Kahramanmaras: The Turkish city of Kahramanmaras has achieved a significant milestone by being named a UNESCO City of Literature, marking it as the first city in Türkiye to receive this prestigious designation.

According to TRTworld.com, the announcement was made in Paris during the World Cities Day events, highlighting the city’s inclusion in this esteemed network. Metropolitan Mayor Firat Gorgel shared the news on Friday, expressing the city’s pride in joining the literature category. UNESCO emphasized that Creative Cities like Kahramanmaras illustrate how culture and creative industries can be pivotal drivers of local development. Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, stated that by adding 58 new cities, the network is reinforcing a system where creativity bolsters local initiatives, attracts investments, and enhances social cohesion.

This year, ten cities earned the title of UNESCO Cities of Literature, including Aberystwyth in Wales, Abuja in Nigeria, Celje in Slovenia, Conakry in Guinea, Dumaguete City in the Philippines, Gdansk in Poland, Lund in Sweden, San Luis Potosi in Mexico, and Tangier in Morocco. With these additions, the total number of UNESCO Cities of Literature has reached 63.

Kahramanmaras recently faced significant challenges as it was the epicenter of the twin earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye in February 2023. The disaster resulted in widespread destruction, numerous fatalities, and significant damage to homes, schools, and cultural landmarks, leaving profound social and economic impacts on the community.