Bearing the traces of Ottoman princes, the ancient city of Manisa hosted the Türkiye Culture Road Festival for the first time this year, becoming the meeting point of history, culture and art. Speaking at the opening of the festival, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized the value this great organization adds to Manisa and stated that the cultural richness of the city will be introduced to all of Türkiye.
Minister Ersoy Emphasizes Bringing Culture and Art Together with the Public
Reminding that the festival chain started in Beyoğlu, Istanbul in 2021, Minister Ersoy said, “We had a promise that day. We said that this first step we took in Beyoğlu to protect, revive, support, promote and keep alive the history, culture and art of our country would reach every region of our country.” Stating that the Turkey Culture Road Festival has achieved its goals in the last five years and has become the most comprehensive festival in the world, Ersoy said, “Thank God, the Turkey Culture Road Festival has served its goals well from year to year and has become the most comprehensive festival in the world where our culture and history are revived, art and artists are supported and millions of our citizens come together in unity and solidarity on the common ground of these great values.” He emphasized that the festival has become a brand value that is far from an elitist approach, appealing to all segments of society and bringing culture and art together with the public.
9 Events in 520 Days in Manisa, Cultural Meetings at 33 Locations
Minister Ersoy stated that the festival took place in 7 regions and 20 cities this year and that Manisa was among these important cities, and shared the rich content of the program by saying, "We will host you in 9 events that we will hold in 33 locations within the scope of our festival that started today and will last for 520 days." Stating that a program full of concerts, theater plays, exhibitions, workshops and events spanning all areas of traditional and digital art has been prepared, Ersoy said, "You will take your place in this feast not as a visitor of the festival but as a part of it."
Minister Ersoy, who announced that famous artists such as Murat Boz, Bayhan, Ferhat Göçer, Ebru Yaşar, Uğur Işılak, Kıraç, Merve Özbey, Fatma Turgut and Gökhan Türkmen will take the stage throughout the festival, stated that the State Opera and Ballet and the State Theaters will also open the curtain for art lovers in Manisa. He also said that the enthusiasm of May 19 Youth and Sports Day will be celebrated within the scope of the festival.
Rich Activities for Children and Families
Minister Ersoy, who stated that in addition to thematic exhibitions such as “Traveler Anatolian Civilizations”, “Journey to the Roots”, “Traces of Lydia”, “Living Heritage Woodwork”, art workshops such as sculpture, painting, marbling and tile were also organized at the festival, invited families to participate in these events, especially with their children. Ersoy, who stated that the intellectual dimension of the festival would also be highlighted with conferences, talks and workshops, emphasized that 11 taste stops where Manisa cuisine would be introduced and gastronomy events were also included.
New Manisa Museum Opened Its Doors
Stating that the New Manisa Museum was also opened within the scope of the festival, Ersoy shared the size and modern structure of the museum by saying, “This contemporary complex that we built as a work worthy of Manisa has a closed area of 8 thousand 245 square meters.” Emphasizing that the museum is a living space that facilitates learning with interactive presentations, Ersoy said, “Museums are not structures or institutions to be looked at and passed by. They are living spaces where we can learn about culture and history by seeing, experiencing, interacting and communicating, especially when time is needed.” He stated that the museum currently exhibits more than 1.700 works and hosts various groups of materials.
Record Passage on the Cultural Road
Referring to the point that the festival has reached from the past to the present, Minister Ersoy reminded that more than 2021 events were held in 80 different venues in Beyoğlu in 2 with the participation of more than 380 thousand artists. He stated that approximately 20 thousand artists will meet with the public in more than 6 thousand 800 events to be held in more than a thousand venues in 45 cities, starting with Adana and continuing with Manisa this year. Ersoy, who said, “Under the leadership of our President, we have always crowned our words with concrete services and works, and our goals and objectives with record-breaking figures,” emphasized that they are constantly raising the bar for services and works. “We will continue on our path to be better and more in every field,” he said.
Opening of the Library and Museum on the First Day of the Festival
Minister Ersoy, who stated that the Manisa Provincial Public Library was also opened within the scope of the festival, invited all citizens to the festival, museums and libraries and said, "Everything is done for you. We are waiting for you to have a pleasant time by having fun, learning and experiencing." Ersoy, who concluded his speech by remembering Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, martyrs and veterans, said, “I congratulate you in advance on May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.” Following the press conference, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy opened the Manisa Museum and visited the events that will meet art lovers on the festival route.
