Trabzon, Turkey, organizes 400 cultural festivals, transforming into a vibrant hub for cultural celebrations.
In the historic city of Trabzon, nestled along the Black Sea coast, the sixth stop of this year's Turkey Culture Route Festival is underway. Under the leadership of Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the festival aims to make the nation's cultural heritage more visible and accessible, and Trabzon is embracing its new identity as a thriving cultural destination.
The festival, now recognised as one of the world's largest cultural events, has joined the European Festivals Association, further strengthening its global reputation. As it expands across multiple cities, its goal is to enhance its brand value and make culture and art more accessible to wider audiences.
The opening ceremony took place at the Hamamizade Ihsan Bey Culture and Arts Center, marking the beginning of nearly 400 cultural and artistic events across more than 30 venues until July 13. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan, Governor Aziz Yildirim, MP Adil Karaismailoglu, Mayor Ahmet Metin Genc, and Festival Director Selim Terzi.
Trabzon, with a history stretching back 4,000 years, has been a significant cultural crossroads throughout its history. Once the provincial seat of Ottoman ruler Sultan Selim I and the birthplace of Sultan Suleiman I, the city continues to carry its rich history with pride.
The festival's program includes a combination of traditional arts and modern interpretations. Guests toured exhibits like the personal painting exhibition of artist Abdulkadir Yildirim, the Hisart Live History Museum's collection focusing on the Turkish War of Independence, and the narrative-based "Anatolian Tale Route" exhibit. Highlights of the opening day included exhibitions and screenings such as "Living Heritage: Traditional Instruments of Trabzon," "Miniatures of Türkiye," and "Masters of Türkiye."
Throughout the week, the people of Trabzon and visitors alike will experience concerts, workshops, talks, culinary events, and activities for all ages. The Trabzon Museum, which was restored, reopened as part of the festivities. Turkish singer Serkan Kaya performed at the Fair Center, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd.
The festival serves as a platform to promote Trabzon’s local heritage, traditions, and identity, thereby enhancing awareness and appreciation of its unique cultural assets on a broader scale. It supports the preservation and celebration of Trabzon’s distinct identity within Turkey's diverse cultural landscape, turning historical cities like Trabzon into permanent fixtures on Turkey's cultural map.
In summary, the Turkey Culture Route Festival in Trabzon is important because it showcases the city's cultural and historical heritage, promotes cultural exchange and dissemination across Türkiye, and supports the preservation and celebration of Trabzon’s distinct identity within the country's diverse cultural landscape. This festival thus plays a crucial role in both cultural preservation and national cultural integration, reinforcing Trabzon’s status as a city proud of its traditions and history.
- The Turkey Culture Route Festival in Trabzon has joined the European Festivals Association, further strengthening its global reputation and brand value.
- The festival's program in Trabzon includes a combination of traditional arts and modern interpretations, showcasing Trabzon's rich history and cultural identity.
- Turkish singer Serkan Kaya performed at the Fair Center as part of the Turkey Culture Route Festival, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd.
- The festival serves as a platform to promote Trabzon’s local heritage, traditions, and identity, thereby enhancing awareness and appreciation of its unique cultural assets both nationally and internationally.
