Northern Iraqi Students Stir Emotions with Their Songs

Northern Iraq semi-final qualification round of the Turkish Olympiads, which will mark its 11th year with the slogan “Towards Universal Peace”, were concluded on February 17, Arbil.

Students performing wonderful songs by renowned singers drew rapturous applause from the audience. The event organized by Fezalar Educational Institutions witnessed a flood of emotions among the attendees. In his address prior to the performances, Fezalar Educational Institutions General Manager Talip Buyuk noted that they were raising the bar even higher this year’s contest and wished luck to the participating students. The students tried their best in front of the judge committee including Turkish channel STV news anchor Kemal Gulen and celebrated singer Gokmen. Turkish Consul General to Arbil Aydin Selcen, accompanied by his Vice Consul Abdullah Topcu, was also among the esteemed guests of the event.

As the results were announced by the jury, Arbil students starred with four finalists out of eight. Consul General Aydin Selcen presented their awards to the finalists. Sharing that Arbil feels like home, Selcen said: “These students are learning both Kurdish and Turkish at these schools. Turkey and Northern Iraq have long-established cultural ties. These cultural ties can strengthen even more with the contributions of the Turkish schools, which might also reflect in the two countries’ economies in an instant and positive way. These children will be our bridges of love in the future.”

Famous folk singer Tatlises in tears at Isik University

Another highlight from Northern Iraq was famous folk singer Ibrahim Tatlises’s visit to Isik University established by Turkish entrepreneurs. Tatlises, who routinely visits the region for business contacts, this time, added Isik University to his itinerary. The university’s rector Prof. Ahmet Oztas in person gave Tatlises a school tour and led him to his office where a surprise was awaiting him. Having toured the university and observed the students during class hour, the singer couldn’t hold back more and broke down in tears upon the surprise specially planned for him.

A Turkish Olympiads candidate student, Geylan Tahir greeted him with a classic “Yaradan var” by Tatlises. Tatlises was moved and he broke down in tears as he watched the boy’s performance in admiration. Tatlises, in tears, sang with Tahir along another song by himself.

In response to Talip Buyuk’s comment that his visit lifted the students’ spirit, Tatlises said: “I benefited even more. I can be a slave to whoever teaches me a single letter. I couldn’t go to school but I've founded one with 2,000-student capacity. May God be pleased with who initiated this school chain. It’s a remarkable chain extending across the world. This is very important for the Turkish Republic.”

Abridged from Bugun daily and Cihan News Agency