World’s Music Capitals Gather at the Zero Point of History: UNESCO Cities of Music Annual Meeting Held in Şanlıurfa

ŞANLIURFA, TÜRKİYE – The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Cities of Music Annual Meeting took place in Şanlıurfa from 12 to 14 October 2026, bringing together music cities from around the world in one of the oldest centers of human civilization and cultural heritage.

Hosted in Türkiye for the first time, the landmark event welcomed representatives, academics, musicians, and network coordinators from dozens of UNESCO Cities of Music across nearly 30 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Tracing the Roots of Music: From the Zero Point of History to the Modern World

Organized and hosted by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, this year's annual meeting was held under the theme “Tracing the Roots of Music: From the Zero Point of History to the Modern World.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, Mayor of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, highlighted the city's unique place in human history, emphasizing that Şanlıurfa, home to the world-renowned archaeological sites of Göbeklitepe and Taş Tepeler, also holds a remarkable musical heritage dating back thousands of years.

Referring to ancient musical motifs depicted in historical mosaics, including the Orpheus Mosaics, Mayor Gülpınar underlined the city's rich cultural traditions, from Dengbêj storytelling and the Âşık minstrel tradition to Mevlevi music and the traditional Sıra Nights. He expressed his pride in introducing Şanlıurfa's diverse musical heritage to the international delegation.

Dr. Jacob Wagner, Coordinator of the UNESCO Cities of Music Network, and Prof. Dr. M. Öcal Oğuz, President of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the power of music to foster peace, intercultural dialogue, and cooperation among cities worldwide.

 

 

Workshops, Cultural Exchange, and the Handover of the UNESCO Music Globe

Throughout the three-day event, participants attended thematic panel discussions, interactive workshops on music education, and presentations exploring digital music publishing and emerging opportunities in the music sector.

Delegates from participating cities shared successful practices, exchanged experiences, and explored opportunities for future international collaborations, reinforcing the role of music as a bridge between cultures and communities.

Beyond the official meetings, the event featured a vibrant cultural and artistic program celebrating both Şanlıurfa's musical traditions and the diversity of the international UNESCO Cities of Music Network.

·        A Celebration of Local and International Music: Traditional performers, including the Âşıks of Kısas, the Abdals of Kırşehir, and Dengbêj artists, captivated audiences with authentic performances. International music ensembles from Croatia and Pitești, Romania, also took to the stage, bringing their distinctive musical traditions together with the rhythms of Şanlıurfa.

·        Exploring Şanlıurfa's Cultural Heritage: International delegates visited some of the region's most significant historical and cultural landmarks, including Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl, the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, and Halfeti, gaining firsthand insight into the city's extraordinary archaeological heritage, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.

 

·        Ceremonial Handover of the UNESCO Music Globe: On the final day of the meeting, the symbolic UNESCO Music Globe was formally handed over by host city Şanlıurfa to representatives of Kansas City, USA, which is set to host the next annual gathering of the UNESCO Cities of Music Network.

The successful hosting of the UNESCO Cities of Music Annual Meeting marked a significant milestone for Şanlıurfa, further strengthening its international cultural presence and reaffirming its position as a meeting point for civilizations, traditions, and musical expressions.

Bringing together the world's music cities at the Zero Point of History, the event demonstrated how Şanlıurfa's ancient musical heritage continues to resonate beyond borders, connecting its rich cultural past with the global music community of today.