The discussion on "Anatolian and Turkish Folk Music," organized by the Global Policies Research and Implementation Center (RUPAM) of Istanbul Rumeli University, took place with great interest in the Akın Akkan Conference Hall at our Mehmet Balcı Campus. The guest of the discussion was TRT Vocal Artist Rüstem Avcı, and the event was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kara, Board Member Sadun Yavuz, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çetin, and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Prof. Dr. Ahmet Can.
The program began with Rüstem Avcı performing folk songs accompanied by the saz. The artist’s unique interpretation provided the audience with emotional moments. In the continuation of the discussion, an enjoyable conversation took place regarding the historical development of Anatolian and Turkish folk music, the modernization process of folk songs, and the current status of this music genre. RUPAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süleyman Özmen and Rüstem Avcı emphasized the importance of music on identity and culture. Avcı highlighted that folk music is a part of our cultural heritage and discussed how folk songs reach large audiences as a universal language.
One of the most special moments of the event was when Rüstem Avcı performed his piece titled "There is a White Tower in Thessaloniki," written for Atatürk, for the first time at Istanbul Rumeli University. The artist's special performance received a tremendous applause from the audience.
At the end of the program, our Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kara expressed gratitude to the esteemed artist Rüstem Avcı on behalf of the university and presented him with a plaque. The event was broadcast online via Zoom and YouTube, in addition to face-to-face attendance. Those who missed it can access the video recording of the program on the official YouTube channel of Istanbul Rumeli University.
