Festivals, from contemporary music events to centuries-old wrestling matches, have a great influence on Turkish culture. If you’re looking for a culturally immersive Turkish excursion, you could schedule your vacation around one of these well-liked occasions.

You can travel on Turkish Airlineflights, as the airline is keen on enhancing its worldwide service levels. It also offers you fares similar to those of several low-cost airlines. Turkish Airlines’ main hub is located in Istanbul, Turkey, and it provides connections to over 275 locations globally.

The Ramadan

Your preference will determine whether or not you travel during Ramadan. If you enjoy learning and experiencing the local way of life, travelling this holy month can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The nights are filled with vibrant celebrations and, of course, eating, while the days are devoted to quiet meditation and fasting! In addition, there are typically fewer visitors around, making it easy to interact with locals and avoid lines at major sights.

2. Anzac Campaign Anniversary

Many hundreds of tourists visit the Gallipoli peninsula each year in remembrance of the many Australians, New Zealanders, and Turkish soldiers who died during the bloody Gallipoli campaign of World War I. Anzac Day in April is a touching ceremony held before dawn that is becoming more and more popular every year. If you hope to attend, make plans in advance since lodging and tourist activities tend to fill up quickly.

3. Efes Pilsen One Love Festival

Rock, pop, folk, and electronica musicians are featured on the varied roster of this yearly two-day music festival in Istanbul. Come dance in the sun and experience summertime sensations with throngs of partygoers.

4. Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championship

Do you wish to watch wrestlers grapple and be drenched in olive oil? Then you should attend this festival! One of the oldest sporting events that is still being held around the globe is the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championship. This multi-day event, which takes place in late June, is a fantastic chance to witness Turkey’s national sport being honoured with fervour and grandeur. In addition to tough wrestling matches, traditional Romani music, belly dancers, and mouth-watering Turkish cuisine will keep you engaged.

5. Istanbul Tulip Festival

The annual tulip festival disproves your theory that Istanbul could grow any more gorgeous. The Turks brought the tulip to Europe in the sixteenth century, and it became an emblem of grandeur in the Ottoman Empire. Since 2015, the city’s streets and parks have seen millions of tulips planted annually by the municipal government. Late March sees the flowers bloom, resulting in a stunning display of colour that lasts for around a month. The greatest locations to promenade and see the floral power are Sultanahmet Square, Gülhane Park, and Emirgan Park.

6. Hidirellez

Early May is when people celebrate Hidirellez, a celebration that marks the beginning of spring and sows the seeds of optimism for bountiful crops. The celebration spans thousands of years of history, and although its spirit is shared across the nation, local customs vary greatly from area to region. You may anticipate seeing the hair-raising fire-jumping ceremony, hearing toe-tapping traditional tunes, and watching dancers spin about in ornate costumes. Hidirellez’s traditional fare consists of lamb dishes and seasonal vegetables.

7. Cappadocia Balloon Festival

Europe’s most magical place, Cappadocia, has subterranean cities, cliff-carved cathedrals, and a landscape filled with towering fairy chimneys. Ürgüp holds an annual balloon festival, which enhances the enchantment by showcasing dozens of hot air balloons in all forms, sizes, and hues scattered throughout the heavens. It’s an amazing sight. On the ground, there are also lots of other activities to take part in, such as DJ sets, entertainment, and concerts.

8. Mesir Paste Festival

The centuries-old Mesir Paste Festival is held in the spring to celebrate the healing of Hafsa Sultan, Selim I’s wife, who was supposedly healed of an illness with mesir paste. Forty-one herbs and spices, including dried orange blossom, cardamom, anise, and black cumin, are used to make this medicinally delicious paste. Three tonnes of mesir paste are split among the masses gathered underneath the Sultan Mosque and packed in little paper envelopes. It is said that catching one will grant your wishes and bring prosperity. Traditional theatre and music are also included during the event.

Take Turkish Airline and indulge in mouth-watering appetisers, freshly prepared meals, and revitalising drinks while you cruise to your destination. On your screen, you may take in a variety of global films, short activities, TV shows, sports, documentaries, radio shows, games, audiobooks, and music.