"An Anatolian Festival" began in Hakkari, its first stop

The festival, which aims to transform Hakkari into a cultural scene from start to finish, will extend from the city center to Yüksekova, from Çukurca to Şemdinli and the Derecik district until September 4.

Speaking at the opening of the program, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alparslan said that all the beauties of Hakkari were experienced at "An Anatolian Festival."

Alparslan stated that Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited Hakkari a month ago and was quite impressed by its tourism potential, adding that the festival will be held in Şırnak, Tunceli, Bitlis, and Bingöl, as well as Hakkari, for two weeks.

Alparslan pointed out that the festival will turn into a cultural and artistic festival and said:

The festival will become a program that brings together our people, artists, and culture, to better promote both Turkey and the region, and to demonstrate the peak of peace and trust in the region. Cultural and artistic programs will be offered, ranging from cinema and concerts to the State Theater and opera and ballet. Our mobile libraries will also reach readers of all ages. We are placing a special emphasis on unity and solidarity. The festival is also a valuable tool for the development and greater recognition of regional tourism. I hope this program, initiated by our Minister, will be a source of blessings and prosperity.

Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik stated that two areas in the city have been declared tourism zones, saying, "Areas with winter tourism potential, in particular, have been included in the forward-looking planning and work phase. The second phase was the planning of an Anatolian Festival. I hope the festival will be beneficial."

Speaking about Hakkari's nature and people, Çelik said, "Hakkari is a city of peace, mountains, brotherhood, and love. Here, everyone greets each other by placing their hand on their heart. We wholeheartedly greet you all. We welcome everyone to Hakkari. This truly beautiful region holds a wealth of tourism potential, from mountaineering and camping to trekking and faith tourism. Hakkari's winters and summers are uniquely beautiful."

Çelik stated that the people of Hakkari have embraced brotherhood, solidarity and unity despite the difficulties, and expressed his belief that the city will have a stronger future.

Emphasizing that tourism, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will be a significant dynamic that will provide a solution to the region's employment problem, Ali Çelik said, "Hopefully, Hakkari will also stand out with its tourism potential. It will make a name for itself both domestically and internationally."

In a post shared on the Ministry's account on NSosyal, it was reminded that the festival started today in Hakkari with enthusiasm.

The post, which stated that culture and art are coming together for a terror-free, peaceful, and strong Turkey, said, "An Anatolian Festival, bearing the traces of our ancient culture, began today in Hakkari with the participation of our Deputy Minister Nadir Alpaslan. We will strengthen our unity, solidarity, and brotherhood by traveling from province to province with all the colors of our culture, from concerts and theater to children's activities and folk dances."

It was noted that the festival, which began under the coordination of the General Directorate of Living Heritage and Cultural Activities, will continue in Hakkari until September 4.

Organized for the first time this year under the coordination of the General Directorate of Living Heritage and Cultural Activities of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, "An Anatolian Festival" is being held in 5 different cities.

Following Hakkari, the festival will be held in Tunceli on September 5-11, Şırnak on September 12-18, Bingöl on September 19-25 and Bitlis on September 22-28.

Murat Dalkılıç, Bengü, Ferat Üngür and Yudum will meet their fans on the main stage in the Old Municipality Square, while Merve Özbey, Oğuzhan Koç, Delil Dilanar, Rojin and Nevzat Çiftçi will meet their fans at the Yüksekova Stadium.

Special events by Grup Tillo, Colemerg Collective, Şanlıurfa State Turkish Folk Music Ensemble and Istanbul State Opera and Ballet will also be held in Hakkari.

The Children's Village, which will be set up at Merzan City Stadium and Mevlana Park, will offer stage performances, plays, workshops, and playgrounds for children. Young audiences will also be entertained by Bursa State Theatre's "Kitchen of Wonders" and İzmir State Theatre's "Orfin's Music Box."

The Gallipoli Campaign Mobile Museum, a cinema truck, and a mobile library will also be at the festival. The Erzurum State Theatre's "Yeşilçam" and the Ankara State Theatre's "Eyvah Nadir" will also be performed.