The Land of Festivals

celebrations

Turkiye can be called by many names, and calling it ‘The Land of Festivals’ will also be quite appropriate, as over one thousand festivals take place in the country throughout the year, in every season and in every part of the country. Whether it is the season of spring or the chills of winter, there is always a celebration in full swing, acting as a red carpet, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in experiences that delight the senses and enrich the soul. Each celebration is an invitation for visitors to share laughter, creativity, cultural pride, and simply a joie de vivre that is so integral to the nation’s identity. Travellers to Turkiye are well advised to coincide their trip with a festival of their interest, to make their visit even more memorable. Such is the charm of this country straddling two continents – Asia and Europe.

With so many festivals during the whole year, it is not easy to pick just a few to talk about here. So, keeping in mind the space limitation, I have chosen an eclectic mix of festivals, which are all quite unique and which will cater especially to our taste. Here you go...

The Istanbul International Tulip Festival: Yes, Holland is famous for tulips. But did you know that tulips are also an important part of Turkish culture ever since the Ottoman times? There is even a legend that tulips originated in Central Asia and then came to Turkiye, from where they were then taken to Europe and planted there. And hence it is but natural that there should be a celebration of tulips in Turkiye, with the Istanbul International Tulip Festival starting off in April every year and continuing in May and sometimes beyond. Istanbul at this time gets literally flooded with tulips blooming in parks and gardens, and in public squares and on the sides of roads.

The Istanbul Film Festival: It is another famous festival that takes place in April. It started in 1984 and has evolved considerably, showing since then over 6,400 films of 131 countries. The grand prize of the festival is called (no surprise!) the Golden Tulip Award.

Türkiye Culture Route Festival: If we talk about cultural and art experiences, Türkiye Culture Route Festival is a celebration of art, music, heritage, and creativity. It is held every year across nearly 20 cities. The main idea is to bring together local as well as international artists through exhibitions, concerts, performances, and cultural activities. The festival not only supports regional economies but also shines a spotlight on Türkiye’s diverse cultural identity.

The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival: Recognised on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival takes place over several days in late June in Edirne. It was first held 665 years ago in the year 1360. Pehlivans (wrestlers) are covered in olive oil as they grapple with each, with wrestling being Turkiye s national sport.

The Balloon Festival: It is one of the most colourful and spectacular festivals in the world. Held annually in Cappadocia in early August, the sky gets filled with hundreds of multi-coloured balloons from all over the world. You can watch from the ground or book an adrenalin-pumping flight in one of the balloons. The festival also includes night glow events, music performances, and other festivities. And you can even stay in one of the many boutique hotels created out of old cave homes.

The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival: It takes place in September in Antalya, at the nearly 2,000-year-old Roman open-air theatre. It is a very popular cultural event, with world-class performances of opera and ballet, performed by artistes from all over the world.

The Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival - eb-i Arûs: It is held in the first half of December in Konya, the city famously associated with Sufism and Maulana Rumi, and which is the last resting place of the celebrated Sufi mystic. The festival is celebrated on his death anniversary and has mesmerising performances by the ‘Whirling Dervishes’, founded by Rumi to help individuals achieve divine harmony and union with the Almighty.

The Mesir Macunu (Paste) Festival: It is held in the city of Manisa in March, and dates back 5 centuries to the Ottoman period. The festival, inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012, celebrates Mesir, a medicinal dish made from no less than 41 different herbs and spices. It is typically served on a plate divided into five parts, each featuring different colours. Tradition has it that Mesir cured the mother of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.

Adana Kebab and Turnip Festival: Turkiye has a rich culinary heritage, with many festivals in which food is the highlight along with music, culture and celebration. A perfect example of this is the Adana Kebab and Turnip Festival. Food lovers from across the country gather in December, to celebrate the city’s signature dish with street performances, live music, and endless grills firing up the famous spicy kebabs.

The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkiye: It is an event where world-class cyclists from all around the world gather, and race through beautiful landscapes, from historic cities to coastal roads. The tour not only promotes sportsmanship but also showcases the country’s rich natural and cultural beauty. This prestigious event will be organised for the 60th time this year.

For many, including those from Pakistan, these festivals represent more than just a break from routine. They are opportunities to step out of the familiar, to savour new tastes, to be moved by unexpected experiences, and to connect with strangers who become lifelong friends.

Zohare is an inveterate traveller, having visited nearly 50 countries.

You can reach his blog at www.bobbhai.com