Küçükçekmece Municipality Launches New Culture and Arts Season in Honor of Yaşar Kemal
The 2026-2027 term opened with events held at the Cennet Culture and Art Center; the program featured an exhibition, a documentary, and a concert.
Küçükçekmece Municipality inaugurated the 2026-2027 Culture and Arts Season, dedicating it to Yaşar Kemal, a master of Turkish literature, with a comprehensive ceremony at the Cennet Culture and Art Center.
High Interest in the Opening Program
The opening of the 2026-2027 Culture and Arts Season, organized by Küçükçekmece Municipality, took place at the Cennet Culture and Art Center with the participation of numerous figures from the literature and art worlds. The program, hosted by Başak İkiz, saw broad attendance from writers and artists.
Broad Participant Profile
The opening program was attended by Yaşar Kemal’s wife Ayşe Semiha Baban, PEN Writers Association President Halil İbrahim Özcan, and Turkish Writers' Union President Adnan Özyalçıner. The event also hosted writer Hakkı Zariç and actors Ali Sürmeli, Hakkı Ergök, Cezmi Baskın, and Levent Ülgen.
Yaşar Kemal Exhibition
Within the scope of the events, the exhibition titled "Yaşar Kemal Was a Violet, The Violet Was Yaşar Kemal", prepared in memory of the master writer and featuring his works, was opened to visitors. Opening speeches for the exhibition were delivered by Adnan Özyalçıner, Halil İbrahim Özcan, and curator Hakan Dağlı.
Emphasis by the Deputy Mayor
Speaking at the opening program, Küçükçekmece Deputy Mayor Sedat Özkan drew attention to Yaşar Kemal's bond with the district. In his speech, Özkan placed special emphasis on the author's story and experiences in Menekşe.
Documentary Screening and Talk
The premiere of the documentary titled "Yaşar Kemal's Menekşe", directed by Cengiz Özkarabekir, took place during this program. Meanwhile, journalist and director Nebil Özgentürk spoke about Yaşar Kemal's life, his place in the literary world, and his cultural heritage.
Artistic Performances and Closing
During the evening, actors Levent Ülgen and Cezmi Baskın took the stage with a master-apprentice performance, providing the audience with delightful moments. The opening program concluded with a concert given by artist Cengiz Özkan alongside his orchestra.