Turkey’s regional festivals attract thousands of participants

A series of cultural festivals took place across Turkey, drawing large crowds and highlighting regional traditions. In Trabzon’s Şalpazarı district, the 205th Sis Dağı Culture Festival gathered thousands of locals and officials, including the mayor and the transport minister. Afyonkarahisar hosted its first Camp and Caravan Festival at Emre Lake, featuring competitions, music and a showcase of caravan manufacturers. Ardahan’s Göle Kaşar Cheese Festival saw AK Party MP Kaan Koç meet with visitors and promote local dairy production. Şanlıurfa organized a bicycle tour honoring archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, ending at the historic Göbeklitepe site and promoting traffic safety. Istanbul’s Büyükçekmece district held the 27th International Culture and Arts Festival, with a parade of 650 participants from 62 countries. Erzurum’s Koşapınar village celebrated its 12th Traditional Summer Festival, attracting about 2 000 attendees for folk dances, contests and concerts. In Ordu’s Ünye district, singer Resul Dindar performed before thousands at the International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival finale. Tekirdağ’s 4th Thrace Kite Festival featured kite artists from several European nations and workshops for children. Kütahya’s Çamlıca Harvest Festival included concerts, folk performances and children’s activities, attended by the city mayor. All events emphasized community bonding, cultural heritage and tourism promotion.