Kahramanmaras: The Turkish city of Kahramanmaras has been named a UNESCO City of Literature, becoming the first city in Trkiye to earn the designation. Kahramanmaras joined this prestigious network in the literature category, as announced by Metropolitan Mayor Firat Gorgel.
According to TRTworld.com, the decision was announced in Paris during World Cities Day events. UNESCO Creative Cities demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development, as stated by Azoulay. By welcoming 58 new cities, the network is being strengthened where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investments, and promotes social cohesion.
This year, ten cities were named UNESCO Cities of Literature: Aberystwyth (Wales), Abuja (Nigeria), Celje (Slovenia), Conakry (Guinea), Dumaguete City (Philippines), Gdansk (Poland), Kahramanmaras (Trkiye), Lund (Sweden), San Luis Potosi (Mexico), and Tangier (Morocco). The new designations increase the total number of UNESCO Cities of Literature to 63.
Kahramanmaras was the epicentre of the devastating twin earthquakes that struck southern Trkiye in February 2023. The earthquakes caused widespread destruction and thousands of deaths, heavily damaging homes, schools, and cultural landmarks, leaving lasting social and economic scars on the community.