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Poetry and Memory: Commemorating Alaeddin Özdenören

As part of its continuous cultural and artistic program, the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality recently hosted a dedicated commemorative session honouring Alaeddin Özdenören, one of the foundational figures of contemporary Turkish thought and poetry, on the 23rd anniversary of his passing. Held at the historic Katiphan, the event drew a large audience of academics, literature enthusiasts, and citizens, reaffirming the city’s vibrant intellectual life.

The commemorative dialogue featured actor and presenter Mehmet Zeyd Yıldız alongside Prof. Selim Somuncu from Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University’s Department of Turkish Language and Literature. The speakers delivered a comprehensive analysis of Özdenören’s artistic philosophy, his distinct poetic voice, and his profound intellectual impact on modern Turkish literature. The session offered a deep exploration of his literary worldview, allowing participants to reconnect with the enduring legacy of a writer who turned poetry into a space for internal discovery.

During the event, Mehmet Zeyd Yıldız emphasized the unique position of the city within the literary world, noting that Kahramanmaraş—with its rich tradition of poetry and exceptional people—remains a sanctuary for the soul. He praised the municipality’s dedication to preserving the memories of its foundational masters. Aligned with Kahramanmaraş’s active mission as a UNESCO City of Literature, this meaningful gathering underscores the city’s commitment to keeping its deep-rooted cultural heritage alive and relevant for new generations of readers.