Artvin Folk Dances and Folk Music Panel

The comprehensive culture and arts event held at the Ali Nihat Gökyiğit Congress Center drew attention as a richly diverse program that explored traditional values through a modern lens. Organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the event brought together prominent figures specializing in folk dances and folk music, aiming to introduce Artvin’s deep-rooted cultural heritage to a wider audience. The event, which saw high attendance, was closely followed for both its academic and artistic dimensions.

Throughout the program, Artvin’s unique folk dances, music, and traditional elements were explored under various themes, while participants gained valuable insights into the preservation and transmission of cultural values to future generations. The event went beyond being merely a performance program, serving as a platform focused on knowledge sharing and education.

The second day of the program featured content that stood out particularly in terms of education and practical application. During a session conducted with the participation of Suat İnce, Dance Specialist and Director of the State Folk Dance Ensemble, and Murat Altuntaş, Artvin Folk Dance Specialist, teaching methods for folk dances were discussed in detail. Participants were provided with both theoretical knowledge and practical techniques.

In his assessment, Suat İnce emphasized that folk dances should not be taught haphazardly but within a specific system and methodology. Noting that they focused on methods to make both the learning and teaching processes more efficient, İnce stressed that such educational programs hold great importance for the development of the field. Participants, meanwhile, had the opportunity to enhance both their technical knowledge and practical skills through this session.

In the panel session of the program, experts in the field gathered to conduct comprehensive evaluations centered on culture and the arts. The panel, moderated by Ministry of Culture artist Şinasi Pala, featured State Folk Dance Specialist and Community Director Suat İnce, folk dance collector and specialist Necmi Öngüner, İsmail Çelik, General President of the Association of All Cultural and Artistic Associations; Mesut Güner, director of cinema and performing arts; Nilgün Birsel Demireller, ADOB choreographer; and Murat Altuntaş, Artvin Folk Dance Specialist, shared their insights. The panel addressed important topics such as the current status of folk dances, their preservation, staging, and transmission to future generations.

In the later part of the event, attendees enjoyed delightful moments where art met the stage. GSK Music Director and artist Mahmut Cemal Sarı, who performed as part of the Artvin Folk Dances and Folk Music Concert, treated the audience to a music-filled evening with his renditions. The concert, which blended traditional melodies with modern interpretations, was highly praised by the participants.