There are many fabulous events and festivals in Türkiye each year. Some celebrate sport, history or art, and others a local harvest – be it the artichoke, wild mushrooms or cherries. If your travels in Türkiye coincide with any local events, head along for a look around as it’s a great chance to immerse yourself in local life and culture. Here are a few of the most notable festivals in Türkiye this spring and summer. If you would like to attend, please CONTACT US.

Istanbul Tulip Festival (April 2022)

Few people realise that the tulip is one of Türkiye’s most cherished flowers, and these beautiful springtime blooms were first introduced to Europe and Holland by the Turks during the 16^th century. Ottoman high society became so fond of tulips that rare varieties could fetch extraordinary sums. Tulip emblems and motifs appeared on many artworks, ceramics and fabrics of the time, and the flower’s popularity lives on today, with Istanbul holding a multi-coloured festival in their honour each April.

A visit to Istanbul during the Tulip Festival is a great chance to see the city at its best. Millions of tulips are planted throughout the city, and the streets, traffic roundabouts, parks and walkways are bursting with colour, making for many Instagram-worthy backdrops. Many of the most striking displays are in Sultanahmet, with the “flower carpet” in front of the Blue Mosque simply spectacular and the largest tulip carpet in the world.

Istanbul Film Festival (April 8^th – April 19^th, 2022)

The Istanbul Film Festival, now in its 41^st year, will be back in theatres in 2022, following two years online due to the pandemic. Running from April 8^th to April 19^th, the festival will be held in seven theatres in the city: Atlas 1948, Beyoglu Sinemasi, Pera Museum Auditorium in Beyoglu, CineWAM Premium+ City’s (Salon 3 and Salon 7) in Nisantasi, and Kadikoy Sinemasi and Kadikoy Belediyesi Sinematek/Sinema Evi in Kadikoy.

The festival is organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) and will include 135 feature films and 22 shorts by 164 directors from 43 countries. Please GET IN TOUCH if you wish to attend or require accommodation or assistance in Istanbul during the event.

12th Uzumlu Mushroom Festival (May 6th – May 8th 2022)

For a real glimpse into local life and culture, head along to the Uzumlu Mushroom Festival held from May 6^th to May 8^th. Uzumlu is a pretty mountain village a 25-minute drive inland from Fethiye. This charming village is usually quiet, but for three days each spring it comes alive with traditional music, dance and food in celebration of the local morel mushrooms found in the surrounding forests.

The Uzumlu Mushroom Festival is a real cultural highlight. The village’s central square is filled with art and craft stalls, street-side vendors sell locally produced wines and food, children from the local schools perform traditional dances, and musicians and artists take to the stage throughout the day and evening. There are daily morel mushroom forages, and a colossal pot of morel mushroom soup is prepared by a local chef and handed out to passers-by. A visit to the festival is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a very different and more traditional side of Turkish culture. For more information or to head along for a look around, please CONTACT US.

Urla Artichoke Festival (May 6th – May 8th 2022)

If you happen to be cruising around Izmir in early May, head along to Urla Artichoke Festival. Urla is a beautiful Aegean village we have featured several times in our posts. Located between Alacati and Izmir, it is home to a growing number of fabulous restaurants and is starting to make real waves on the food scene.

The Urla Artichoke Festival started in 2015. It is a colourful three-day event celebrating all things artichoke and attracts visitors from all over Türkiye. The pretty village streets fill with food, art and craft stalls, and you can attend lessons and demonstrations on how to prepare and cook these tasty thistles. There’s traditional folk music and dance throughout the day, and you can sample traditional artichoke-inspired dishes from the street side stalls and vendors.

Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival (June-July)

If you fancy watching one of Türkiye’s most unique and traditional sporting events, head along to the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival. Olive oil wrestling dates back to the 14^th century and has a surprisingly large following, with oil wrestling events in Türkiye attracting spectators from all over the world.

Watching oil wrestling is a unique and fascinating experience. Men dressed in traditional black leather pants, known as kispet, cover themselves in olive oil and wrestle on the grass to the beat of traditional drums and music. The aim is to win the Golden Belt and become the Chief Wrestler. Oil wrestling events are held around the country each summer, but the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival is the main highlight. If you would like to attend, please GET IN TOUCH.

Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival (June-July)

Visiting the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is a must if you’re in the area. The setting is superb, held in the 2000-year-old Roman theatre of Aspendos, considered one of the most well-preserved theatres of its kind in the world.

The Turkish State Opera and Ballet organise the event where local and international artists perform classic works like Carmen, Aida and Madame Butterfly, plus contemporary works to showcase new productions. Aspendos is close to Antalya, so within easy reach of those cruising or moored in the area. If you would like a night at the opera added to your itinerary, please LET US KNOW.