Büyükçekmece Festival Highlights International Handcrafts and Percussion Performances

The 27th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Cultural and Arts Festival, organized jointly by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Büyükçekmece Municipality, opened an international handcraft exhibition at the historic Kurşunluhan (Sultan Süleyman Kervansarayı). Curated by Uğur Bent Türker, the exhibition featured around 60 artisans from Turkey, Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Belarus and Uganda, showcasing traditional crafts and promoting cultural exchange. Festival officials, including Deputy Mayor Hakan Çebi, emphasized the role of handcrafts in preserving heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue.

In a separate program, world‑renowned percussionist Burhan Öçal performed at the Büyükçekmece Atatürk Cultural Center as part of the "Ustalara Saygı" (Respect for Masters) project. Accompanied by Trakya All Stars, Öçal presented a repertoire that blended rhythms from various regions. He received a commemorative plaque from local officials, including Deputy Mayor Çebi and municipal coordinator Gürhan Ozanoğlu, underscoring the district’s commitment to vibrant cultural initiatives.