Turkish Traditional Festivals Celebrate Heritage in İznik and Kırıkkale

In İznik, the Alıç Yaylası Karakucak wrestling tournament was held under the auspices of the İznik Municipality, the Turkey Traditional Wrestling Federation and local authorities. The event opened with a Qur'an recitation, a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem, followed by performances from the Orhangazi Batum Association folklore group and the İznik Mehter band. An auction of the wrestling crown raised 2,016,000 TL, bought by businessman İlhan Delikanlı, while wrestler İsmail Can won the chief‑pehlivan title.

Meanwhile, Kırıkkale hosted its 6th Traditional Yörük Turkmen Festival at Aşağı Mahmutlar. The program began with a migration walk, a Qur'an reading and the national anthem. Mayor Ahmet Önal highlighted the Turkmen community’s historic contribution and pledged to preserve the 1,000‑year cultural legacy. Association president Çetin Özyön stressed the importance of safeguarding the ancient traditions, and guests from Turkish states participated in the festivities.