Ottoman marching band welcomes world leaders to COP31 in Turkey

Loading the video No Comment Video. Ottoman marching band welcomes world leaders to COP31 in Turkey Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 11 November 2026 - 11:15 GMT+1 An Ottoman-style military band welcomes international delegates to COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, with traditional marches and lively rhythms. An Ottoman-style marching band brought a historic musical tradition to the heart of the global climate debate on Wednesday, 11 November, welcoming international delegates to the COP31 venue in Antalya, Turkey. Dressed in traditional military uniforms, members of the Turkish Ministry of National Defence's Mehter Band performed rousing marches as participants arrived for the leaders' summit. Some foreign visitors clapped along, while others began dancing to the rhythms, capturing the moment on their mobile phones.The performance added a distinctly Turkish touch to the international gathering. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The performance took place on the third day of COP31, ahead of the Antalya Leaders' Summit on 11 and 12 November, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Mehter tradition is associated with the military bands of the Ottoman Empire, whose powerful percussion and wind instruments made their music a distinctive part of ceremonial occasions. The contemporary band, which operates under Turkey's Ministry of National Defence, has also performed at major international events, including the 2026 NATO summit. Against the backdrop of negotiations on climate change, the performance offered visiting delegations a glimpse of Turkey's musical heritage. COP31 opening ceremony Ecology Top stories Now playing Next Ottoman marching band welcomes world leaders to COP31 in Turkey Now playing Next Art group unveils statue satirising Trump’s military service record Now playing Next Iranian women take part in IRGC military training in Tehran Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | November 11th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next Ukraine-Russia peace talks enter second day with territory in focus Now playing Next 'The European Union needs to use its strength,' says MEP Riho Terras Now playing Next Ukraine peace talks continue in UAE after 'constructive' first day Now playing Next Ukraine and Russia show 'a little bit of flexibility' on territory Now playing Next Republican congressman launches impeachment procedure against Hegseth Now playing Next Five EU countries demand UK pays for electricity market access Now playing Next EU budget battle erupts as four countries defy Merz over Ukraine aid Now playing Next Trump says Iran war ‘effectively over’ as Tehran denies planned talks Now playing Next New aviation deals raise flight limits between China and Central Asia Now playing Next US Republicans block efforts to impeach US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran war Now playing Next Spain: 69 candles lit at Toledo Cathedral for train crash victims Now playing Next Argentina: Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass before 650,000 in Córdoba ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Belgium: Prince Harry and Meghan visit EU Parliament for child safety event No Comment Aerial footage reveals devastation after deadly Bulgaria highway crash No Comment Senegal: Footage reveals wreckage of deadly migrant boat in which 39 people died No Comment Peru: Giant statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled ahead of papal visit World News Pope Leo XIV draws huge crowds in Córdoba after record Buenos Aires mass On the Record Energy boss Birol urges governments to accelerate global electrification at COP31 Europe News Costa seeks to reassure Merz after EU budget ultimatum Tech News Home appliances could be next after fridge hacks, warns EU cyber chief Earth News 'Second chance of survival': Newborn stingray takes first swim before being released back into wild Europe News EU budget battle erupts as four countries defy Merz over Ukraine aid Business Line Inside Uzbekistan's agricultural transformation: Technology, investment and food security Crossing Cultures How AI glasses are changing the way people communicate ADVERTISEMENT Qatar Qatar sees 'progress' in US-Iran talks after White House meeting EU News EU pledges €10 million for Bulgarian Black Sea search, rescue operations Business Central Asia's first wind farm with large-scale batteries nears completion in Uzbekistan Europe News Five EU countries demand UK pays for electricity market access EU News EU candidates will not have a say on anti-Orbán safeguards Europe Today Europe must stop 'begging' for seat at Ukraine peace talks, ex-NATO chief warns Europe News 12 dead and dozens injured in Bulgarian motorway pile-up Europe News Spain clears Ceuta port migrant camp as 300 return to Morocco ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT