20.07.2026 18:10
Kuluncak district of Malatya brought thousands of citizens together under one roof with its first-ever Cultural Festival held this year. While messages of unity and solidarity stood out during the day-long events, protocol members evaluated the investments brought to the district and future-oriented projects. The festival, where folk poets and artists performed, concluded with high participation and colorful scenes.
The 1st Kuluncak Culture Festival, held for the first time this year in the Kuluncak district of Malatya, took place with the participation of thousands of people. Organized in collaboration between the Kuluncak Municipality and the Malatya Province Kuluncak District Surrounding Villages Aid and Solidarity Association (MAKULDER), the festival delivered messages of unity and solidarity, with events featuring artists and folk poets continuing until late at night.
PARTICIPATION WAS INTENSE
The festival held in the district square was attended by AK Party Malatya MP Bülent Tüfenkci, MHP Malatya MP Mehmet Celal Fendoğlu, Malatya Metropolitan Mayor Sami Er, Darende Mayor Alican Bozkurt, Yeşilyurt Mayor İlhan Geçit, Battalgazi Mayor Bayram Taşkın, Arapgir Mayor Haluk Cömertoğlu, Akçadağ Mayor Hasan Ulutaş, Hekimhan Mayor Mehmet Şerif Yıldırım, Doğanyol Mayor Hakan Bay, Kuluncak Mayor Erhan Cengiz, Elbistan Mayor Erkan Gürbüz, AK Party Malatya Provincial Chair Ali Bakan, MHP Malatya Provincial Chair Turgay Şengönül, Bursa Yıldırım Deputy Mayor Ali Bozkurt, Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Oğuzhan Ata Sadıkoğlu, Malatya Commodity Exchange Chair Ramazan Özcan, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and thousands of citizens.
TÜFENKCİ: KULUNCAK IS DEVELOPING IN EVERY FIELD
AK Party Malatya MP Bülent Tüfenkci stated that Kuluncak has undergone significant change in recent years with major investments.
Noting that they are closely familiar with both the district's past and present, Tüfenkci expressed that important services have been implemented in many areas, from the government building to the municipal service building, drinking water projects, and infrastructure investments.
"KULUNCAK WILL BECOME A CENTER OF ATTRACTION"
MHP Malatya MP Mehmet Celal Fendoğlu, in his speech, made assessments regarding the future of Kuluncak.
Stating that the district will become an exemplary center with its quality of life, natural beauties, and tourism potential, Fendoğlu said, "Don't be surprised if you hear that Kuluncak has become a center of attraction in the future. Its name will be remembered in gold letters."
Noting that significant progress has been made in housing and drinking water investments, Fendoğlu emphasized that Kuluncak has reached an exemplary level in water infrastructure compared to many other districts.
Expressing that the district has significant potential with its clean air, natural water resources, and fertile lands, Fendoğlu stated that Kuluncak will make a name for itself not only in mining but also in tourism in the future.
SAMİ ER: SERVICES CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED IN DISTRICTS TOO
Malatya Metropolitan Mayor Sami Er stated that investments are ongoing resolutely not only in the city center but also in the districts.
Er, who noted that he knows every part of Kuluncak well, recalled that he also served the district during his term as General Secretary of the Metropolitan Municipality and said they continue investments with the same understanding today.
BOZKURT'S INVITATION TO ZENGİBAR WRESTLING
Darende Mayor Alican Bozkurt, recalling the recently held Yıkılhan Festival, said that with the participation of approximately 5,000 people, a beautiful organization was carried out in unity and solidarity.
Bozkurt stated that the 73rd Zengibar Karakucak Wrestling, one of Darende's long-standing events, will be held on August 28-29-30 and invited all citizens to the festival.
MAYOR CENGİZ: THIS FESTIVAL IS THE SYMBOL OF OUR UNITY AND SOLIDARITY
Kuluncak Mayor Erhan Cengiz stated that a historic day was experienced for the district and thanked everyone who attended the festival.
Emphasizing that the festival is not just an event, Cengiz said, "The First Kuluncak Culture Festival is the most beautiful expression of our unity and solidarity, our brotherhood, our cultural heritage, and our belief in our common future."
Stating that cities are strengthened not only by roads and buildings but also by culture, art, and traditions, Cengiz expressed that they attach great importance to social and cultural investments.
Saying that one of their most important goals since taking office has been to make Kuluncak's name known to wider audiences, Cengiz stated that they aim to introduce the district's natural beauties, cultural richness, and hospitality to all of Turkey.
MAKULDER PRESIDENT ÇALIŞKAN: WE ARE PROUD OF THE FIRST FESTIVAL
MAKULDER President Osman Çalışkan also said they are happy to organize a culture festival of this scope for the first time in the district.
Thanking Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, Kuluncak Municipality, the District Governorship, Police, Gendarmerie, and all stakeholders who contributed to the realization of the festival, Çalışkan noted that Kuluncak Mayor Erhan Cengiz put great effort into bringing the organization to life.
Çalışkan stated, "Organizing this first festival is a great pride and excitement for us. Hopefully, God will allow us to realize many more."
PARTICIPANTS ENJOYED WITH FOLK SONGS AND HORON DANCES
Within the festival, artists Özlem Büyük, Ahmet Satılmış, and Gergerli Hasan took the stage. Folk poets Necip Gökenç and Zeki Şahin added color to the event with the folk songs they performed.
The program, hosted by Ali Biricik, continued until late at night as citizens enjoyed dancing horon.
"THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING"
At the end of the festival, Kuluncak Mayor Erhan Cengiz, who returned to the stage, said that the interest and participation achieved in its first year made them extremely happy.
"This is just the beginning. We held the first one, and from now on we will make our festival a tradition. Hopefully, it will continue with the same enthusiasm and togetherness in the coming years," said Cengiz, adding that participation exceeded expectations.
Noting that they see the current festival area will be insufficient next year, Cengiz added that the event was followed from many parts of Turkey thanks to live broadcasts and they received many positive returns.