- Harran University’s Vox Humanis Choir wins first place at the World Choir Games

- The choir, conducted by Fırat Altun, who has conducted academic work at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Durham and University of York, won the Gold Diploma Award at the competition in Sweden

- CoHE President Özvar: “I congratulate our choir for bringing Şanlıurfa’s unique cultural and musical heritage to the world stage”

- Choir Conductor Dr. Altun: “We are proud to have shown that many things can reach where they need to be through the right work and the right methodology”

- Harran University Rector Prof. Güllüoğlu: “Behind this achievement lie tremendous effort, discipline, sacrifice and dedication”

August 11, 2026

Harran University Choir won first place at the World Choir Games 2026, held in Sweden.

The Harran University Vox Humanis Choir, conducted by Dr. Fırat Altun, who has brought to Şanlıurfa the academic expertise he gained through his work at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Durham and University of York, won first place at the competition in Helsingborg and received the Gold Diploma Award.

Blending Anatolia’s ancient musical heritage with the Western tradition of polyphonic choral music, the choir led by Dr. Altun received the highest score from the international jury after two years of preparation for the competition.

Vox Humanis, conducted by Altun, who serves in the Department of Fine Arts Education at Harran University’s Faculty of Education, competed in the “Open Competition – O5: Mixed Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles” category at the event, which brought together leading choirs from around the world.

Receiving a high score for its performance before the international jury, Vox Humanis took first place in its category and earned the Gold Diploma Award.

- Oxford’s Academic Expertise, Anatolia’s Musical Heritage

At the competition, Harran University Choir brought Western polyphonic choral music and Anatolia’s traditional musical heritage together on the same stage, presenting Türkiye’s experience in polyphonic music alongside the thousands of years of cultural richness of Anatolia to the international arts community.

Vox Humanis’ victory also made a significant contribution to the international visibility of Şanlıurfa’s musical heritage. Şanlıurfa holds the title of “City of Music” within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

- From a Small Ensemble to World Champions

Behind Vox Humanis’ success lies nearly two years of intensive and systematic work. Choir Conductor Altun said that they had progressed step by step using scientific methods since beginning their journey as a small ensemble, and had turned Vox Humanis into one of Şanlıurfa’s collective voices.

Stating that winning the world title was not a surprise for them, Altun said, “First place was actually an outcome we expected and had aimed for. However, we did not share this with anyone. Since 2024, we have developed Vox Humanis as the result of a scientific foundation and systematic work.”

Emphasizing that representing Türkiye on an international platform while also achieving first place in the world carried a special significance for them, Altun said, “We are also proud to have shown that many things can reach where they need to be through the right work and the right methodology.”

- Rector Güllüoğlu: “This Achievement Is No Coincidence”

Harran University Rector Prof. Mehmet Tahir Güllüoğlu said that the world title was a great source of pride for the university, Şanlıurfa and Türkiye.

Noting that the work launched nearly two years ago had culminated in a world championship, Güllüoğlu emphasized that the achievement was the result of sustained effort, saying, “This achievement is certainly no coincidence. Behind it lie tremendous effort, discipline, sacrifice and dedication. This major achievement by Harran University Choir on the international stage is a source of pride not only for our university, but also for Şanlıurfa and our country.”

Güllüoğlu also thanked Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor M. Kasım Gülpınar for supporting the choir throughout the process, as well as Fatma Kaya for contributing to the design and preparation of the choir’s costumes.

“This Achievement Belongs to All of Us, the Children of This City”

Members of Vox Humanis said they were extremely happy and proud to represent Şanlıurfa and Türkiye on the world stage. The choir members emphasized that the achievement was the result of a long and intensive team effort, saying, “This achievement belongs to all of us, the children of this city.”

- Congratulations from CoHE President Özvar

CoHE President Erol Özvar congratulated Harran University’s Vox Humanis Choir on winning first place at the World Choir Games 2026. Noting that the choir had brought Şanlıurfa’s voice to the entire world, Özvar said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate Harran University, Choir Conductor Dr. Fırat Altun and all the choir members for bringing Şanlıurfa’s unique cultural and musical heritage, shaped over thousands of years, to the world stage.”