HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL-BÜYÜKÇEKMECE CULTURE AND ART FESTIVAL

We began organizing the festival in 2000. In 2003, we became a member of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals, affiliated with UNESCO. Our festival was the first festival in Turkey to be a member of CIOFF and still is the only festival in the A Category. It was chosen “World’s Best Festival” 4 times by CIOFF in the last 23 years. Our festival was a founder of the Federation of International Dance Festivals (FIDAF), and was chosen “World’s Best Festival” 3 times. In 2018, it was awarded the “Best Municipal Festival” award by ACE of M.I.C.E.

Our Festival’s Awards

2010- Istanbul – European Capital of Culture – International Istanbul-Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival
2010- UNESCO Associate CIOFF A Category – World’s Best Festival Award
2012- UNESCO Associate CIOFF A Category – World’s Best Festival Award
2014- UNESCO Associate CIOFF A Category – World’s Best Festival Award
2015- Shining Star Awards Entertainment Award – Industry’s Stars Category – Best Festival Award
2016- UNESCO Associate CIOFF A Category – World’s Best Festival Award
2016- FIDAF Federation of International Dance Festivals – World’s Best Festival Award
2017- FIDAF Federation of International Dance Festivals – World’s Best Festival Award
2018- ACE of M.I.C.E Awards – Turkey’s Best Festival Award
2018- FIDAF Federation of International Dance Festivals – World’s Best Festival Award
2021- FIAP International Federation of Photographic Art – Sustained International Photography Contest Award
2021- CIOFF International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals – Festival Sustainability Award
2021- FIDAF Federation of International Dance Festivals – Festival Honor Award
2021- Museum of World Costumes – International Municipal Museums Association

The International Istanbul-Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival carries the goals of introducing the folkloric values of all the world’s cultures and people to Büyükçekmece and Istanbul, while also introducing our city and municipality to the world. In doing so, contributing to world peace is one of our most important goals.

To this day, there have been over 25.000 envoys of art and culture from over 130 countries that have attended our festival.

Main Activities Of Our Festival

International Goldenbridge Folk Dance Contest

International Goldenbridge Contemporary Dance Contest

International Handicrafts – Workshop Celebration

International Sculpture Symposium

International Photography Contest

International Puppet Exhibit

International Children’s Handicrafts Workshop

Special Festival Exhibitions

Concerts