The enthusiasm of an Anatolian Festival has swept across Hakkari! 'A sign that peace and trust are at their peak'
Once a hot topic for terrorism, Hakkari is now embracing a new identity with its natural beauty, plateaus, and rich cultural heritage. This year, the city is taking both locals and visitors on a unique journey filled with culture, art, and local flavors through a festival held for the first time.
Organized with the participation of Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan, "An Anatolian Festival" kicked off with an opening ceremony held at the Children's Village and Ministry Activity Areas established at Hakkari Stadium. Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik , Minister Chief Advisor Tayfun Topal, Living Heritage Cultural Activities General Manager Selim Terzi, provincial officials, and numerous art lovers from Hakkari also attended the ceremony.
'A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON UNITY AND SOLIDARITY'
Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister Nadir Alpaslan said, "Following our Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy's visit to Hakkari last month, a tourism master plan was launched under the coordination of the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Our Minister was impressed by Hakkari's natural beauty and cultural potential, and a decision was made to spearhead a new cultural and tourism initiative in this region, in addition to the Turkish Cultural Route Festivals. As a first step, we are launching ' An Anatolian Festival ' in Hakkari."
Continuing his speech, Alpaslan said, "These events will continue for two weeks in Hakkari and Yüksekova, as well as in Şırnak, Tunceli, Bitlis, and Bingöl. This event will contribute to the promotion of both Turkey and the region. It will also be the best example of a safe and peaceful environment. The festival will feature numerous cultural and artistic events, from film screenings and concerts to State Theaters, opera, and ballet. Our mobile libraries will also reach readers of all ages. Here, we emphasize unity and solidarity with the word 'one.' The festival is also a great platform for the development and increased recognition of regional tourism."
'EVEN IN WINTER, EVEN IN SUMMER IS BEAUTIFUL'
Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik stated that two areas in the city had been declared tourism zones, saying, "Areas with winter tourism potential, in particular, were 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."
Hakkari, Türkiye's hidden paradise, is home to unique landscapes waiting to be explored. Home to Türkiye's highest mountains, the Cilo and Sat Mountains, the city offers attractive areas for nature photography and camping, along with areas like Karadağ and Sümbül Mountains. Hakkari has significant potential, particularly for winter tourism. Its geographical structure offers a wide range of tourism opportunities, from mountaineering and camping to trekking and a wide range of nature sports.
EXCITING MOMENTS AT EVENT POINTS
Following the ceremony, Deputy Minister Alpaslan and his accompanying officials toured the Children's Village and the Ministry's Activity Centers on the stadium grounds. Various workshops and recreational areas offered children of all ages both fun and learning opportunities. The children, who developed their manual skills, explored their creativity, and enjoyed themselves with games, experienced some of the most vibrant and enthusiastic moments of the festival. The joy and energy of the children permeated the entire stadium, adding a vibrant touch to the festival.
The delegation then visited various activity spots in Hakkari. The Halay Show , held on the Observation Terrace, provided unforgettable moments for the audience with traditional costumes and energetic stage performances. The audience's applause and the rhythm of the music brought the festival excitement to a peak in the city.
Hakkari's cuisine offers not only a culinary journey but also a historical one. Its mountainous terrain and transhumance culture have created a culinary tradition based on meat, dairy products, grains, and wild herbs. Dishes prepared with the wild herbs and vegetables grown in the region are particularly notable for the unique flavor of the siyabo herb. This herb is also known for its healing properties against many ailments, including cancer.
HAKKARI CUISINE: A BLEND OF TASTE AND CULTURE
The final stop of the events was the Gastronomy Event held at the Hakkari Meydan Madrasa. This event, blending in with the historical fabric, featured local Hakkari cuisine. Participants enjoyed an unforgettable culinary experience with these unique flavors. An Anatolian Festival, offering visitors a blend of cultural diversity, artistic richness, and gastronomic delights, became an event that left its mark on Hakkari.
"An Anatolian Festival," organized for the first time this year under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Living Heritage and Cultural Activities, is being brought to life in five different cities. Following Hakkari, the festival will be held in Tunceli from September 5-11, Şırnak from September 12-18, Bingöl from September 19-25, and Bitlis from September 22-28. Murat Dalkılıç, Bengü, Ferat Üngür, and Yudum will meet their fans on the main stage at 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 to be set up at Merzan City Stadium and Mevlana Park will engage with children with stage shows, theater plays, workshops, and playgrounds. The Bursa State Theatre's "Kitchen of Wonders" and the Izmir State Theatre's "Orfin's Music Box" will entertain young audiences. 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.
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