Bilkent Commemorates Acclaimed Turkish Poet Cahit Külebi

Cahit Külebi (1917-1997), prominent Turkish poet, bureaucrat and former chief accountant of the Turkish Language Association, was remembered at a half-day event entitled "Poet of Love for the Homeland and People: Cahit Külebi Memorial Day" held by the Bilkent University Center for Turkish Literature in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Directorate General for Libraries and Publications at the National Library on November 19. Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Nermin Yazıcı of Başkent University, the event included poetry recitations, music and short films as well as talks by academics and friends and relatives of Mr. Külebi.

Those who took the floor included Assoc. Prof. Nuran Tezcan and Prof. Semih Tezcan of Bilkent University; Prof. Onur Bilge Kula; the poet's nephews Prof. Baran Tuncer and Uğur Tuncer, his son Ali Külebi and his daughter-in-law Dr. Oya Külebi; musician and composer Alpay, who has adapted Mr. Külebi's poems as lyrics to his songs; the mayor of Niksar, Duran Yadigar; friends, colleagues and fellow poets Şükrü Erbaş and Yaşar Miraç Çolak; and critic and author Dr. Mustafa Şerif Onaran.

Describing Mr. Külebi as a productive, lively and sincere man of letters, speakers shared their memories of the renowned poet, telling anecdotes that were full of emotion and humor. Referring to Cahit Külebi as the Yunus Emre of 20th-century Turkish literature, Assoc. Prof. Tezcan stated that he excelled in reflecting the universal realities, infirmities and affections of human beings, concerning himself in particular with the problems of the neglected, poverty-stricken Anatolian peasant.

Aside from the speeches, the program included a variety of activities -- Külebi's poems were recited by students of the Bilkent University Department of Turkish Literature; parts of an interview with the poet himself as well as a tribute film titled "Külebi's Niksar" were screened; and Alpay's songs were played in the musician's presence -- all of which enriched the event, moving the audience and arousing further interest in the poet.