Held in Antalya’s historic city center, where one side opens to the endless blue of the Mediterranean and the other stretches into history with its mansions, bougainvillea-covered streets, and lively squares, the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival officially kicked off with great enthusiasm. The gala dinner, hosted by Mayor Ümit Uysal and his wife Ümran Uysal, brought together numerous guests, including international delegations and cultural representatives.
In his speech, Mayor Ümit Uysal emphasized that the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival is not only a cultural event but also a diplomatic platform that brings together different cultures and seeks solutions to common global challenges. He continued:
“We are living in a world where wars prevail and a brutal political environment dominates. Everything happens and is consumed very quickly.
Cultural heritage shows us that life can be experienced more slowly, deeply, and meaningfully — with rhythm and emotion.
This feeling is what our world needs. It means peace, it means beauty.
During these three days, all participating cities bring together not only themselves but also the people they represent.
Representatives from various cities of the world meet here through this festival.
The cultural heritage, the soul, and even the future of our cities meet here.
And future generations should also meet here.”
Jakub Starek, Mayor of Prague 6 (Czech Republic), described the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival as an event of great importance in terms of city diplomacy. He said:
“For us, one of the biggest challenges today is the growing polarization in the world and in politics.
This festival is a great example showing the way forward for friendship and collaboration.”
Astrid Fodor, Mayor of Sibiu (Romania), also highlighted how the festival strengthens bonds between cities, saying:
“This is a wonderful festival with wonderful people.
Through this event, you are building a network that connects cities all around the world — and that is incredibly important.
By coming here from different places, we learn so much about Turkey, the Turkish people, their culture, history, and cuisine — and we become friends.”
Mykhailo Positko, Mayor of Kamianets-Podilskiy (Ukraine), underlined the festival’s significance in fostering cultural unity, saying:
“By participating in this festival, we have the opportunity to discover different cultures, connect through various projects, and share cultural experiences.
This is both very important and very beneficial for us.
I am confident that such gatherings, joint activities, and communication will contribute to the continued growth and strengthening of this festival.”
Sergey Anastasov, Mayor of Comrat (Moldova), added:
“Festivals like this are necessary for every country.
It’s not just about history — it’s about language, music, dance, and culture.
Through these festivals, we learn about and understand one another.”
At the end of the gala, Mayor Uysal presented plaques to the visiting mayors, representatives, and delegations participating in the festival.
Meanwhile, on the second day of the festival — which runs until October 12 — international city delegations visited Mayor Ümit Uysal at the Muratpaşa Municipality. The guests were welcomed in the municipality’s cultural hall, where mutual gifts were exchanged as a gesture of friendship and cooperation
