Ankara Honors Its 'Living Values' with Prestigious Awards

Ankara, the heart of our Republic, has once again celebrated its most cherished assets – its "Living Values." The Ankara City Council, in collaboration with the Kardelen Art Association and the Etimesgut Municipality, hosted the 63rd "Our Living Values Ankara" program, a testament to the enduring spirit and contributions of individuals who have profoundly shaped our capital city's cultural, artistic, and social fabric.

This year's ceremony, held at the 100th Year Cumhuriyet Culture Center and generously hosted by the Etimesgut Municipality, brought together a diverse group of luminaries. Among them was our own Etimesgut Mayor, Erdal Beşikcioğlu. His recognition is particularly meaningful, acknowledging not only his artistic endeavors but also his dedicated service as a local leader who understands the pulse of our city. Mayor Beşikcioğlu humbly accepted the award, attributing his position to the will of the people and expressing gratitude to both the organizers and the citizens.

The event also proudly honored distinguished figures from various fields. We extend our congratulations to CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba, TRT Folk Music artist Emel Taşçıoğlu, TRT Classical Turkish Music artist Çiğdem Gürdal, İYİ Party Deputy Chairman Kevser Ofluoğlu, ceramicist and art historian Özgür Ceren Can, special education advocate Deniz Yıldırım, director Alper Kaya, our esteemed colleague and columnist Mustafa Balbay, Ankara City Council Kale Assembly President Şevket Bülend Yahnici, businessman Salih Şerbetçi, and orthopedic athlete Ayhan Metin. Their dedication enriches Ankara and serves as an inspiration to us all.

Furthermore, the program celebrated artists from the Kardelen Art Association, including TRT Folk Music artist and writer Neşe Dilekcioğlu, poet-writer Yusuf Ziya Leblebici, Folk Music artists Yağmur Yalçın and Volkan Dilek, and composer-musician Mümtaz İster. The event was further enhanced by a performance from the SERÇEV choir, a collective art exhibition, and musical recitals, all of which were warmly received by the citizens of Ankara. These individuals are not just recipients of awards; they are the embodiment of Ankara's enduring cultural legacy.

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As an artist mayor, I received this award because the people carried me to these positions.