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Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy celebrated Kahramanmaras’ designation as a UNESCO "City of Literature" within its Creative Cities Network during an international promotional event at Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Center.
The program highlighted Kahramanmaras’ literary heritage, cultural development strategy, and its growing role in cultural tourism and international cooperation. The city’s inclusion in the UNESCO network was framed as a significant milestone in Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy and creative economy agenda.
Ersoy stated that Türkiye maintains a strong presence within UNESCO frameworks, with 22 properties on the World Heritage List, 32 elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and 79 sites on the Tentative List. He also noted Türkiye’s participation in additional UNESCO initiatives such as the Learning Cities Network, Biosphere Reserves, Geoparks and the Memory of the World Program.
The minister emphasized that Kahramanmaras’ recognition as a “City of Literature” marks a historic first for Türkiye within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of literature. He also noted that the city is the first among Turkish-speaking regions to receive this designation.
The UNESCO network connects cities driving creativity through crafts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music, Ersoy explained. With the addition of Kahramanmaras, Türkiye now boasts nine entries in the prestigious network, alongside Gaziantep, Hatay, Afyonkarahisar, Kutahya, Bursa, Kirsehir, Sanliurfa, and Istanbul.
Highlighting a legacy stretching from the Dulkadirogullari Beylik and Ottoman eras to the present day, Ersoy emphasized Kahramanmaras' enduring contribution to literature.
He cited prominent literary figures associated with the city, including Necip Fazil Kisakurek, Nuri Pakdil, Rasim Ozdenoren, Alaeddin Ozdenoren, Cahit Zarifoglu, Abdurrahim Karakoc, Bahaettin Karakoc and Asik Mahsuni Serif, describing them as key representatives of Türkiye’s literary heritage.
Ersoy stated that the UNESCO designation represents not only international recognition but also a development model that places culture and creativity at the center of sustainable growth. He added that efforts will continue to promote Kahramanmaras globally and expand cultural cooperation initiatives.
The program also highlighted ongoing archaeological and restoration projects in the region, including excavations at the Direkli and Kece Caves, Domuztepe Mound, Karahoyuk-Hamzatepe and the ancient city of Germanicia. These projects aim to preserve the region’s historical assets and strengthen its cultural tourism infrastructure.
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