Love to Each Other, Peace for All!
This year, as we celebrate the 27th edition of the International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Arts Festival, we proudly mark its 27th anniversary with the message "Love to Each Other, Peace for All!",rising from Büyükçekmece to the whole world. For more than a quarter of a century, we have had the excitement of bringing together different cultures from all corners of the world under one roof, opening the door to new friendships, sharing love, and blending culture with the arts. The vision expressed by the Founder of our Republic, the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, "Happiness for humanity will be possible only through people coming closer to one another, sharing their concerns, loving one another, and engaging in cultural exchange through their common lofty ideas and sentiments.",has been an unwavering guide for every step of our festival. Drawing strength from the spirit of world brotherhood, we continue to preserve and carry this rich heritage into the future on the international stage by blending it with our culture, our arts, and our local values.
This major organization, brought to life in 2000 through the vision and determination of the Mayor of Büyükçekmece, Dr. Hasan Akgün, has continued uninterrupted for 27 years as the only festival in the World Festivals Association A Category, and remains one of Türkiye's most prestigious international culture and arts events, building bridges of friendship between cultures. Being honored 12 times with the “World's Best Festival” award by the UNESCO-affiliated international organizations CIOFF and FIDAF is one of the most significant international recognitions of this remarkable journey.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this great success, especially the esteemed Mayor of Büyükçekmece, Dr. Hasan Akgün; to our distinguished artists from different countries who have shared their cultures with us; to the public institutions and organizations, local government representatives, headmen (mukhtars), and non-governmental organizations that have contributed to the development of our festival; to CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts), FIDAF (International Dance Festivals Federation), FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art), and ANELSANDER (Association for the Preservation and Development of Anatolian Handicrafts), which have added international value to our vision; to our jury members who have carried out their duties with great care; to our young volunteers who have worked with dedication in the field; and to our valued citizens who have supported us every year with great interest and enthusiasm.
This year, for the 27th time, we are honored and delighted to welcome our guests from all around the world to Büyükçekmece through the universal language of art.
Stay with art, stay with love.
With Love and Respect,