# Traditional plateau festivals in Rize

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-plateau-festivals-in-rize
> Updated: 2026-08-23T11:05:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Various traditional plateau festivals were held in the Rize province of Turkey during August 2026.

The 26th Ovit Plateau Festival took place in the İkizdere district at an altitude of 2,640 meters. Organized by the Ekşioğlu Foundation, the event focused on preserving cultural heritage through traditional plateau migration reenactments, local music, and various competitions. Local officials described the festival as a tool for “regional promotion, tourism, and social cohesion.”

Later in the month, the 40th annual Koçdüzü Plateau Festival was held in the Çamlıhemşin district. Organized by the MEKADER Association, the two-day event included football tournaments, boat races, traditional horon dances, and concerts. MEKADER President Mevlüt Kalay noted the event serves to “preserve traditional values and bring children and youth together.”

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Koçdüzü Plateau hosts 40th traditional festival in Rize

The 40th traditional Koçdüzü Plateau Festival took place in Rize's Çamlıhemşin district, featuring sports, music, and traditional dances to honor local heritage.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kodz-plateau-hosts-40th-traditional-festival-in-rize

### 2026-08-09: Ovit Plateau Festival celebrates cultural heritage in Rize

The 26th Ovit Plateau Festival in Rize, Turkey, celebrated local culture through traditional music, livestock competitions, and reenactments of plateau migration customs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ovit-plateau-festival-celebrates-cultural-heritage-in-rize

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Cite as: Traditional plateau festivals in Rize. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-plateau-festivals-in-rize