Cultural events/ festivals

Ramadan (Eid)

Arguably the most important cultural and religious period in Turkey. It's a month of fasting and dinners are usually bigger and richer than usual.

Festival of Sacrifice

It's the second Islamic holiday. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.

National Sovereignty and Children's Day

Ataturk presented this day to all the world's children to emphasize that they are successor of the future. On this day, representatives of children take the office of the important state officials, such as President and ministers.

Republic Day

29th of October is the day Republic of Turkey is officially founded. Since then it's a public holiday and is celebrated all over the country with billions of flags.

Oil Wrestling Tournament

Do you know what is oil wrestling? To many the idea may sound like a joke, but to the competitors and fans at the 600-year-old Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival, this big tournament at the start of June is the FA Cup final of a sport steeped in history.

Mesir Paste Festival

It's a commemoration the recovery of Hafsa Sultan, mother of Suleyman the Magnificent, who was cured of a disease by the invention of a paste known as Mesir Macunu in Turkish. The Sultan then ordered that the paste be disseminated to the public.

Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival

Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival, the music, dance, listening and spiritual experience fuse together during the dance of the Dervishes.

Polonezköy Cherry Festival

Celebrate the culture and tradition of the Polish community living in Istanbul, Turkey. It is organized every year in June.