Famous Festivals in Turkey
In general, the Turkish people have a happy and lively country, and you can be part of this positive energy by attending top festivals in Turkey. On most days of the year, people in this country have an excuse to celebrate. Therefore, in most cities of this country, especially in an important city like Istanbul, you will see a kind of celebration every time you travel there. Turkish festivals are one of the cultural and tourist attractions in this city, which have made this city more interesting and attractive over time. Since traveling to different cities in Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara, attending these festivals can be very interesting and rewarding for anyone. Therefore, here, we want to examine the festivals of Turkey in this article.
Cappadox in Anatolia plateau
The city of Cappadocia is one of the most touristic and beautiful cities in Turkey, which has enchanting and spectacular views and is geographically located in the center of the Anatolia plateau. Cappadocia is best known for its balloon festival, but in this famous Turkish city, there is a festival called Cappadox. During this festival, which is held between June and July, you will see a unique and very spectacular celebration. The festival has been held in the city for four years now. The emerging festival, which has become one of the best festivals in Turkey today, includes activities in various fields such as music, cooking, fusion arts, and many other activities.
The festival is attended by many different artists, including Turks themselves and even foreign and international artists, who share their artwork with others. Of course, there is another very famous festival in Cappadocia, where the balloons of this city all go up in the air and create very beautiful scenes. Regarding the Turkish city of Cappadocia, the city was formed between 3 and 9 million years ago due to volcanic activity. In the 4th century AD, people built houses, religious halls, shelters, and various residences from the rocks that existed in this area, and thus the rocky city of Cappadocia was created.
Turkish Republic Day National Holiday
One of the most important festivals in Turkey, which is also a national holiday, is the Republic Day Festival, which is both a national holiday and an official holiday in this country. The celebration is related to the day Turkey became a republic on October 29. In this celebration, the Turkish people, all over the country, take part in nationwide marches and rejoice. The festival features live music, performances, group entertainment, and many other activities. At the Republic Day Festival, you can see Turkey’s red flags in the people’s hands and in different sizes. Also, you can see posters with the photo of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the late founder of the Republic in Turkey, in the hands of the people and on the doors and walls of the city.
Istanbul Shopping Festival in July
It seems that the shopping festival in Istanbul is one of the most interesting celebrations and the most practical events among festivals in Turkey. This interesting festival starts on June 9th, and if it is well received, it will continue until the first week of July. To participate in this festival, not only people from all over Turkey come to this city, but also different tourists from different countries come to this city to have good and first-class shopping in addition to visiting other attractions in the city of Istanbul.
It is interesting to know that the Istanbul Shopping Festival is so popular that it has become one of the most important shopping festivals in the country over time.
Of course, the only thing that will be held during this period in Istanbul is not shopping alone, but also other activities such as comedy shows and various arts and experiences, music concerts, stand-up comedy, and many other activities will be held throughout the city.
During this time, restaurants and coffee shops in Istanbul usually lower their prices in order to attract more customers and to contribute to the festivals overall good vibes. During this festival, the prices go down a lot. It is known that the city of Istanbul does not sleep during the festival, and the reason is that the shops in this city are open 24 hours a day.
Rumi Festival located in Konya
One of the best festivals in Turkey, which is held every year in Konya and attracts different people from all over the world, is the Rumi festival. This celebration is held every year between the 10th to 17th of December. In this festival, the dancers of Sema perform this religious and spiritual whirling dervish dance. The Rumi festival is one of the largest spiritual and mystical festivals in the world. In this ceremony, the dervishes first make an ascetic spin in a coordinated and collective manner and begin to rotate circularly, throwing their black cloaks on the ground. In the dance of sema, every movement and every garment is a symbol, and its ultimate goal is that this is the only goal of human beings in the life of ultimate love.
This conference is one of the oldest festivals in Turkey, which has been held every year for almost 750 years, and under any circumstances. In fact, Turks and lovers of Rumi’s philosophy celebrate this day, the anniversary of Rumi’s death, as his wedding night, which is actually his joining God and his eternal love.
Istanbul’s Culture and Art Festivals
One of the most youth-friendly festivals in Turkey, held in Istanbul, is the Festival of the Culture and Art Foundation. In this festival, 5 different festivals will be held in total. The locals and tourists who come to this city are very much in touch with this festival and welcome it by heart. In this festival, various works are performed in different artistic fields, such as music, jazz, theater, design, and filmmaking.
International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival
Another one of the popular festivals in Turkey is the International Food Festival, which is usually held in Istanbul. It seems that this festival is a good and special opportunity for food lovers. This festival is held between February 22nd and 25th. One of the goals of the festival is for chefs, or so-called Turkish and international chefs, to compete with their cooking skills.
Rock n’Coke near Hezarfen Airfield
If you are a fan of rock music, one of the largest rock music festivals in Turkey takes place in July every year. The two-day music festival will be held at Hezarfen Airport, during which the largest rock bands in Turkey and the world will perform.
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
Another one of the festivals in Turkey, which is nationwide and is celebrated all over Turkey, is the Young and Sports Festival. This day, May 29, is considered an official holiday to be celebrated by young people. To commemorate and establish the ritual of this national festival in Turkey. Every year on this day, government ceremonies and sports events are happening throughout Turkey.
There is a celebration on this day in Turkey because, on such a day, Ataturk enters Samson and starts the 1919 war that led to the independence of Turkey. On this day, most young people in Turkey, in memory of Ataturk, march from the port of Samsun to Ankara. They perform activities such as music and singing, sports, and other arts activities. He announced making this day a public holiday in 1936 and, finally, from 1938 onwards. Moreover, this day was officially declared a holiday in Turkey. This celebration is very important for the Turkish people, especially the youth of this country, and they appreciate it very much.
For information about more festivals, check out the top 10 global festivals happening around the world so that you don’t miss out on these great events.
