(MENAFN) The Turkish city of Kahramanmaras has earned the prestigious title of a UNESCO City of Literature, marking it as the first city in Türkiye to achieve this recognition.

“Kahramanmaras became the first city from Türkiye to be selected in this field by joining this prestigious network in the ‘literature’ category,” stated Metropolitan Mayor Firat Gorgel on Friday.

The announcement was made in Paris during the World Cities Day celebrations, according to UNESCO.

Gorgel highlighted that the city’s rich literary background, powerful poetic heritage, and expanding cultural life have significantly contributed to elevating its literary profile both within the country and on a global scale.

On World Cities Day 2025, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay revealed the inclusion of 58 new members in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, increasing the total number to 408 cities spanning more than 100 nations.

For the first time, the network introduced a new category—Creative Cities of Architecture—joining the existing seven domains: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

“UNESCO Creative Cities demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development,” Azoulay stated.

“By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investments, and promotes social cohesion.”

This year, ten cities received the title of UNESCO Cities of Literature: Aberystwyth (Wales), Abuja (Nigeria), Celje (Slovenia), Conakry (Guinea), Dumaguete City (Philippines), Gdansk (Poland), Kahramanmaras (Türkiye), Lund (Sweden), San Luis Potosi (Mexico), and Tangier (Morocco).

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