― 15 мая 2025 г.

Abdurrahim Karakoç was commemorated in Ankara on the anniversary of his passing

Abdurrahim Karakoç, one of the unforgettable figures of Turkish literature, was commemorated with a special event organized with the support of TURKSOY on the anniversary of his passing. The event, held on May 15th, 2025, at the 100th Anniversary Cultural Center  of the Hacı Bayram Veli University, brought together renowned authors, scholars and artists along with members of the Karakoç family.

The commemorative event began with a special photography exhibition reflecting the poet's life and works. This was followed by the screening of a documentary highlighting Abdurrahim Karakoç's intellectual world and literary legacy.

In a message published prior to the event, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasized the importance of Abdurrahim Karakoç's literary legacy for the Turkic World, saying: "Abdurrahim Karakoç touched not only words with his pen, but also the conscience of the nation. Keeping his legacy alive is not only preserving our literature, but also our cultural identity. He left an indelible mark on Turkish poetry not only with ‘Mihriban’ but also with his satirical works that deeply affected the people and his verses that appealed to national sentiments. This special program on May 15th is an important event in terms of introducing our cultural heritage to future generations."

In his opening speech, Mr. Sayit Yusuf, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY, expressed Karakoç's place in our literatüre saying:

"Today, we have gathered here to commemorate a great figure who gave voice to the silent hearts and interpreted the concerns of the nation through his words. We see Karakoç not only as a poet, but as a man of heart who spoke the language of the people and interpreted the conscience of the nation. This commemorative event is an expression of our determination to preserve our cultural identity and shared values."

At the event, Bayram Bilge Tokel, a master of Turkish folk music, performed songs composed on Karakoç's works, evoking emotional moments for the audience which encountered the voice of Anatolia through Karakoç's verses.

The event was attended by the Presidential Advisor Yalçın Topçu, officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Rector of the Hacı Bayram Veli University Prof. Dr. Naci Bostan, scholars, artists, Karakoç's children, Türk İslam Karakoç, Enderhan Karakoç, and Mihriban Karasioğlu Karakoç, along with his grandchildren as well as many other guests.

Prof. Dr. Ruhi Ersoy, a faculty member of the Hacı Bayram Veli University who also took the floor at the event  said that Karakoç guided a generation not only with his poetry but also with the stance of  values he embraced throughout his life  and added that:

“Karakoç's pen emerged from the depths of Anatolia, from the heart of the people. He became the collective voice of the nation; his poems not only stirred emotions but also guided thoughts. Today, embracing his works is an act of honoring our past and building our future.”

This meaningful gathering, organized by TURKSOY, was an important step in introducing Abdurrahim Karakoç's literary and cultural heritage to younger generations. Participants experienced the spiritual joy of reconnecting with the poet's memorable verses and collectively expressed their gratitude for his memory.