Ayıntap Conversations, the popular program of Şafak Radio, went beyond the studio walls this week and moved into the heart of nature. The centuries-old sahre culture of Gaziantep was kept alive at the event held in Bülbülzade Foundation’s Kurtuluş Forest.
Sahre culture, one of Gaziantep’s ancient traditions, carries a meaning that goes far beyond simply having a picnic. This culture, which represents the most beautiful way of connecting with the earth, gathering under the shade of trees, and sharing warm conversations, literally came back to life at Bülbülzade Foundation’s Kurtuluş Forest. In the early hours of the morning, the forest, where the scent of pine trees mingled with birdsong, welcomed its guests with the unique peace that being in nature brings to people. Moving away from the noise of the city, the participants made a fresh start to the day by walking through the forest, accompanied by the coolness of the earth and every shade of green.
JOY AND PEACE TOGETHER
Sincerity took center stage at the abundant tables set with the participation of Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir and his wife, as well as members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Warm conversations accompanied breakfasts enjoyed around freshly brewed tea. Before long, the gentle melodies of Turkish music blended into the tranquil atmosphere offered by nature. The beautiful pieces performed by the saz ensemble turned the silence of the forest into an almost festive setting, while the smiles on the participants’ faces showed that the purpose of the sahre had been fully achieved. These moments, where joy and peace blended together, once again reminded everyone how precious the bonds people establish with nature and with one another truly are.
TAILOR EMEL AT AYINTAP CONVERSATIONS
Following the sahre, the filming of the Ayıntap Conversations program began among the trees. Moderated by Hüseyin Rahmi Açıkkol, this week’s topic was Gaziantep’s sahre culture, in keeping with the spirit of the setting. Tailor Emel (Emel Soysal), one of the names who added color to the program, conveyed the warmth of traditional sahres to listeners through glimpses of her own life, which she has carried from the past to the present. The conversation, enriched by the valuable contributions of İbrahim Alisinanoğlu, Asım Mıhçıoğlu, and Turgay Aldemir, explored how this tradition nurtures the spirit of solidarity unique to the city. This meaningful broadcast, connecting the past and the present under the shade of greenery, left a sweet memory in the hearts of both the participants and the listeners.
