One of Türkiye's longest-running cultural events International Bursa Festivalis preparing to meet art lovers with its 63rd edition this year. 5-31 July A total of 35 concerts will be held within the scope of the festival to be held between 145 shows will be presented to art lovers. It is an important part of the festival and will be held for the 37th time this year. 'International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition' will spread to 17 districts of Bursa between July 7-12, with the participation of folk dance groups from 17 different countries.
Festival Introduction Meeting and Participants
On behalf of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Bursa Culture Art and Tourism Foundation (BKSTV) The introductory meeting of the 63rd International Bursa Festival, organized by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, was held at the Kültürpark Open Air Theatre. The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mustafa Bozbey, Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Mehmet Yıldız, Cultural and Social Affairs Department Head Şafak Baba Pala, BKSTV Vice President Aliki Angeliki Panagiotou Kızıl, BKSTV Secretary General Emre Feza Soysal, BKSTV Board members and members of the press attended. This broad participation once again revealed the importance of the festival in the cultural life of the city.
Festival Venues and New Concepts
This year's festival will be held at the traditional Kültürpark Open Air Theatre, as well as 'Museum Concerts' It will spread to different points of the city with its concept. From Archeopark to Zindankapı, Panorama 1326 to Musical Instruments Museum and Iznik Ancient Roman Theatre Special venues extending to 1000 meters will offer art lovers a unique experience. This new approach will increase the attractiveness of the festival by bringing together the historical and cultural texture of Bursa with art.
Sponsors who played an important role in the realization of the festival include Uludağ Premium, Özdilekpark, Kaplanlar, Sütaş, Diniz Holding, Durmazlar, Hastavuk, Duraner Group, Onur Marketler, Yeşim Holding, Beyçelik Gestamp, Nilsiad, Panula, Eurofiber, BTSO, Referans Yapı, Pakkens, Eker and Neskar are among the important organizations. Festival tickets, http://www.bubilet.com.tr can be obtained from the address.
A Program Full of Music
International Bursa Festival, On July 5th, the Musica Viva Symphony Orchestra It will start with a concert at the Kültürpark Open Air Theatre. The following names and groups will take the stage in the festival's music-filled programme:
- Goran Begovic and Burhan Öçal: It will bring together the enthusiastic rhythms of the Balkan geography and the folk melodies of Thrace.
- Nemeth Quartet-Emre Elivar, Moses Yoofee Trio, Iraz Yıldız, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol and Mert Demir: Important names from different musical genres.
- Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra feat- Candan Erçetin: It will bring together the beloved voices of Balkan music and Turkish pop.
- Our Love of Folk Songs concert: An unforgettable folk music experience with Erdal Erzinçan, Tolga Sağ, Cengiz Özkan, Muharrem Temiz and Yılmaz Çelik.
- Pinhani: A favorite band of the alternative rock scene.
- YaylaTrio: It will present original melodies of Anatolia with traditional instruments.
- Oi Va Voi Group, Hüsnü Arkan-Dengin Ceyhan, M Lisa-Tolga Bilgin and Cem Yıldız: Other musical feasts of the festival.
- Athena: One of the pioneer bands of Turkish rock music.
- Gökçe Bahadır-Emir Ersoy Band and Fettah Can: Popular names of Turkish pop music.
Performing Arts and Special Performances
In addition to music concerts, the festival will also feature performing arts and special screenings:
- Istanbul State Theatre: 'Hamlet' will take the stage with his play.
- Jasper Hoiby: The leading double bassist of the European jazz scene will meet art lovers with his new piano trio 3Elements.
- 'Revenge of the Snakes' Movie: The award-winning 1962 film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Fakir Baykurt and directed by Metin Erksan, will be presented with a special screening.
- 'Labor' photo exhibition: It will be opened to art lovers.
International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition
This year will be the 37th 'International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition', will be one of the most colorful and culturally diverse sections of the festival. Folk dance groups from the following countries will participate in the competition:
- Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Dagestan, South Korea, Georgia, Spain, Kazakhstan, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Colombia, North Macedonia, Mexico, Egypt, Panama, Puerto Rico, Russia and Greece.
These communities, Between July 7-12 in 17 districts of Bursa will take the stage and spread the colorful magic of dance throughout the city. In addition, concerts will accompany these shows in 15 districts, thus the unifying power of art, music, dance and cultural diversity will be carried to every corner of Bursa.
President Bozbey’s “Art Gives Breath” Message
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey expressed his excitement in sharing the 63 program of the 2025rd International Bursa Festival, Türkiye's longest-running event. Mayor Bozbey stated that the festival is an event that everyone looks forward to in their childhood and youth, and that they know from past experiences what art means for a city's smile and the development of urban culture.
Mayor Bozbey said, “We know that the culture and art policies we have implemented in Nilüfer for 20 years have been taken as an example in many places. Now we are implementing this all together in Bursa. Just as water nourishes life, art also beautifies life and makes the city more livable. Art breathes life into both people and the city. With this understanding, we are bringing the 63rd International Bursa Festival together with art lovers. I would like to thank everyone who has worked hard, contributed and supported this gathering. We are bringing this festival to Bursa all together.”
Bursa: A City Rich in Art and Artists
President Bozbey said that they expect this year's festival to reach approximately 40 thousand art lovers with 75 thousand people with tickets and 115 thousand people free of charge. He stated that the festival's spread to Bursa with the concept of museum concerts will highlight the city's cultural values. He stated that the festival, whose foundations were laid in 1962, was taken to an international level with the 'International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition' in 1987 and that this tradition continues uninterruptedly.
Mayor Bozbey emphasized that the festival program also included artists from Bursa such as Fettah Can, Nida Ateş and Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol. Commemorating Parkan Sanlıkol, who brought the Musical Instruments Museum to Bursa, Bozbey stated that Bursa is a very rich city in terms of art and artists and that their goal is to introduce the Bursa art world to the people of Bursa.
Mayor Bozbey, who gratefully remembered the then mayor Ekrem Barışık, who laid the foundations of this process by establishing BKSTV, and Ömer Ersöz, who contributed to the festival's identity, thanked the founding secretary general Osman Odman and those who contributed. Stating that they will continue to grow and keep alive the valuable tradition and increase art together, Mayor Bozbey invited all Bursa residents to share this excitement and experience the excitement of the 63rd International Bursa Festival together.
BKSTV Vice President Aliki Angeliki Panagiotou Kızıl stated that they have accomplished great things with the board members in a short time and that they will welcome everyone with a month full of music, peace, happiness and love. Kızıl wished everyone to have an unforgettable festival and thanked everyone who contributed.
