Dear Readers,

When I came to Istanbul to study in the Law Faculty of Istanbul University, I was amazed by the city as if millions of firstcomers do. It goes without saying that Istanbul is magnificent. However, for those who have limited financial sources, Istanbul is definitely not a happy place. Born in a southernmost area of Turkey -in Kilis- and being someone who came to Istanbul 53 years ago from my coming, he cleared the way for innumerable homies. Namely, Alaeddin Yavaşca founded the Kilis Foundation to provide food, dorm and social opportunities for all students from Kilis. Not only did he found this institution but he also was the honorary president of the foundation.

Being the last representative of a culture and era, he touched countless people’ lives and left a great legacy. The more we talk about him and his cultural heritage the better this culture enriches us.

We asked Derya Türkan’s help for the Alaeddin Yavaşca Project. As usually he does, he provided full support and we appreciate that. Intellectuals of music; Hasan Oral Şen, Osman Nuri Özpekel, Refik Hakan Talu and Derya Türkan all wrote about Alaeddin Yavaşca for our readers.

We wish you happy and musically cheerful days.

With warmest regards,

Mehmet Şerif Sağıroğlu