8th Ethnosport Festival opens at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport

The 8th Ethnosport Culture Festival has officially opened its doors to visitors at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, running from May 21 to 24. The four-day event, organised by the World Ethnosport Confederation, began with a student performance accompanied by a traditional Gulbank ceremony in front of the Han Tent, followed by a Mehter band performance from the Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble.

Celebrating traditional culture

World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan welcomed participants, stating that visitors would collectively experience the richness of traditional culture throughout the festival. He highlighted activities including wrestling competitions, equestrian sports, and workshops designed to engage children and families with traditional arts and heritage. “Over these four days, we will once again experience the richness of our culture together. With our children and elders, we will breathe in the spirit and atmosphere of tradition as families,” Erdoğan said.

International participation and opening

Erdoğan noted that the festival would host guest artists, athletes, and cultural figures from around the world. He emphasised that children attending would experience how valuable and meaningful cultural richness truly is. Following his speeches, Erdoğan officially opened the festival by cutting a ribbon together with children. The Ethnosport Festival has grown into a major cultural event, reflecting Türkiye’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional sports and heritage amid rapid modernisation.