Munzur Festival is 23 years old

Story Naz GEÇGİL

The Munzur Festival , held annually in Dersim and one of the country's longest-running cultural and artistic events, will take place in a different atmosphere this year due to the appointment of a trustee to the municipality. The slogan of the 23rd Munzur Nature and Culture Festival, which will take place from July 24-27, is "Dersim is life; don't touch my nature, my will, my language, my faith!" The festival was announced at a press conference held at the Dersim Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

VOLUNTEERS ORGANIZE

This year's festival was hosted by volunteers and civil society organizations, replacing the Dersim Municipality, which had been placed under trusteeship. Ali Rıza Bilir, President of the Dersim Associations Federation (DEDEF), emphasized the festival's significance in the city's language, faith, and history, and thanked everyone involved.

Dersim Municipality Co-Mayor Birsen Orhan announced the program. Orhan thanked the artists who volunteered to participate in the festival, saying, "This festival is an expression of will and conviction against the practice of trustees."

DEDEF released a statement saying, "The Munzur Festival is an expression of the Dersim people's determination to protect their history, culture, faith, language, and nature. Despite facing periodic bans and obstacles, this great gathering has been reestablished and carried forward to this day through the collective will of the people. Together, we join the FESTIVAL to protect Munzur, our nature, our language, and our will!"

WHAT'S IN THE PROGRAM?

The festival will kick off with opening remarks in Seyit Rıza Square on July 24. The program will include numerous events, including panels, film screenings, talks, visits to faith centers, and nature walks.

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ZAZA WOMEN MUSIC PROJECT WILL NOT TAKE PART

The Zaza Women Music Project band was not included in the festival program. The group stated in a statement that the reason given was their name.

The Festival Committee explained, "The fact that the Zaza Women Project is a new formation, that there is insufficient information, that the project is funded, and the perception that the use of English in the group's name might create in some circles were all taken into consideration, and a decision was made not to include it in this year's program."