On the occasion of the declaration of 2023 as “the Year of Aşık Veysel” by UNESCO and the Presidency of Türkiye, Yunus Emre Institute continues to organize activities to promote Aşık Veysel, one of the important figures of Türkiye’s cultural heritage, on the 50th anniversary of his death in different geographies of the world.

Zanzibar Yunus Emre Institute organized a musical concert featuring Aşık Veysel folk songs with the participation of an artist from Türkiye.

At the event held at Zanzibar Yunus Emre Institute on October 3rd, 2023, folk poet Bektaş Boyraz performed the memorable works of Aşık Veysel, including “Uzun İnce Bir Yoldayım” (I am on A Long and Narrow Road) and “Kara Toprak” (Black Earth)

At the event, folk poet Bektaş Boyraz, who performed the hymns of Yunus Emre as well as the works of Aşık Veysel, was accompanied by the Institute trainees.

“Aşık Veysel’s folk songs contain deep meanings”

60-year-old Dr. Muhammed, one of the institute trainees, stated that thanks to this cultural event, they learned the saz from Turkish instruments and that Aşık Veysel’s folk songs contain deep meanings.

Aisha, one of the trainees, stated that in addition to learning Turkish through the events organized by the Institute, she also got to know Turkish culture closely and became more interested in Türkiye’s cultural riches with each activity. Aisha said that she wanted to continue her education in Türkiye due to Türkiye’s educational opportunities.

Folk Poet Bektaş Boyraz expressed his satisfaction with the Zanzibar Yunus Emre Institute trainees accompanying both Aşık Veysel’s folk songs and Yunus Emre’s hymns.

Following the music concert, the flavours of the rich Turkish cuisine and Turkish coffee and tea were served. The event, where different perspectives of Turkish culture were introduced, ended with a souvenir photo taken.