Music Heals: United for Hatay

In February 2023, 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. Thousands of lives were lost and millions left without homes. Before the earthquake, Hatay had a rich and lively music culture, reflecting the region's diverse cultural heritage, combining elements of Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish, and Armenian music. On Feb 6, 2023, the music stopped. As TIME, we launched a fundraising campaign to support those most affected. As a music group, we were particularly committed to supporting fellow musicians. Thanks to our donors, we successfully raised funds and established the Nedim Katgi Music Academy, which now serves as a vital resource for displaced musicians through its partnership with Turkish Music Federation (TUMFED). The center is used by displaced local music groups and provides a range of community programs and events, such as free concerts, performances, music lessons, dance lessons, workshops, and lectures.