A Meaningful Celebration for World NGO Day

World NGO Day was celebrated with a Winter Concert organized by Bornova Municipality at the Altındağ Cultural Center NGO Campus. Choral and solo performances by the NGO Turkish Folk Music Choir received great appreciation, while the audience joined in singing the folk songs. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of civil society in terms of solidarity and democracy.

As part of World NGO Day, celebrated every year on February 27, Bornova Municipality organized a Winter Concert at the Altındağ Cultural Center NGO Campus. The event, held at the Yıldız Kenter Stage, brought together the spirit of civil society solidarity with the warmth of Turkish folk songs. During the evening, attention was also drawn to the devoted efforts of NGOs around the world that work to combat poverty and inequality. Participants who filled the hall shared in the unifying power of music.

A Message of Solidarity Through Folk Songs

The Bornova Municipality NGO Turkish Folk Music Choir performed under the direction of Selda Kesgi. Choral pieces such as “Açıl Ey Ömrümün Varı,” “Gova Gova İndirdiler Yazıya,” “Dumanı da Vardır Şu Dağların Başında,” “Ah Bir Ataş Ver,” “Amman Avcı Vurma Meni,” and “Damat Halayı” received enthusiastic applause.

The evening also featured solo performances including “Harman Yeri Sürseler,” “Bağa Gel Bostana Gel,” “Uzun Kavak Ne Gidersin Engine,” “Tekirdağ’ın Üzümü,” “Arda Boylarında,” and “Ak Güvercin Olaydım.” Guests in the hall joined in singing the folk songs together, further increasing the enthusiasm.

Mayor Ömer Eşki: “Civil society is the conscience of democracy”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that civil society is one of the fundamental elements of social solidarity and democratic participation. He said:

“Our NGOs work with great dedication in the fight against inequality and poverty. As a local government, we will continue to stand by them, produce joint projects, and strengthen this culture of solidarity. The message we shared through folk songs this evening is the most beautiful reflection of our unity and togetherness.”

Eşki also emphasized that cultural and artistic events increase the visibility of civil society and strengthen public awareness.