12th European Suzuki Children Announced the Universal Power of Music to the World
Dünya Katılım Bank became the participation partner of future generations: 1000 children from 29 countries gave a message of peace on stage in Istanbul. Around 1000 child musicians from 29 countries around the world came together in Istanbul for the 12th European Suzuki Children’s Convention.
Held at the Atatürk Cultural Center with the support of Dünya Katılım Bank, the event brought the universal power of music to the stage. The melodies rising from the AKM turned into a global call carrying a message of peace and hope.
The 12th European Suzuki Children’s Convention was held at the Atatürk Cultural Center; around 1000 child musicians from 29 countries stretching from Africa to the Americas and from Europe to Asia made a universal call for peace through rising notes with the message “Perhaps music will save the world.”
The European Suzuki Children’s Convention was held between 3-7 April 2026 at the Atatürk Cultural Center. Over the five-day event, a total of 168 sessions were held in 22 different halls; training, group work and concerts were carried out in 7 different branches: violin, viola, piano, cello, flute, guitar and SECE (Suzuki Early Childhood Education).
At the event, supported by the European Suzuki Association (ESA) and organized by its Türkiye section, the Suzuki Music Education Association (SMED), students trained with the Suzuki music education approach came together. The main sponsor of the organization, held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, was Dünya Katılım Bank, one of Ahlatcı Holding’s subsidiaries. The bank positioned itself at the event as the “Future Generation Partner” and conveyed the message “Future in Tune.”
World-renowned conductor Gürer Aykal, who led the Presidential Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, shared his experiences with the young musicians as the event’s Guest of Honor. At the “Suzuki Gala Concert” held in the finale of the program, all participants came together on the same stage to deliver a powerful international message of peace.
At the ceremony held before the gala concert, plaques were presented to the representatives of institutions and stakeholders who supported the organization. Representing Ahlatcı Holding, Att. Elif Engin Ahlatcı received her plaque from the hands of Dr. Batuhan Mumcu, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, while Dünya Katılım Bank General Manager İkram Göktaş received his plaque from Istanbul Governor Davut Gül.
Dr. Batuhan Mumcu: “Art is the most universal language that brings people together”
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Dr. Batuhan Mumcu said in his speech: “Today we will witness a performance brought to life by more than six hundred young musicians from 29 different countries and our valued instructors. Art is the most universal language that brings people together. The Century of Türkiye vision addresses culture and art not merely as a heritage to be protected, but at the same time as a strategic field that builds the future and strengthens international cultural interaction.”
İkram Göktaş: “We are proud to be the participation partner of future generations”
Dünya Katılım Bank General Manager İkram Göktaş said in his speech: “Supporting the development of future generations is the most valuable contribution to humanity’s shared tomorrows. Around 1000 children from 29 countries coming together in Istanbul through the universal language of music is a powerful example of a message of peace and hope. As Dünya Katılım Bank, we are proud to be the ‘Participation Partner of Future Generations’ in this organization, and we continue to contribute to a future in which children can grow their dreams.”