The International Minstrels Festival turns into a cultural celebration with Denizli Metropolitan Municipality

 

The Minstrels Festival, a long-standing tradition in Denizli that has gained international recognition, was held for the 12th time this year. The special evening was attended by Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, Deputy Mayor Ali Marım, district mayors, and numerous guests.

 

Minstrels’ poetic duels captivated the audience.

 

Since its inception, the festival has hosted 219 minstrels from different regions of Türkiye and 44 from the Turkic world, bringing together a total of 263 artists in Denizli. This year’s event featured 13 minstrels, 8 from Türkiye, 4 from the Turkish world, and 1 from Bulgaria, who carried the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Anatolia into the present day. With their instruments and verses, the poets continued the Turkish tradition of conveying thoughts through words, expressing themes of friendship, love, and brotherhood. 

One of the evening’s most thrilling moments was the verbal duels (atışma), where the minstrels showcased their wit and improvisational skill. The humorous yet profound exchanges between the master poets drew great applause from the audience. Among the honored guests was Ozan Nihat, Denizli’s own minstrel and the only representative of the Aegean Region in this field, who received significant attention for his role in keeping this cherished tradition alive.

 

Mayor Çavuşoğlu extends his gratitude to the minstrels.

 

Expressing his pleasure in hosting the representatives of the minstrel tradition in Denizli, Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu stated: “We are delighted to once again welcome minstrels from across the Turkish world to Denizli, as part of our efforts to preserve our traditions and safeguard this deep-rooted cultural heritage. In previous years, our event was held in smaller venues, but due to growing interest, we moved it to the Mehmet Gazi Hall this year. I believe that next year, even this hall will not be large enough to accommodate everyone. With their instruments, words, and heartfelt emotions, our minstrels once again remind us of the cultural richness and unity of these lands. I would like to warmly welcome them once again to Denizli, the city of culture, tourism, and art, and extend my sincere thanks for bringing this cultural celebration to life.”

 

Minstrels visited Mayor Çavuşoğlu in his office.

 

Before the event, 14 minstrels from Türkiye and abroad visited Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu in his office. During the visit, the minstrels expressed their gratitude by reciting special poems and verses they had composed for the occasion. Mayor Çavuşoğlu stated that they take great pride in bringing together all forms and colors of art in Denizli and extended his heartfelt thanks to the minstrels for their participation in the event.