Seeds of a New Life: Music Rebuilds Hope for Hatay’s Children
As a part of the European Union (EU) support following the earthquakes, “The Sprouts of a New Life” project has introduced 60 young people to music, bringing hope to their lives. It is being delivered by the Hatay Academy of Children and Youth Orchestra-Choir, run by the Hatay Symphony Orchestra Culture and Arts Association, in partnership with Defne Municipality.
The healing power of music
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Cellist and instructor Sezgi Yıldırım
For cellist and instructor Sezgi Yıldırım, the project highlights her belief in the power of art: “I have always believed in the healing power of music. Touching children with music and giving people even a few hours of joy is deeply meaningful.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Choir instructor Kübra Duman
Choir instructor Kübra Duman describes a circle of hope: “After the disaster, the children were deeply affected psychologically. With music, they are healing — and as they heal, so are we.”
Nurturing the future musicians of Hatay
The talented children were selected for the choir and orchestra as part of the project. They learned solfège and vocal techniques, as well as how to play instruments, in order to establish a choir and orchestra.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Conductor of the orchestra Ali Uğur
“We aimed to nurture the city’s cultural talent and the future musicians of Hatay, as well as help the children heal,” explains conductor of the orchestra Ali Uğur. He is also the conductor of the Hatay Academy Symphony Orchestra.
Happy children in the choir
The children smile during choir practice. Ahmet, who plays the cello, recalls:
'My time here passes beautifully, and I wish it could last longer. I love playing and singing. When I grow up, I want to study fine arts and become a music teacher.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
The Orchestra-Choir is made up of 60 children
For Defne, who once had little interest in music until her father encouraged her to join, the journey has been unexpected and joyful:
“We sing so many songs. I’ve made lots of friends and I’m very happy. Our teachers are all wonderful.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Masal plays the piano and violin
And for Masal, whose dream was always to play the violin, the project has opened a door she thought unreachable:
“I play piano, but the violin was my dream from the start. This place is like a hobby garden for me. I’ve made great friends, and I’m happier here than anywhere else.”
Ali speaks with great enthusiasm. His eyes sparkle as he talks about his love of music. “I want to become a musician,” he says.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Children learn to play musical instruments
Pelin plays the piano. “I have lots of friends here,” she says. "We have lots of fun singing together.”
Nil sings her own songs and is so happy when she does.
Performed a concert
As Mr Uğur notes, “This project has given the children a passion for art and the motivation to carry it forward. We hope they will serve this city’s culture for many years to come.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
The Orchestra-Choir performed a concert in June 2025
The Orchestra-Choir performed a concert in June 2025. Guest ensembles joined them, bringing the total number of voices and instruments on stage to 180.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
Their joy filled the whole stage
It was not simply a performance, it was a statement—that despite the loss, Hatay’s cultural life is alive, carried forward by the youngest generation.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
The concert boosted their confidence and made them happy
The children sang in Turkish, Arabic and French, reflecting the rich mosaic of identities found in Hatay’s heart. They sang of hope, friendship, and resilience; their voices echoed against the walls of the Harbiye Hidro Tesisleri event venue.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2025
The Acting Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Jurgis Vilčinskas
The Acting Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Jurgis Vilčinskas, says: “The earthquake left deep scars on Hatay, yet these children embody the hope of a new tomorrow through their voices and music. The EU firmly believes in the healing power of culture and art, and we are proud to support the young talents of Hatay.”
The project was supported by the EU through the Ortaklaşa: Culture, Dialogue and Support Programme implemented by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV.) The Ortaklaşa Programme was designed to strengthen cultural life across Türkiye through local collaborations. A total of 13 culture and arts-focused projects were implemented in various regions of Türkiye.
