A Tenby councillor has just returned from a walled towns symposium held in Osmangazi, which he described as a "great event".

Clr. Trevor Hallett visited Bursa, where the event was being held from October 8 to 11, to represent Tenby Town Council, who had been invited to the 19th Walled Towns Symposium by the Walled Towns Friendship Circle (WTFC).

"The symposium was a great event, with many aspects of the history of the town walls and fortifications in and around Bursa," said Clr. Hallett.

Bursa has a population of around three-million people, of which Osmangzi is the largest part.

Day one of the visit included a conference where speaker Brian Smith, secretary general of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions, spoke about sustainable cultural tourism in walled towns.

"There was also a lecture by various academics about walls in Turkey through the ages, which consisted of topics about the history of various eras in Turkey's past," explained Clr. Hallett.

"This was followed by a walk to part of Osmangazi's wall which had a walkway upon where a performance by the Otterman Military Band of approximately 60 persons could make such a din to give the enemy the impression of hundreds of warriors.

"The costumes and drums are still used today for ceremonial occasions," he continued.

As part of the three-day event, Clr. Hallett also visited the historic town of Iznik, and joined in with discussions on future projects involving walled towns across the world.

"The symposium was an excellent opportunity to see other walled towns and fortresses along with culture lifestyles and to form friendships," added Clr. Hallett.

Next year's event will be held in Hungary.