Körfez hosts 31st Kadırga Festival celebrating Black Sea culture

The 31st Kadırga Festival was held at the Körfez İlimtepe Recreation Area, organized through a partnership between the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality and the Körfez Black Sea People's Association. The event drew hundreds of participants to celebrate Black Sea culture through traditional music, regional cuisine, and folk dances such as horon and halay.

Local officials attended the festivities, including Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, AK Party Kocaeli Deputies Veysel Tipioğlu and Cemil Yaman, Körfez Mayor Şener Söğüt, and Başiskele Mayor Yasin Özlü. During his address, Mayor Büyükakın emphasized the importance of such gatherings for social unity and solidarity, stating, “Our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood will continue on its path along with a growing and strengthening Turkey.”

The festival featured family-oriented activities, including dedicated play areas for children and the serving of regional foods like corn bread and kale. The event served as a means to preserve and experience Black Sea cultural heritage and strengthen community identity.