dance team, orchestra members, the staff of the Social Impact Coordination Office, students, and supporting sponsors for their contributions to the event.
“Our GTU Campus Is a Living Atmosphere Shaped by Culture, Art, Universal and National Values” Continuing the opening speeches, GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan emphasized that Gebze Technical University has established a strong institutional identity not only in science, technology, and innovation but also in the fields of culture and art. Arısan stated that universities are not merely institutions where theoretical knowledge is produced and noted that art and aesthetic perspective are among the fundamental elements completing university culture. Emphasizing that scientific creativity and art are nourished by the same source, Arısan said that communities intertwined with art are able to understand people and society more deeply. She further stated that, beyond the daily intensity of academic and administrative life, the coming together of university members in the same melody and rhythm represents one of the finest examples of true university culture. Concluding her speech with wishes for an enjoyable performance, Arısan noted that it would be a meaningful evening where minds enlightened by science would meet the ancient melodies of Anatolia.
Different Segments of Society Came Together Through Shared Emotions The concert began with an enthusiastic folk dance performance. Following the energetic opening by the folk dance team, the event program continued with choral and solo folk songs. The melodies compiled from all around Anatolia took the audience on a profound emotional journey. Performed under the direction of Choir Director Ünal Dursun, the folk songs brought all listeners together within a shared emotional atmosphere.
Organized in collaboration with the GTU Social Impact Coordination Office, the event brought together students, academics, administrative staff, and many different segments of society through the same melodies, while the remarkable increase in participation this year carried particular significance. In addition to students and academics from GTU, members of the Darıca YaşDer Elderly Association and residents of the Gebze Nursing Home also attended the evening. This intergenerational gathering once again demonstrated the embracing and healing power of music within society.
Under the institutional vision of Gebze Technical University, sincere thanks were extended to the concert sponsors, including Neşe Egemen from the main sponsor Neşe Egemen Foot Health Center, Ümit Öztaş from "Organize" Auditing, Occupational Health and Safety Inc., and Sinan Arslan from Arslan Grinding Machinery Industry and Trade Ltd. Co. Gratitude toward all sponsor companies that had contributed to the growth of the choir through their support in previous concerts was also expressed through plaque presentations. The event came to an end with a special acknowledgment to Adem Ceylan, who left a significant mark through his efforts and support during the establishment process of the choir.
Organized under the slogan “Spread Your Wings to the Arts” and held completely free of charge with an open-to-the-public approach, the concert once again strongly conveyed the message that the arts belong not only to a privileged minority but to every segment of society. The audience filling the hall concluded the evening with intense and long-lasting applause. |
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