Istanbul which is the capital of Turkey is a known centre for festivals. Turkey has over a thousand events annually. In addition to the numerous local Turkish festivals that take place around the nation, major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, and Antalya also host cultural events and other Turkish festivals that draw visitors from abroad.
The most important festival hub is Istanbul. Istanbul hosts several music festivals during the summer. Many are connected to and organized by prominent personalities in Turkey’s private sector. Istanbul welcomes internationally renowned dance companies for the Pamukbank Dance Days. Renowned blues and jazz groups play at the Efes Pilsen Blues Festival, which marked its tenth year in 2006.
If you wish to see these Turkish festivals, you can book your flight ticket on Turkish Airline at cleartrip and enjoy great deals and discounts.
Turkish performers and international jazz masters can collaborate and jam together during the Akbank International Jazz Festival. The Yapı Kredi Art Festival is a year-round series of events with concerts featuring a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and classical music to pop and rock. Another significant musical event is Fuji Film World Music Days.
Here are 5 best Turkish festivals that make an appealing holiday destination:
1. İzmir International Fair
İZZFAŞ, a dependent corporation of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, organizes the multi-theme İzmir International Fair, which takes place in the first few days of September and is the oldest festival activity in Turkey. This makes İzmir a noteworthy destination. Over the years, the festival transformed into a school unto itself. Originally, the musical and other cultural events that coincide with the commercial fair were intended to draw attention to the fair.
2. Tulip Festival
In 2006, the Istanbul Tulip Festival was first held. Millions of tulips in a range of colors were planted throughout the city by the authorities. The city will smell like tulips in the spring when the tulips bloom in large quantities in the park and on the walkways. The Istanbul Tulip Festival takes place in April and lasts for around a month every year. Approximately thirty million tulip seeds will be sown before the festivities. You will gasp at the sight of vivid tulips!
3. Air Balloon Festival
The annual Turkey Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place in Cappadocia. The festival has become well-known as one of the most attractive and beautiful events in the world. Being here makes me feel the energy that changes every second into a festival of beauty and amazement.
It is the perfect experience for those who love adventure. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s beautiful and unusual landscapes, which are home to strange rock formations and fairy chimneys.
4. Ramazan
Tourists can experience the blend of spirituality and cultural richness during Ramadan in Turkey. Here, iftar meals are a common occasion for families and communities to get together, which fosters a feeling of unity and friendship. Muslims take part in Taraweeh, a special prayer held at night in mosques where long recitations of chapters from the Quran are performed. by engaging in acts of great worship and devotion.
Turkish cities come alive with lights and decorations during Ramadan, filling the streets with a flurry of activity as people purchase specialty foods and snacks for the evening meal. During this special season, cultural events take place all throughout Turkey. Muslims attend mosques for special prayers, and while they’re there, guests can enjoy traditional Turkish fare from food carts outside.
5. Mesir Macunu Festival
Held from March 21 to 24, Nevruz, which marks the beginning of spring, is the occasion for the Mesir Macunu Festival, which features a range of traditional and cultural activities. It has been celebrated for almost four centuries in Manisa.
Mesir macunu is a tasty paste with a number of health advantages. An incident in history related to this medicinal paste is that it helped Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s mother recover from a disease. Forty-one different plants and spices are combined to make the paste. Since then, it has been handed down to several generations.
Every year, up to three tons of mesir macunu are ritualistically cooked for the celebration and given to attendees. Encased in tiny bits of dazzling, colorful paper, the custom paste is thrown to the crowd from the Sultan Mosque’s minaret.
Hope these Turkish festivals are enough to schedule your next vacation to Turkey.
