“3rd International Congress on Develi-Aşık Seyrani and Turkish Culture”, which was hosted by Develi Municipality, and in which the organizing committee of our University took part, was held at Mustafa Aksu Cultural Center of Develi Municipality.

Mayor of Metropolitan Municipality Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç, our Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çalış, Rectors of partner universities, Develi District Governor Sinan Aslan, Mayor of Develi Mehmet Cabbar, academics and guests attended the opening of the congress.

Kayseri University Rector Prof. Dr. Kurtuluş Karamustafa and Abdullah Gül University Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz Yılmaz made a speech and thanked those who contributed to the organization of the congress.

Drawing attention to the fact that Aşık Seyrani, who is among the poets having an important place in the history of literature, is one of the great masters of the 19th century folk poetry, our Rector said: “Aşık Seyrani was an important poet who fought against injustice without fear and hesitation, and sang his effective and lasting poems in accordance with poetic structure and discourse in public with his instrument (saz). Although Aşık Seyrani, who dealt with the subjects of love and Sufism in his poems, spent his life in pain and poverty, he never lost his joy of living. Culture includes all kinds of living, thought and artistic assets in the state of tradition, which form the unity of perception and thought in societies. Develi has been a center of tangible and intangible cultural wealth besides its tolerance and hosting many different societies for many years. Aşık Seyrani is an important value having been passed down from generation to generation as one of the cultural heritages of these lands.

Stating that one of the cornerstones of Turkish Nation’s having a great state with deep roots and traditions is having a rich and important cultural treasure, our Rector continued his words as follows: “Aşık Seyrani has undoubtedly been one of the significant figures in the development of Turkish culture. Our biggest task will be to pass rich Turkish culture down from generation to generation. Besides its educational and R&D activities, Erciyes University, one of the prestigious higher education institutions of our country, has aimed to raise young generations who are devoted to Turkish culture and traditions, serve their homeland and nation and do not compromise customs and traditions.”

Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç thanked those who contributed to the organization of the congress and stated that Aşık Seyrani is one of the important names of folk poetry.