Kaleiçi Old Town Festival celebrates culture and gastronomy in Antalya

The 11th International Kaleiçi Old Town Festival, organized by Muratpaşa Municipality, has brought together representatives from 20 cities across 15 countries in Antalya, Turkey. The event features a diverse program including a traditional parade through the historic streets of Kaleiçi, street performances, and a gala dinner.

Central to the festival is a forum titled ‘Living Kitchens of Ancient Cities,’ where international delegations presented their unique culinary traditions. Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and noted that global tourism is shifting toward specialized interests such as gastronomy, archaeology, and ethnography. To support this, the municipality is developing the ‘Gold Town Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate Program’ to certify local dishes.

The festival also aims to promote Kaleiçi as a year-round tourism destination. Mayor Uysal highlighted the region's historical significance, referencing the spirit of Termessos, while noting that the festival serves as a platform for strengthening international cultural and commercial ties.