EGEMEN BAGIS SUPPORTS "ANATOLIA - THE HOMELAND OF MUSIC" PROJECT

Minister for EU Affiars and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis indicated that they would support "Anatolia-The Homeland of Music" Project which aims to introduce to the world the culture of the local music in Turkey and added that they attached great importance to utilize the EU Funds for cultural projects.

Bagis received the delegation including artist Mazlum Cimen, Ali Cavaz from the Department of Turkish Folk Dances at Istanbul Technical University State Conservatory of Turkish Music, Melih Duygulu form the Ethnomusicology and Folklore at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, communicators Nesibe Yavuz Meric and Ustun Barısta and composer Cengiz Ozdemir at the Secretariat General for EU Affairs Office in Ortakoy.

After the meeting Egemen Bagis said he came together with distinguished artists and instructors, and that they discussed the project. Bagis said he was very excited about the project and added:

“This is a very fine project which indicates that Anatolia is home of the music, and the culture of Europe was actually originated in Anatolia. This project is also supported by Ertugrul Gunay, Minister of Culture and Tourism. They shared with us a study which was initiated to first nationalize and then globalize the local folklore and music in Anatolia. I am ready to give support for its realization. I do care about the utilization of Europe funds notably for cultural projects. This is a project that 81 provinces should be excited of. It is able to reveal the cultural variety of our 7 geographical regions’ and strengthen the brotherhood and reinforce the atmosphere of unity. Even imagining an Anatolian musician playing our folk songs “Lorke Lorke” and “Sarı Gelin” with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra excites me. Our native dancers enriching his performance will prove how cultures are integrated with each other.”

Mazlum Cimen also noted that they sincerely believed they would have the required support from Minister Bagis, and that they decided to spread their dream all over the country.

Stating that they came together for the project, Cimen said, “This is a Republic project. We will try to globalize the energy inside of our folk music, catch up the same energy outside and try to apply it to life. This is a grand project. We will take it to the world capitals. The project will have its own CD, DVD, and documentary and concert performances.”

Source: AA