Music Heals: United for Hatay

In February, Türkiye’s southeast region was hit by a series of devastating earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people and destroyed 11 cities, impacting 20 million people. 

Hatay, a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, was one of the hardest hit. In some neighborhoods, every building was damaged or in ruins. The oldest part of the city, where ancient mosques, churches, and synagogues all stood within a few blocks of one another, was almost entirely destroyed. Thousands of lives were lost, millions left without homes, possessions, or even memories.

Before the earthquake, Hatay had a rich and lively music culture, reflecting the region's diverse cultural heritage, combining elements of Arabic, Turkish, Armenian, and Kurdish music. On Feb 6, 2023, the music stopped. Eight amateur music groups all lost their buildings, were left with their musical instruments destroyed, their members all grappling with the devastation.

TIME partnered with TUMFED and built Nedim Katgi Music Academy in Iskenderun, Hatay. The center is used by eight displaced local music groups in Iskenderun and provides a range of community programs and events, such as concerts, performances, music lessons, workshops, and lectures. In addition to being a hub for musicians and the local community, it helps rebuild and revive the musical heritage of Hatay and enables it to continue for future generations.

Turkish Music Federation (TUMFED), is a non-profit organization established in 2015 in Turkey to support and promote Turkish Music and its practitioners. With 40 music associations, across Turkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, under its umbrella, the Turkish Music Federation strives to contribute to national music policies, address the issues faced by music workers, and promote the development and dissemination of Turkish Music culture. The federation also organizes national and international festivals, competitions, concerts, and workshops to have a positive impact on the social and cultural fabric of the community. Its efforts as a non-governmental organization continue to benefit music culture and its practitioners in Turkey.