Türkiye Culture Route Festival begins in Istanbul

The Istanbul edition of the Türkiye Culture Route Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has officially commenced. The nine-day arts and culture marathon features over 400 events, including 40 concerts, 15 exhibitions, and various workshops, spanning 23 venues and more than 50 locations across the city.

Musical highlights include performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Arab Orchestra, and various Turkish pop and rock artists. The Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM) serves as a central hub, hosting classical concerts, opera, and discussions on art and technology. The festival's culinary program includes over 200 dining spots organized into five themed gastronomic routes, such as Beyoğlu–Galata–Karaköy and the Historic Peninsula.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy described the program as the most extensive to date. The festival also includes specialized exhibitions, such as an ASELSAN showcase of upcycled industrial waste, and supports artists who have voiced advocacy regarding the situation in Gaza.