Turkey’s Culture Road Festival 2024 was officially launched by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who welcomed artists, guests and media to a grand launch event held at the Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) in Istanbul, where he announced the activities that will take place throughout the year.
Minister Ersoy began by reviewing the history of the festival, emphasizing its evolution from a visionary concept to a cornerstone of Turkey’s cultural landscape. Underlining its importance as one of Turkey’s major cultural initiatives, Minister Ersoy highlighted the festival’s role in connecting the country’s rich cultural heritage with international artistic expression.
Over the past four years, since its inception in Istanbul in 2021, the festival has not only gained acclaim but also gained membership in the European Festivals Association, hosting prestigious cultural events in 16 cities across the country. Ersoy spoke proudly of the overwhelming support and interest it has received from the public, with neighbouring cities keen to participate.
The Minister further outlined the festival’s strategic alignment with national tourism goals, emphasizing its role in promoting cultural diversity, heritage preservation and economic prosperity. By integrating culture and arts initiatives into the tourism sector, Turkey aims to build a sustainable ecosystem where both sectors mutually benefit and contribute to social cohesion.
Big surprise
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is a special exhibition dedicated to Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. To mark the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, the festival will display an incredible collection of more than 80 original works by the master. The exhibition will travel to different cities in Turkey over the course of three months, offering art lovers a unique opportunity to experience Picasso’s genius up close.
Another special guest at the festival will be Sebastião Salgado, the legendary documentary photographer known for his deep respect for nature, whose acclaimed “Genesis Project” will be on display for three months in the spectacular surroundings of Tophane i Amire.
The festival will also showcase a digital installation titled “Holloflux” by Turkish architect and artist Güvenç Özer. Previously exhibited at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California, the innovative piece will provide visitors with a unique artistic experience as well as an architectural journey.
A must-see exhibition at the festival is “Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon,” which explores the artistic legacy of this iconic Mexican painter. Kahlo’s enormous impact on 20th century art will be showcased through a comprehensive collection of her work, which is expected to draw crowds of fans.
In addition, the festival will also feature a digital exhibition, “Anatolian Edition: From Sketches to Pixels,” which aims to nurture young talent in the field of digital art. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism aims to make young digital artists known both at home and abroad and support their creative endeavors.
Additionally, internationally acclaimed digital artist Refik Anadol will debut new and innovative works at the festival, providing visitors with a unique visual experience. Anadol’s work, including “Machine Hallucinations: Coral Dreams” and works specially commissioned for the festival, will be on public display, showcasing the cutting-edge intersection of art and technology.
Finally, festival-goers can look forward to “Ataturk on the Road to Culture,” a digital installation created using artificial intelligence algorithms. This thought-provoking exhibition offers a fascinating opportunity to imagine how Ataturk would have experienced and engaged with the festival if he were alive today, offering a glimpse into the past and future of Turkish culture.
Festival Dates
Held in Adana from 13-21 April, coinciding with the Orange Blossom Carnival, the festival will embark on a journey across Turkey. From Şanlıurfa to Bursa, Samsun to Trabzon, Van to Nevşehir, each city will become a hub of cultural exchange and artistic expression. The festival’s itinerary will stretch to Erzurum, Çanakkale, Gaziantep, Ankara, Konya, Istanbul, Diyarbakir and Izmir before concluding in Antalya, offering a diverse showcase of Turkey’s cultural heritage.
The festival, which promotes international cooperation and diplomatic relations, will feature renowned orchestras such as the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and the Estonian Orchestra and Chorus, as well as performances by Chinese performing artists. Jazz lovers can look forward to a captivating concert by Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti in collaboration with the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
Government agencies are also preparing special events, including the performance of the national opera and ballet based on the famous Anatolian legend “Şahmeran.” In addition, the city’s own artworks inspired by historical, cultural and mythological stories will enrich the festival experience.
Furthermore, the integration of an evening museum experience is expected to further enrich the cultural offer and highlight the fascinating blend of history and art. Following the Festival, cultural activities will continue throughout the year at sites across the country.
