UNESCO CITIES OF MUSIC ANNUAL MEETING CONCLUDES WITH A TRADITIONAL SIRA NIGHT AT HISTORIC BARUTÇU HAN

“The UNESCO Cities of Music Annual Meeting in Şanlıurfa concluded with a memorable traditional Sıra Night attended by international delegates from 30 countries across four continents. The historic Barutçu Han, recently restored and revitalized by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, hosted its first major international event following its restoration.”

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Cities of Music Annual Meeting, held in Şanlıurfa through the initiatives of Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, Mayor of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, concluded with a traditional Sıra Night organized for UNESCO delegates and representatives of Cities of Music from around the world.

Hosted by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, the event brought the city's centuries-old musical traditions to an international audience in the historic setting of Barutçu Han.

The evening was attended by Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, Şanlıurfa Deputy Governor Onur Özaydın, Secretary-General of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mithat Can Kutluca, UNESCO Cities of Music (UCOM) Coordinator Jacob Wagner, members of the UNESCO delegation, and invited guests.

 

Historic Barutçu Han Welcomes UNESCO Delegates Following Earthquake Restoration

Barutçu Han, one of Türkiye's relatively rare three-storey historic caravanserais, has been restored and reopened as an important cultural and tourism landmark in Şanlıurfa.

The historic building first underwent restoration by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality in 2014, with the work completed in 2017. However, the devastating earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023 caused further damage to the structure, including partial damage to non-load-bearing partition walls on the third floor and the collapse of part of an adjoining wall.

Following inspections conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the building was classified as severely damaged and closed to public use. During the period of closure, the historic site suffered further deterioration, vandalism, and unauthorized use.

Under the direction of Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality carried out restoration and rehabilitation works to bring Barutçu Han back into the city's cultural and tourism life.

The venue's reopening as a host location for the UNESCO Cities of Music Annual Meeting marked an important step in preserving Şanlıurfa's architectural heritage while creating new opportunities for international cultural exchange.

 

 

 

An Unforgettable Evening of Traditional Şanlıurfa Music

The traditional Sıra Night offered international guests an opportunity to experience Şanlıurfa's rich musical heritage firsthand.

Halil Altingöz, a vocalist affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, performed alongside the Urfa Ahengi Sıra Night Ensemble, presenting a selection of traditional Turkish folk songs deeply rooted in the region's musical identity.

The performances received an enthusiastic response from the international delegation. Guests joined in the celebrations, accompanied the melodies, and participated in traditional halay folk dancing, creating a lively atmosphere of cultural exchange and friendship.

The evening highlighted the universal language of music, bringing together representatives from different countries and cultural backgrounds through Şanlıurfa's distinctive musical traditions.

 

 

 

 

Cultural Visits to Barutçu Han and Balıklıgöl

Following the musical program, Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar visited training courses organized by the Women and Family Services Department of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality within Barutçu Han, where he received information about the activities and ongoing initiatives.

Mayor Gülpınar then accompanied protocol members and UNESCO delegates on a visit to the historic Balıklıgöl area, one of Şanlıurfa's most prominent cultural and tourist attractions.

During the visit, the delegation also toured the Aynzeliha Tea Garden, a facility developed by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, and learned about the municipality's efforts to enhance the area's cultural and tourism infrastructure.

The UNESCO Cities of Music Annual Meeting concluded in an atmosphere celebrating Şanlıurfa's historical landmarks, vibrant musical heritage, and traditional hospitality.

Bringing together music, history, and international friendship, the event further strengthened Şanlıurfa's position as a UNESCO City of Music and an important destination for cultural exchange on the global stage.