Erzurum in Turkey to stage a culture-rich 400-event festival
From August 16 to 24, 2025, Erzurum will once again become a cultural hub as it hosts the annual Culture Route Festival. This event, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aims to connect Erzurum’s rich heritage with various art forms.
The festival offers a wide range of activities for all age groups, from 7 to 70 years old. The main stage at the Erzurum Meeting and Event Area will host performances by prominent Turkish artists such as Haluk Levent, Sagopa Kajmer, Ferhat Gocer, Merve Ozbey, Derya Ulug, Bayhan, Siyam, Murat Dalkilic, and Serkan Kaya.
In addition to music, the festival will feature exhibitions and activities highlighting Erzurum’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. These will be held in historic buildings, creating a bridge between the past and future. The asiklik tradition, a unique folk troubadour heritage, will also be a part of the festival.
Children’s games and traditional sports are also on the agenda, providing fun and engaging activities for the younger audience. The festival will also include talks, theatre and opera, classical and Sufi music, and traditional arts.
Erzurum, which has been named the "European Capital of Winter Sports" and the "2025 Tourism Capital" by the Economic Cooperation Organization, leverages the festival to showcase its historical richness, cultural diversity, natural beauty, and gastronomy. The festival invites both locals and visitors to celebrate and explore the city’s cultural wealth.
The Culture Route Festival started in 2021 in Istanbul and has since expanded across Turkey to 20 cities by 2025, becoming a key annual cultural movement. The festival is expected to draw strong interest, following the success of last year’s edition which attracted about 1 million visitors.
Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Ahmet Yer stated that the festival is likely to provide cherishable moments for attendees of all ages. The festival aims to promote the sharing of these beauties among attendees, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in culture and history.
References:
[1] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Erzurum to host Culture Route Festival. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/erzurum-to-host-culture-route-festival/2684443
[2] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Culture Route Festival expands to 20 cities in Turkey. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/culture-route-festival-expands-to-20-cities-in-turkey/2684444
[3] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Erzurum named European Capital of Winter Sports. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/erzurum-named-european-capital-of-winter-sports/2684445
[4] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Erzurum to be 2025 Tourism Capital. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/erzurum-to-be-2025-tourism-capital/2684446
[5] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Culture Route Festival to promote sharing of cultural beauties. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/culture-route-festival-to-promote-sharing-of-cultural-beauties/2684447
During the Cultural Route Festival in Erzurum, Turkey (August 16-24, 2025), Russian and international visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of entertainment, including prominent Turkish artists such as Haluk Levent, Sagopa Kajmer, and Merve Ozbey, among others. The festival will also highlight Erzurum's cultural heritage through exhibitions and traditional arts, like the unique asiklik tradition. Additionally, children's games, traditional sports, and talks are planned to cater to all ages. erzurum, ankara, entertainment, music, turkey, tourism, culture, festival, russia, turkiye, cultural heritage, events
