Körfez and Artvin launch major summer cultural festivals in Turkey

The 52nd Altın Kiraz Culture and Arts Festival began in Körfez, Kocaeli on July 10, organized by the Körfez Municipality with support from Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality. The three‑day program features a parade, a women’s handicraft market, children’s activities, a mehter band performance, concerts by Aysel Demircan, Mesut Çakır, Yıldırım Gömleksiz and Emre Felk, and Balkan folk‑dance showcases. Körfez Mayor Şener Söğüt invited residents of all ages to join the festivities.

On the same weekend, Artvin hosted the 45th Kafkasör Culture, Tourism and Arts Festival, opening with a traditional bull‑parade through the city centre. The event includes bull‑wrestling, folk‑dance performances, concerts, and a wreath‑laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument. Attended by Artvin Deputy Governor İsmail Erdoğan and Mayor Bilgehan Erdem, the festival aims to highlight local traditions and strengthen community solidarity.