Folk Songs Echoed with the Joy of Spring and the Hope of Youth

A Meaningful Concert by the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD) Bornova Branch in the Spirit of May 19

The “Youth and Spring” Turkish Folk Music Concert organized by the Bornova Branch of the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD) was held at the Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center, hosted by Bornova Municipality. Bringing together the joy of spring and the enthusiasm of the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day on May 19, the concert offered the audience an unforgettable evening through the unifying power of folk music.

The event attracted great interest, with the choir and soloists performing selected pieces from various regions of Anatolia. Audience members frequently joined in, singing along to the folk songs. The rich repertoire, spanning from Rumelia to the Aegean, from Thrace to the heart of Anatolia, received widespread acclaim.

“Folk Songs Are the Memory of Our Nation”

In her opening speech, ADD Bornova Branch President Mübeccel Timaç emphasized the importance Atatürk attached to music, particularly folk songs. She noted that Atatürk was deeply interested not only in literature but also in music, enjoyed listening to songs and folk melodies, and often accompanied performances and participated in folk dances. Timaç stressed that folk songs carry the collective memory of the nation.

She explained that folk songs sometimes tell the story of a harsh wind sweeping across the steppes, sometimes the spirit of rebellion in the mountains, and sometimes the joy of life emerging from despair. She also described May 19 as a symbol of the Turkish nation’s resurgence and determination for independence.

“Atatürk’s Legacy Is the Youth”

Reminding the audience that May 19 was dedicated to young people by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Timaç stated that youth represent courage, change, reason, and the future. She emphasized that it is the younger generations who will preserve the achievements of the Republic and carry the vision of contemporary civilization forward. She encouraged young people to continue thinking, producing, questioning, and embracing the values of the Republic under the guidance of science.

Concluding her speech with references to democracy, freedom, and justice, Timaç invited participants to uphold Atatürk’s principles and reforms.

The Melodies of Anatolia United on Stage

The concert featured beloved folk songs such as “Manastır,” “Bülbülüm Altın Kafeste,” “Karahisar Kalesi,” “Tekirdağ’ın Üzümü,” “Babuba,” “Evlerinin Önü Yaldız Piyade,” “Evlerinin Önü Handır,” “Deniz Üstü Köpürür,” “Karyolamın Demiri,” “Gerizler Başı,” and “Kerimoğlu Zeybeği,” as well as solo performances of “Kaya Köyün Alt Yanında,” “Denizin Dibinde Hatçam,” and “Çek Gemici Gemileri.”

Throughout the evening, the audience had the opportunity to experience the diverse cultural colors of Anatolia through music.