Turkish women's cultural festivals in Bursa and Kepsut highlight local crafts

In the Yıldırım district of Bursa, the 6th El Emekleri Festival organized by the Yıldırım Municipality gathered thousands of residents to display handmade products created by women’s cooperatives and participants of the YIL‑MEK courses. The two‑day event featured stalls, children's activities, horse shows and a performance by folk singer Cengiz Özkan. Mayor Oktay Yılmaz opened the festival, stating, "Kadının güçlenmesi, ailenin güçlenmesi demek" and stressed the municipality’s commitment to women’s social, economic and educational participation.

Meanwhile, in Kepsut, Balıkesir, the "Kadın Eliyle Yaşayan Kültür Festivali" was held on 19 June 2026 at the Mehmet Karabey Culture Center. Organized by the Vefalı Yurt Kepsut Local Action Group, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Balıkesir University, the festival showcased regional clothing and gastronomy competitions. Winners received cash prizes (10,000 TL, 7,500 TL, 5,000 TL). The program also provided space for cooperatives, NGOs and local traders to present their products, aiming to strengthen women’s role in cultural production and preserve the region’s intangible heritage.