Getting a Taste of Turkey's Local Culture with Traditional Turkish Festivals and Events

As a nation rich in history, tantalizing gastronomy, age-old customs, vibrant celebrations, and captivating traditions, Turkey should be on every traveller's list

As the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey is a country bursting with culture, delicious local cuisines, heritage, traditions and festivals that every traveller should sample at least once in a lifetime.

Whether you’d love to experience the most immersive, joyous festivals, sample foods you have never tried, or learn about the traditions and annual events that are such an important aspect of Turkish society, there is something for everyone.

Property Turkey, the established experts in relocating to this remarkable part of the world, luxury Turkey villas, and all things travel and culture, shares some insider tips to help you find your dream Turkey experience.

The Mevlana Festival, Konya

The Mevlana festival, honouring the Sufi mystic, is celebrated every December in Konya. This city welcomes thousands of visitors to commemorate the poet's life, whose Turkish name translates to 'our master'. Based around music and dance, the festival hosts numerous ceremonies, shows and displays, renowned for the whirling skirts that make for a mesmerising spectacle.

A form of active meditation, this controlling spinning is almost impossibly fast, with dancers donning conical-shaped hats and white, flowing skirts with symbolic meanings.

If you decide to visit Konya, you can taste some of the ancient dishes unique to this part of the world, including tutmaç çorbası soup, a recipe that first originated in the 11th century, made with meat and egg noodles and served with katık sour yoghurt.

Oil Wrestling in Edirne

Normally starting at the end of June, the Sarayiçi stadium in Kırkpınar, Edirne, hosts the annual oil wrestling festival, held on the grounds once used by Ottoman sultans for hunting. The festivities begin several days before, as the Thracian region enters a celebratory mood.

The oldest running sports festival in the world, dating back to 1346, the matches are a sight to behold, where each opponent tries to manoeuvre the other until their navel faces the sky – meaning they lose. Wrestlers wear a traditional kispet, a type of long shorts made of calfskin, and show respect to their elders by kissing their hands should they win.

Edirne is in itself a wonderful place to visit, with architecture such as the Selimiye Mosque, designed by famous architect Mimar Sinan, and fried liver, a local delicacy that the authorities are campaigning to have recognised on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Turkish Camel Wrestling

While oil wrestling, or Yagli Gures, is the national sport, camel wrestling is another take on the tradition. Rest assured that no animals are hurt during the season and are treasured by their deveci – the camel owners.

Decorated in elaborate costumes, the camels parade around towns such as Izmir, Antalya, Aydın and Muğla and 'compete' by trying to lock necks with no aggressive contact permitted. These towns embrace the festivities, with market stalls, musicians, gift vendors and plenty of the local spiced sausage, kangal sucuk, to tempt hungry spectators.

Each town has its own calendar of events, although Selçuk is regarded as the best place to see camel wrestling and parades, normally followed by meze and drinks in the evening or a glass of raki to bring the day to a close.

The Istanbul Film Festival

A hugely popular event for movie lovers, the annual film festival hosts a series of talks, panels and seminars alongside showings of the films and short cinematic pieces vying for an award, with submissions made from dozens of countries worldwide.

This cultural event attracts crowds of visitors, ranging from creators, actors, directors and producers to movie critics and film fans, with a schedule of all the events and showing times beginning in April.

First organised in 1982, the festival aims to promote the quality of Turkish movies and creatives, as well as to support the industry in developing quality entertainment for the local and international stage. The spring is a perfect time to visit Istanbul and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the city, as the weather turns warm and mild.

The Hıdırellez and Kakava Spring Festivals, Edirne

Heading back to Edirne, and the dual festivals of Hıdırellez and Kakava celebrate the arrival of spring – this event is observed throughout the Balkan region, with the biggest festival in the country hosted in the city between 5th and 6th May.

Travellers can enjoy competitions, shows and concerts in Saraçlar Street, with various rituals and symbolic events, or attend the Kakava Fire, denoting a theme of abundance. The fire is lit on 5th May while attendees dine on rice dishes, followed by the Eternal Spring ceremony, beginning early in the morning alongside the waters of the Tunca River the following day.

Around 10,000 people travel to Edirne for the occasion, soaking up the ambience, dancing, colourful costumes, local cuisines and displays of Turkish culture and heritage. Try the Levzine halva, the famous local dessert made with honey and almonds.

Tulip Festival, Istanbul

Wild tulips were first brought to Turkey by migrators in the 12 century and became a favourite flower of the Ottomans, planted across what is now Istanbul. Now the national flower, the tulips start to bloom every spring, and millions of tulips in a vibrant array of colours are planted throughout the city in preparation.

Watching the seas of tulips brightening every street corner and square is a unique site, with concerts, exhibitions and performances held in the public parks to welcome the warm spring weather, each with varying celebrations.

Travel to Mirgan Park, Gülhane Park or Sultanahmet Square Park to enjoy the atmosphere, bring a picnic or try the street food and small plates on offer from vendors, and you'll be within walking distance of many other renowned attractions, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Each featured event is welcoming and exciting, many providing a glimpse into Turkey's rich past while offering a feast of flavours and colours, with many more festivals that draw in visitors from across Turkey and the wider world.

Our advice is always to research before you travel since events are hosted throughout the year, and you'll find something novel and immersive to experience, from dancing and music to parades, festivals and parties to which everyone is invited.

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