Van hosts second annual GölFest festival at Lake Van

The second annual GölFest has commenced at the Edremit-Gebze Water Sports Center on the shores of Lake Van. Organized by the AK Party Van Provincial Youth Branches, the two-day festival aims to bring young people together through culture, art, and sports.

Activities include rafting, rowing, canoeing, beach volleyball, and handball competitions. A highlight of the event featured a flyboard demonstration involving the Turkish flag.

During the festival, AK Party Deputy Chairman Hüseyin Yayman emphasized that the event serves as a symbol of the region's transformation. He noted that while previous security issues and terrorism prevented such large-scale cultural gatherings in the past, the current ability to host the festival reflects a shift toward peace and social solidarity. Yayman also highlighted the importance of investing in the nation's youth, noting that Turkey has approximately 20 million students.