Türkiye expands “Culture Route” festival in 2026
The cultural festival series “Culture Route” will take place in 26 cities across Türkiye in 2026, over 234 days, starting on April 25 in Şanlıurfa and ending on November 15 in Adana.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, the event represents the largest edition so far of the project launched in 2021 and affiliated with the European Festivals Association. The festivals include concerts, theater and opera performances, exhibitions, conferences, and workshops, turning multiple regions into a large-scale cultural stage, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
According to official data, previous editions expanded rapidly. By 2025, the festival had reached 20 cities, with 9,645 events and more than 50,000 artists over 180 days. In 2026, the program includes cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya, along with six new destinations: Aydın, Eskişehir, Kahramanmaraş, Mersin, Ordu, and Sakarya.
The 2026 program emphasizes showcasing local cultural heritage, including activities for children such as workshops, performances, and educational programs. Organizers say the events are designed to promote regional cultural diversity and attract both local and international audiences.
A new feature of the upcoming edition is a gastronomic component. In each city, advisory councils will identify representative dishes, and a “city chef” will oversee the promotion of local culinary heritage. The initiative includes food routes, tastings, and themed workshops.
In the medium term, organizers plan to expand the festival to 32 cities in 2027, adding new destinations such as Balıkesir, Denizli, and Muğla, as part of a national development strategy.
