Kyrgyz Turks Celebrate "Culture Festival" in Van

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) held the "We Keep Our Ancient Culture Alive and Ashyk Game Tournament" organized by Kyrgyz Turks Cultural and Fraternal Association and Youth Council Platform in Van's Erciş district.

Kyrgyz Turks continued to keep their centuries-old traditions alive in Van as well and held a very colorful "culture festival" in the village square.

Kyrgyz Turks continued to keep their centuries-old customs and traditions alive in Turkey as well and held a very colorful "culture festival" in the village square. The festival which began with the Turkish national anthem included kupkari (goat pulling) games, folk dances, an ashyk tossing tournament, and a crafts exhibition. The newly married bride was brought to the groom's house on horseback, in accordance with traditions and customs. Those who went to the festival rejoiced at songs played by local instruments.

Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez, Justice and Development Party's Deputy of Van Abdulahat Arvas, District Governor of Erciş Nuri Mehmetbeyoğlu, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Hüseyin Bekmez, and Provincial Police Chief Atanur Aydın attended the program. A large number of citizens went to see the festival.

Governor and Deputy Mayor Mehmet Emin Bilmez spoke at the festival and said that the people of Ulupamir were on the way towards building a new future with the locals.

On the other hand, Justice and Development Party's Deputy of Van Abdulahat Arvas stated that Turkey was home to various nations that live together in unity.

Vocal artists and bağlama players from the State Conservatory of Kyrgyzstan performed at the festival. Artists sang songs accompanied by komuz. Those who succeeded at the competitions were given their awards by Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez. Kyrgyz Turks clothed Governor of Van and Deputy Mayor Mehmet Emin Bilmez, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Hüseyin Bekmez, District Governor and Mayor of Erciş Nuri Mehmetbeyoğlu, Provincial Police Chief Atanur Aydın, and protocol participants with chapan and kalpak. The festival ended with the presentation of plaques.