CELEBRATE CULTURE AT THE 23RD ALANYA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The 23rd Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival will take place on May 23-25, 2025, embracing the theme of “Neighbourhood” (Komşuluk). This premier cultural event will feature world-class performances including Gipsy Kings, Can Bonomo, and Bulutsuzluk Özlemi, alongside vibrant exhibitions and activities that celebrate both Turkish heritage and international artistic diversity.
The beautiful Mediterranean city of Alanya is preparing to host one of Turkey’s most anticipated cultural events of the year. This three-day celebration transforms the coastal town into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, musical performances, and cultural exchange. Visitors from around Turkey and worldwide will gather to experience the rich tapestry of festivities that showcase local traditions while fostering meaningful connections between communities.
The 23rd Festival: Celebrating “Neighbourhood” Theme
This year’s festival, organised by the Alanya Municipality, embraces the theme of “Neighbourhood” (Komşuluk), responding to the Turkish Language Association’s highlighted concept of “Loneliness in Crowds.” The theme celebrates connections at multiple levels—from local neighbourhood relationships to regional partnerships and international relations.
Press Conference Highlights
The festival’s press conference was appropriately held in a historic house in the Tophane District of Alanya Castle, owned by Elif Demir Uysal. Creating an intimate atmosphere that reflected the neighbourhood theme, the gathering included Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik, Deputy Mayor Murat Levent Koçak, Mayor’s Advisor Abdurrahman Açıkalın, homeowner Elif Demir Uysal and her mother (retired teacher İnci Demir), Alanya Women’s Aid Association President Nurcan Okan, department managers, and press members.
In his address, Mayor Özçelik emphasised the municipality’s vision: “We are trying to elevate Alanya beyond its former glorious days, to make it a more recognised city, and to take serious steps toward becoming a branded city in the next 7-8 years.” He added that they are working transparently and have begun attracting both national and international sponsors, demonstrating that the right steps are being taken to enhance Alanya’s profile.
The History and Evolution of Alanya’s Premier Festival
Origins and Growth
The Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival was first established in the early 1990s as a modest local celebration aimed at promoting the region’s cultural heritage. What began as a small-scale event has flourished over the decades into an internationally recognised festival that now spans multiple days and venues throughout the city. The festival’s evolution mirrors Alanya’s own transformation from a quaint coastal town to a cosmopolitan tourism destination that welcomes millions of visitors annually.
As noted by Mayor’s Advisor Abdurrahman Açıkalın at the recent press conference, “Our festival has come a long way, initially known under different names like ‘şenlik’ (celebration). Last year, our Council officially designated it as the culture, art, and tourism festival. We are implementing a forward-looking vision that prioritises events like this. We strive to ensure that every event we organise resonates both nationally and internationally.”
Mayor’s Advisor Abdurrahman Açıkalın
Local authorities and cultural organisations recognised the potential of creating a platform that would not only preserve and showcase Turkish traditions but also foster cultural exchange with international participants. This vision has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s inclusive and diverse character that we witness today.
Festival’s Significance to Alanya
For Alanya, the festival represents far more than just an entertaining event on the calendar. It has become an essential part of the city’s identity and a powerful catalyst for cultural tourism. Taking place typically in the late spring or early summer season, the festival strategically helps extend Alanya’s peak tourist period by offering unique experiences beyond the traditional sun-and-sea tourism model.
The economic impact is substantial, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses experiencing a significant boost during the festival period. More importantly, the event has positioned Alanya on the international cultural map, attracting attention from art enthusiasts, performers, and tourists who might otherwise not have discovered this Mediterranean gem.
Festival Program Highlights
Musical Performances and Concerts
Music forms the heartbeat of the Alanya International Festival, with performances spanning various genres and traditions. This year, the main concerts will take place at the concert area behind the Old Municipality Building, featuring an impressive lineup of both Turkish and international artists.
23rd Festival Concert Lineup
The 23rd Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival will feature an exceptional lineup of musical performances. All concerts begin at 21:00 and are free for the public to attend:
- May 23 (Opening Night): DJ Ender Orak will kick off the evening, followed by a performance from celebrated Turkish artist Can Bonomo, known for his unique blend of indie, rock, and Turkish folk influences.
- May 24: DJ Gökhan Sakaltaş will warm up the crowd before the legendary Turkish rock band Bulutsuzluk Özlemi takes the stage. The band, celebrating their 40th anniversary in the music industry, will deliver their iconic hits that have shaped Turkish rock music for decades.
- May 25 (Closing Night): DJ Arda Övüç will set the mood before the festival concludes with an unforgettable performance by the world-renowned Gipsy Kings. Their fusion of flamenco, salsa, and pop rhythms promises to create a magical finale to this year’s festival. As Mayor Özçelik noted, “Gipsy Kings is recognized worldwide. With touches like this, we will promote our city internationally.”
Beyond these headline acts, the festival also features traditional Turkish folk music performances with instruments like the saz, ney, and davul, creating an authentic atmosphere throughout the festival grounds. Symphony orchestras and classical music performances are often scheduled at the historic Alanya Castle, where the ancient stones and Mediterranean backdrop create a magical acoustic environment that enhances the musical experience.
Dance and Theatrical Performances
The festival celebrates movement and storytelling through an extensive program of dance and theatrical performances. Traditional Turkish folk dances like the energetic Horon from the Black Sea region or the romantic Zeybek from the Aegean captivate audiences with their distinctive rhythms and colourful costumes.
International dance troupes bring their unique cultural expressions, from flamenco to ballet, creating a fascinating mosaic of movement styles. Street performances and interactive dance workshops invite festival-goers to participate rather than merely observe, fostering a deeper connection to the cultural expressions on display.
Theatrical performances range from traditional Turkish shadow puppet shows (Karagöz and Hacivat) to contemporary international productions, often presented with multilingual subtitles to ensure accessibility for the diverse audience.
Visual Arts Exhibitions
Throughout the festival period, Alanya’s galleries, public spaces, and even unexpected venues like the ancient shipyard (Tersane) are transformed into exhibition spaces showcasing visual arts from Turkey and beyond. Local and international artists present works in various media—painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art—often creating pieces specifically inspired by Alanya’s unique landscape and cultural heritage.
The festival has increasingly emphasised contemporary art forms while maintaining respect for traditional crafts. Interactive installations invite visitor participation, while themed exhibitions address relevant social and environmental topics, adding depth to the festival experience.
Cultural Exchange and Diversity
International Participants
A defining characteristic of the Alanya Festival is its commitment to international participation. Each year, cultural delegations from dozens of countries bring their unique traditions to share with residents and visitors. These participants include professional performers, artisans, culinary experts, and cultural ambassadors who represent their nations through various creative expressions.
The selection of participating countries often reflects Alanya’s significant tourist demographics, with special emphasis on nations that have strong ties to the region. However, festival organisers consistently work to include representatives from diverse geographical regions, ensuring a truly global celebration.
Cross-Cultural Collaborations
Some of the most memorable festival moments emerge from cross-cultural collaborations that the event actively fosters. Joint performances between Turkish musicians and international counterparts create fascinating fusion experiences that transcend linguistic barriers. Workshop sessions where artists from different traditions share techniques and approaches often lead to innovative creative outcomes.
These collaborations extend beyond the festival period, establishing ongoing artistic connections that continue to bear fruit in future creative projects. Many returning participants cite these collaborative opportunities as their primary motivation for participating year after year.
Culinary Arts and Gastronomy
Turkish Cuisine Showcase
No cultural celebration in Turkey would be complete without honouring its renowned culinary traditions. The festival features extensive food-related programming, including market areas where visitors can sample regional specialities from different parts of Turkey. Cooking demonstrations by local chefs highlight distinctive Alanya dishes that reflect the region’s Mediterranean character with influences from Central Anatolia.
Traditional techniques for preparing iconic dishes like kebabs, pide (Turkish flatbread), and various mezes (appetisers) are demonstrated, preserving culinary heritage while introducing these flavours to international visitors. Special emphasis is placed on local produce and seafood that represent Alanya’s agricultural abundance and coastal location.
International Food Pavilions
Complementing the Turkish culinary offerings, international participants operate food pavilions where festival-goers can embark on a global gastronomic journey without leaving Alanya. These pavilions not only serve authentic dishes but also provide context about each cuisine’s cultural significance and history.
Culinary fusion events, where chefs from different traditions collaborate on innovative dishes, demonstrate the creative possibilities that emerge when culinary cultures intersect. These events have become increasingly popular festival highlights that celebrate diversity through the universal language of food.
Festival’s Impact on Local Tourism
Economic Benefits
The Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival generates significant economic benefits for the local community. During the festival period, accommodation facilities report occupancy rates approaching 100%, while restaurants, transportation services, and retail establishments experience substantial increases in business activity.
The festival’s timing, typically in the shoulder season before peak summer tourism, effectively extends the economically productive period for local businesses. Additionally, the event attracts a different demographic of cultural tourists who often have higher spending patterns than conventional beach vacationers.
Vision for Alanya’s Future
Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik has articulated a clear vision for how the festival contributes to Alanya’s development: “Our goal is to elevate Alanya beyond its former glorious days, to make it a more recognised city, and to take serious steps toward becoming a branded city in the next 7-8 years.”
The mayor emphasised the municipality’s commitment to enhancement rather than replacement: “As we said during the election period, we continue to improve everything without destroying anything that exists. We haven’t removed any activities, but we’re making small touches to improve them.” This approach involves increasing organisational quality to transform the festival from an event known only to locals into one with national and international recognition.
The transparent management approach has already begun attracting sponsors. “We no longer have problems with sponsorship because we do business transparently. National and international sponsors have started coming to Alanya,” noted the mayor, adding that these developments would be announced in the coming period.
Cultural Tourism Development
Beyond immediate economic impacts, the festival has played a crucial role in developing Alanya’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination. By showcasing the region’s historical sites and cultural heritage through festival programming, visitors discover aspects of Alanya that might otherwise be overlooked during typical beach holidays.
This diversification of tourism offerings has proven essential for the sustainable development of Alanya’s visitor economy, creating more resilient tourism patterns that can withstand seasonal fluctuations and changing travel preferences. The festival actively promotes exploration of the entire region, encouraging visitors to venture beyond the main tourist zones and discover authentic local experiences.
Practical Information for Festival Visitors
Festival Dates and Venues
The 23rd Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival will take place from May 23-25, 2025. As announced during the press conference held at the historic house in Tophane District, the festival will feature concerts, exhibitions, stands, shows, and various activities throughout its three-day run.
Main performance venues include:
- Concert area behind the Old Municipality Building for headline musical performances
- Alanya Castle (Kale) for cultural performances and exhibitions
- Cleopatra Beach for outdoor events and ceremonies
- Alanya Cultural Centre for exhibitions and indoor performances
- Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) and surroundings for street performances
- Various parks and public squares throughout the city
Most events are accessible by public transportation, with special festival shuttle services typically operating between major venues during the event period.
Festival Refreshments
In keeping with the festival’s celebration of local culture, visitors can enjoy traditional Alanya refreshments like the pistachio lemonade (fıstıklı limonata) that was served at the press conference. This regional speciality is just one example of the local culinary delights that will be available throughout the festival.
Tickets and Accessibility
One of the festival’s most appealing aspects is its accessibility. Many events are free to the public, particularly street performances, exhibitions, and cultural demonstrations in public spaces. Headline concerts and special performances may require tickets, which are reasonably priced and often offer discounts for students, seniors, and families.
Festival organisers prioritise accessibility for visitors with disabilities, with most main venues offering appropriate facilities and assistance. Information points are stationed throughout the festival zones, staffed with multilingual volunteers who help visitors navigate the extensive program.
Sustainability Initiatives
In recent years, the Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival has increasingly emphasised environmental responsibility. Initiatives include waste reduction programs, the use of renewable energy sources for powering stages and venues, and the promotion of sustainable transportation options for festival attendees.
Cultural sustainability is equally prioritised through programs that document and preserve traditional arts at risk of disappearing. The festival provides platforms for intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge, ensuring that heritage skills and traditions continue to thrive alongside contemporary artistic expressions.
Aspects of the Editorial: A Festival That Transcends Boundaries
The Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival stands as a testament to the power of cultural celebration in bringing people together across linguistic, national, and ideological boundaries. For visitors to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, the festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience both the rich traditions of the host country and a world of diverse cultural expressions brought to Alanya’s shores.
As it continues to evolve, the festival remains true to its founding vision: celebrating human creativity and fostering understanding through cultural exchange. Whether you’re a dedicated cultural tourist or a casual visitor to Alanya, the festival provides unforgettable experiences that reveal the depth and diversity of global artistic expression against the backdrop of one of Turkey’s most beautiful coastal destinations.
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Editorial – Visit Alanya
Here are the festival posters.
