The 10th edition of the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival, organized by Muratpaşa Municipality, successfully brought together art, music, culture, and international cooperation in Antalya’s historic city center. Over four days, the festival welcomed 26 cities from 21 countries, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, city diplomacy, and community engagement.

Opening Gala and Bridging Divides

The festival commenced with a prestigious opening gala at Akra Antalya Hotel, hosted by Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal and his wife, Ümran Uysal. Representatives from cities including Prague 6 (Czech Republic), Sibiu (Romania), and Kamianets-Podilskyi (Ukraine) highlighted the importance of the festival as a space for cross-cultural dialogue, city diplomacy, and fostering friendship.

Mayor Uysal emphasized the festival’s role in addressing global challenges:

“Our world is facing conflicts and rapid change. Cultural heritage teaches us to live fully, thoughtfully, and with rhythm. Through this festival, our cities can contribute to global peace, demonstrating solidarity, respect, and cooperation.”

Cultural Mosaic and Artistic Exchange

The second day transformed Kaleiçi into a living mosaic of cultures. Delegations showcased their heritage, from traditional costumes to artistic performances, in Kaleiçi’s historic streets and squares. Street performances, dance shows, and workshops in painting, sculpture, ceramics, felting, and photography provided both participants and visitors with opportunities to experience diverse cultural expressions in an authentic historical setting.

Enchanting Parade in Historic Streets

The festival’s traditional parade captivated audiences as it wound through Kaleiçi’s narrow streets. Performers, including stilt walkers, fire magicians, and jugglers, accompanied by marching bands in colorful costumes, created a magical carnival atmosphere. The parade concluded with a concert by the band Gripin at Karaalioğlu Park’s Middle Mirador, drawing crowds of enthusiastic young spectators.

Mayor Uysal remarked:

“Cities must live in harmony like water in the same sea. Through festivals like this, we build bridges between cultures and generations.”

• Signing of an International Peace Declaration by participating cities.
• Establishment of sister city cooperation protocols between Muratpaşa Municipality, Kamianets-Podilskyi (Ukraine), and Noto (Italy).

1. Peace between governments
2. Economic peace and fair competition
3. Intercultural respect, empathy, and human rights

Orienteering Adventure and Sports Integration

For the first time, the festival included a public orienteering competition, allowing participants to navigate Kaleiçi’s historic streets using maps and compasses. Forty athletes from Muratpaşa Sports Club and visiting delegations participated, combining sport, exploration, and cultural immersion.

Antalya also hosted the U14 Turkish Orienteering Championship, with awards presented by Governor Hulusi Şahin and Mayor Ümit Uysal at Hadrian’s Gate (Üç Kapılar). Mayor Uysal highlighted the festival’s contribution to making Kaleiçi a hub for both culture and sports.

• Concerts, exhibitions, and street performances
• Cultural workshops and interactive art activities
• International delegations sharing traditions and creating lasting networks

The festival concluded with celebrations emphasizing cultural heritage, city diplomacy, and global friendship, leaving Kaleiçi vibrant year-round as a living monument of history, art, and international cooperation.
Mayor Uysal reflected:
“Kaleiçi is now open 12 months a year, not just as a historic site, but as a living space for friendship, art, and peace. This festival demonstrates the power of cities to unite humanity.”