Bitlis celebrates 110th anniversary of liberation from occupation

Bitlis is celebrating the 110th anniversary of its liberation from occupation with a series of cultural and commemorative events. The festivities include the "Great Bitlis Meetings," a three-day program featuring traditional folk dances, military displays, and historical tributes.

A central part of the commemoration involves honoring the history of the Karçınbaşı region. Bitlis Governor Ahmet Karakaya described the Karçınbaşı Martyrdom as the "Çanakkale of Eastern Anatolia," noting that approximately 1,200 people were martyred in 1916 during the struggle against Russian forces and Armenian militias.

To promote local heritage, a regional food competition was held featuring 42 different traditional dishes, including içli köfte and various local stews. The event aimed to preserve Bitlis's culinary traditions and pass them to younger generations. Winners received cash prizes, with the first-place prize being 20,000 TL. Both Governor Karakaya and Mayor Nesrullah Tanğlay emphasized that gastronomy is a vital component of the city's cultural identity and tourism potential.