On the day following the anniversary of his death, Raci Alkır, a notable artist who was born and reared in Erzurum and was commonly referred to as "Türkü Pasha," had his name immortalized by Atatürk University.

In recent times, Atatürk University, renowned for its numerous endeavors to safeguard and conserve the cultural heritage of the city in which it is situated, bestowed upon the Choir Classroom of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Music Sciences, the title of Turkish Folk Music Artist from Erzurum, Raci Alkır, with the intention of instilling in future generations an understanding of this significance.

The inaugural session of the Faculty of Fine Arts (GSF) was graced by the Rector of Atatürk University, Professor Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, with many students, faculty deans, university senior management, Governor Mustafa Çiftci, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality deputy mayor Mehmet Akarsu, and Yakutiye Mayor Mahmut Uçar in attendance. Additionally, faculty deans, the Alkır family, and representatives of non-governmental organizations were present.

"The Loyalty Demonstrated to Our Father Made Us Proud," said Vahit Alkır.

Raci Alkır's son, TRT Voice Artist Vahit Alkır, delivered a speech on behalf of the family. He expressed the family's profound joy at the dedication of a classroom in the music department of the university in his father's honor and thanked everyone who didn't leave them alone on this splendid day. He conveyed their pride in the fact that university students will grow up familiar with the name Raci Alkır. He also expressed his unwavering conviction that the compositions of this eminent vocalist and composer will serve as a wellspring of inspiration for students, adding he hoped that the inauguration would be fruitful.

"We shall continue to safeguard the cultural heritage of our nation and city," said Rector Çomaklı.

Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr Ömer Çomaklı commenced his address by stating, "Today, we convene in remembrance of Raci Alkır, also referred to as Türkü Pasha and Tatyan Baba, and to ensure that his name lives on in this classroom." Çomaklı commenced his discourse by highlighting Alkır as a significant artistic creation who epitomized Erzurum culture nationwide and a value-added principle.

Rector Çomaklı underscored the fundamental significance of a nation's culture, tradition, art, and artists in preserving its identity and passing it on to succeeding generations, noting "Protection of art and artists also requires an appreciation for the emotions that arise during intercultural transfer and communication. Our university lends its support to endeavors that safeguard our values with the intention of transmitting them to the present and the future. Our scholarly institution, committed to safeguarding the cultural legacy of our municipality and nation as a whole, bestowed its moniker on this learning environment upon our students in recognition of their exemplary allegiance to Raci Alkır, our Türkü Pasha. I express my gratitude to all of my senatorial colleagues and acquaintances who contributed to this decision. Amidst this somber occasion, I extend my sincere condolences to the master artist's family and friends and wish him divine mercy once more. I respectfully greet all of you, with the hope that many artists, cultural and artistic people like him will be raised in this classroom, which we named Raci Alkır."

Governor Çiftçi: “The Name of Raci Alkır will be kept alive in this beautiful hall”

Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi, in his speech at the ceremony, said that he often heard the name of the artist Alkır when he was the district governor in Erzurum about 20 years ago and that he was one of the important artists raised in the city and was a 7th generation Erzurum native. Stating that he listened to the folk song Erzurum Kilidi Mük-i İslam'i from Alkır with pleasure and admiration, Çiftçi made the following remarks: "We commemorate Alkır with mercy on the 12th anniversary of his death. The name of our artist will be kept alive in this beautiful hall. I congratulate the Alkır family for having such a father, and I would like to thank our rectorate and those who contributed to the naming."

At the ceremony, which ended with the performance of Raci Alkır's works, Vahit Alkır, who performed his father's works, was accompanied by the protocol, while his relatives could not hold back their tears.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 16.12.2023