17.05.2025 13:00
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, spoke at the opening of the Turkey Culture Road Festival held in Manisa. Minister Ersoy stated that the festival has become the most comprehensive festival in the world. He expressed that this year the festival is taking place in 7 regions and 20 cities, featuring 520 events over 9 days and cultural gatherings at 33 locations. He emphasized that the festival has transformed into a brand value that is free from elitist understanding, appealing to all segments of society, and bringing culture and art together with the public.
The ancient city of Manisa, which carries the traces of Ottoman princes to the present day, is hosting the Turkey Culture Road Festival for the first time this year.
Speaking at the opening of the Manisa Culture Road Festival, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy recalled that the chain of festivals began in 2021 in Istanbul Beyoğlu, stating, "We made a promise that day. We said that this first step we took in Beyoğlu to protect, revive, support, promote, and sustain our country's history, culture, and art would reach every region of our country."
Noting that five years have passed since the promise was made, Minister Ersoy said, "Thank God, the Turkey Culture Road Festival has become the world's most comprehensive festival, serving its purposes year by year, where our culture and history are revived, art and artists are supported, and millions of our citizens come together in unity and solidarity around these great values."
He emphasized that the festival has transformed into a brand value that is distant from elitist understanding, appealing to every segment of society, and bringing culture and art together with the public.
520 Events in 9 Days, Cultural Meetings at 33 Locations
Stating that the festival is taking place this year in 7 regions and 20 cities, Minister Ersoy mentioned that Manisa has also joined the festival cities this year.
Ersoy said, "As part of our festival, which starts today and will last for 9 days, we will host you at 520 events to be held at 33 locations," sharing the scope of the program.
Minister Ersoy stated that a multifaceted content has been planned for the festival, ranging from concerts to theater, exhibitions to workshops, covering every area of traditional and digital art, saying, "You will take your place in this festival as a part, not just a visitor."
Noting that it is not possible to share the entirety of such a comprehensive series of events in the meeting, Minister Ersoy announced that Murat Boz, Bayhan, Ferhat Göçer, Ebru Yaşar, Uğur Işılak, Kıraç, Merve Özbey, Fatma Turgut, and Gökhan Türkmen will perform during the festival.
Ersoy conveyed that the State Opera and Ballet and the State Theaters will open their curtains for art lovers in Manisa, stating that the enthusiasm of May 19 Youth and Sports Day will also be part of the festival.
We Welcome Children to Our Events
Minister Ersoy stated that thematic exhibitions such as "Traveler Anatolian Civilizations," "Journey to the Roots," "Traces of Lydia," and "Living Heritage Woodworks" will be featured at the festival, and that art workshops and workshops for sculpture, painting, marbling, and ceramics will also be organized.
Minister Ersoy said, "I especially ask our families to bring their children to these events," adding that the intellectual dimension of the festival will also be highlighted through conferences, discussions, and workshops.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized that gastronomic events will also be included with 11 tasting stops showcasing Manisa's cuisine, stating that the festival will provide both social and economic gains.
New Manisa Museum Opens Its Doors
Minister Ersoy noted that the opening of the New Manisa Museum was also held as part of the festival, stating, "This contemporary complex, which we built as a worthy work for Manisa, has an indoor area of 8,245 square meters," sharing the physical features of the museum. Minister Ersoy also mentioned that the museum is a living space that facilitates learning through interactive presentations.
Ersoy stated, "Museums are not a structure or an institution to just look at and pass by. They are living spaces where we can learn by seeing, experiencing, and interacting with culture and history, especially requiring time to be spent." He expressed that the New Manisa Museum was designed with this understanding.
Ersoy stated that the museum currently exhibits more than 1,700 artifacts, indicating that this art venue hosts a variety of material groups.
Record Transition from the Culture Road
Referring to the point the festival has reached from the past to the present, Minister Ersoy said, "In 2021, we held over 380 events with the participation of more than 2,000 artists in 80 different venues in Beyoğlu."
Ersoy stated that this year, starting from Adana and continuing with Manisa, more than 6,800 events will be held in over 1,000 venues in 20 cities, where approximately 45,000 artists will meet the public.
Minister Ersoy said, "Under the leadership of our esteemed President, we have always crowned our words with concrete services and works, and our goals and objectives with record-breaking figures," emphasizing that they continuously raise the bar for services and works.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy stated, "We will continue on our path for better and more in every field."
Library and Museum Opening on the First Day of the Festival
Minister Ersoy noted that the opening of the Manisa Provincial Public Library will also take place as part of the festival, inviting all citizens to the festival, museums, and libraries, saying, "Everything is being done for you."
We are waiting for you to have a good time by having fun, learning, and experiencing.
Concluding his speech by commemorating Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and the martyrs and veterans, Ersoy stated, "I congratulate you in advance on the 19 Mayıs Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day."
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy also inaugurated the Manisa Museum after the press conference.
Afterward, Minister Ersoy visited the events that will meet art lovers on the festival route.