The Melodic Streets of Bey Neighborhood in Gaziantep

In Gaziantep's historic Bey Neighborhood, the love for music intertwines with the streets, exuding a passion deeply rooted in its resident Ünal Şenpekmezci's philosophy. Ünal, who considers music emotionally transformative, describes it as a profound science that refines human morals and breaks the metaphorical shell enwrapping the soul, elevating a person to their true essence. He reveres music for its higher level of love, ethics, and responsibility, all while providing a sense of relaxation.

Interestingly, Ünal not only plays musical instruments but also crafts them, a skill he embarked on in 1970. Despite his talents, humility remains at the core of his practice. He quotes Hamamîzâde Dede Efendi's modest analogy of music to an ocean into which he has merely dipped his feet, indicating the vastness and depth of the musical world.

The Mirroring Conak of Bey Neighborhood's History

Şenpekmezci's 165-year-old, registered mansion stands as a reflection of Bey Neighborhood's past. Constructed between 1860 and 1870 from a robust local stone known as keymık, it features a garden typically called 'hayat' in the historic Antep houses. The neighborhood itself, once a hub for Gaziantep's affluent socio-economic classes, now hosts four museums under the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, including the Atatürk Memorial Museum.

Ünal's father once served as a protective officer to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who registered as a resident of this neighborhood after his 1933 visit. Ünal's own abode mirrors a museum dedicated to this rich history.

Renewal of Bey Neighborhood: An Attraction for Visitors

The ancient Bey Neighborhood gets its name from the Bey Mosque built in 1587. Having faced neglect for years, the area underwent a revival started by Asım Güzelbey, the former mayor of Gaziantep, in 2007. This rejuvenation has continued under the efforts of Mayor Fatma Şahin, resulting in the renewal of over 200 registered cultural properties adhering to traditional Antep architecture. The area has now become a must-see for visitors to Gaziantep, featuring restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels, and various museums. With an enriched array of historical stone mansions, Bey Neighborhood offers a unique experience of travel and heritage.

According to tax registry records from 1536, Bey Neighborhood initially comprised 50 households but has since evolved into an advanced settlement with broad streets to accommodate a laden camel, detailed in Evliya Çelebi's travelogue which mentions nightly lantern-lit streets guarded by fortress-like gates. A contemporary stroll in Bey Neighborhood might serenade visitors with Ünal Şenpekmezci's Hüzzam tunes from his violin or oud, adding another layer of pleasure to the exploration of this area's history.

history, culture, music