Tuğrul Keskin explored the traces of Turkish Poetry

This week, Bornova Municipality’s City Talks event hosted poet Tuğrul Keskin. Keskin spoke about the tradition of Turkish poetry, the poets who influenced him, and recited selected pieces from his own works.

As one of Bornova Municipality’s flagship cultural and artistic programs, City Talks welcomed prominent Turkish poet Tuğrul Keskin this week. Held at the Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Arts Center’s Multi-Purpose Hall, the event opened with an introduction by poet Atila Er and was moderated by İbrahim Aktaş.

“Poems flow into one another”

During his comprehensive presentation on the Turkish poetry tradition, Keskin shared that he draws inspiration especially from Nesimi, Nâzım Hikmet, Orhan Veli, Cemal Süreya, İlhan Berk, Ahmet Telli, and Ataol Behramoğlu. Describing poetry as “a layered journey,” he added:
“Poems flow into one another, they nurture one another. This is how a tradition forms.”
Keskin also spoke about his literary journey.

He mentioned that he has received numerous literary awards throughout his career, emphasizing that the Yunus Nadi Award he received in 2004 for his book Zifir holds a particularly special place in his heart.

An evening filled with works from Zifir to Bir Suyun Kıyısında

Throughout the talk, the distinguished poet recited poems from Zifir, Kandahar, Ürperti, and his debut book “Bir Suyun Kıyısında.” He enriched the reading with personal anecdotes, winning the admiration of the audience through his warm and sincere style.

At the end of the event, Esat Erçetingöz, Board Member of the İzmir Journalists Association (İGC), presented Keskin with a certificate of appreciation. One of the evening’s special highlights was a mini concert by renowned qanun virtuoso Namık Sağlam, whose performance added a memorable musical touch to the event.