In Kahramanmaraş, 100 poets, minstrels, bards and artists from 10 countries displayed their skills in branches such as call-and-response duet, muamma, güzelleme (types of folk song) and folk songs.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality and Minstrels Culture and Solidarity Association, the 1st International Festival of Minstrels, Bards and Poets started in Aliya İzzetbegovic Park. In the event, 100 poets, minstrels, bards and artists displayed their skills in branches such as call-and-response duet, muamma, lebdeğmez, güzelleme (types of folk song) and folk song with the intense interest of the citizens. Cevdet Kabakçı, Head of the Department of Culture and Social Affairs of the Metropolitan Municipality, said in his speech that he was happy to have poets, bards and minstrels come together. Stating that there have been important poets, minstrels and bards in Kahramanmaraş since history, Kabakçı said that they will continue to organize such important events in an ancient city that has written its history with the epics and laments of minstrels and bards.

 "WE EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT FEELINGS"

Aşık Temel Türabi drew attention to the enthusiasm of the night and the importance of the event, which was well attended by the citizens. Stating that they continue a historical tradition, Türabi said, "This is a 5,000-year-old Turkish tradition, a tradition that comes from Dede Korkut to Mahsuni Şerif. We are trying to keep this alive all over Türkiye. We experience different emotions everywhere, but it is quite different in Kahramanmaraş." Aşık Selahattin Kazanoğlu stated that he loved Kahramanmaraş very much and said, “We got to know Kahramanmaraş for its heroism. It's my first time in Kahramanmaraş, we have always been proud of the people and heroism of this place. We will be proud forever, because they protect the republic and the nation," he said.