Nâzım Hikmet Remembered with Poems and Songs in Manisa

Manisa's City Theatre Uğur Mumcu Stage became the setting for a memorable tribute to Nâzım Hikmet, a towering figure in Turkish literature. The event celebrated the poet's life, his struggles, and his enduring verses, weaving them together with music in a spectacular stage performance that captivated the audience.

The program featured the compelling narration of journalist and writer Barış İnce, accompanied by the powerful voices of soloists Teyfik Rodos and Zeynep Halvaşi. Hikmet's iconic poems and musical compositions filled the hall, earning a standing ovation from the hundreds of art lovers in attendance.

The commemoration, held on the anniversary of Hikmet's death, drew a significant crowd. Among those present were Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Besim Dutlulu, Yunusemre Mayor Semih Balaban, Fındıklı Mayor Ercüment Şahin Çervatoğlu, MASKİ General Manager Ali Kılıç, and various other local officials, political representatives, and citizens.

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When you listen to Nâzım Hikmet's life again, you see that people who struggled for change and transformation in this country have paid a price in every period. However, it is necessary to continue the struggle without faltering, without losing hope. We will change some things in Turkey. And we will achieve this with your support. Believe me, we have no other strength besides you. It's good that you exist.

Mayor Dutlulu, who presented awards to the artists, highlighted Hikmet's role as a symbol of hope throughout his life. "When you listen to Nâzım Hikmet's life again, you see that people who struggled for change and transformation in this country have paid a price in every period," Dutlulu stated. "However, it is necessary to continue the struggle without faltering, without losing hope. We will change some things in Turkey. And we will achieve this with your support. Believe me, we have no other strength besides you. It's good that you exist."

Yunusemre Mayor Semih Balaban expressed his admiration for the event's atmosphere, calling it one of the most beautiful Nâzım Hikmet commemoration nights he had ever witnessed. "We will continue on our way with the power of art and solidarity," Balaban added, thanking all those involved in the organization.

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I have participated in Nâzım Hikmet commemoration events for years. I say this with conviction, it was one of the most beautiful Nâzım Hikmet commemoration nights I have ever watched in my life. I thank all the artists who contributed, especially our Metropolitan Mayor Besim Dutlulu. We will continue on our way with the power of art and solidarity.