Büyükcekmece International Culture Festival

The 27th International Istanbul Büyükcekmece Culture and Art Festival opened on 28 July 2026 with a high‑profile ceremony attended by municipal officials, including Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan and the spouse of mayoral candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu. The event, honored twelve consecutive times as the World’s Best Culture and Art Festival, hosted delegates from 62 countries and over 650 cultural ambassadors. During the opening days the Büyükcekmece Municipality also held its annual press awards, recognizing journalists for unbiased reporting.

A few days later, on 31 July 2026, the festival’s award ceremony highlighted its UNESCO‑affiliated CIOFF accolade, confirming the 12th‑time designation as the world’s best culture festival. Deputy Mayor Hakan Çebi received the festival plaque alongside CIOFF President Muammer Arslan and International Dance Festival Federation Vice‑President Gürhan Ozanoğlu. The evening featured a performance by singer‑songwriter Emir Can İğrek, whose concert drew enthusiastic applause. The festival continued its program until 1 August.