Işın Karaca Steals the Spotlight at the Festival Finale
During the grand finale of the 25th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival’s folk concerts, one of Turkey’s powerful voices, Işın Karaca, performed on stage.
As part of the festival, the annual Lifetime Honor Award in Culture and Art was presented to the legendary figure of Turkish cinema, Ahmet Mekin, while the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the prominent Turkish theater actress Göksel Kortay.
Named “The World’s Best Culture and Arts Festival” Nine Times
The 25th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Arts Festival, which is taking place from July 24 to August 3 with participation from 1200 cultural and artistic ambassadors from 75 countries, continues to host a variety of international events. These include the International Sculpture Symposium, the International Güler Ertan Photography Competition, the International Altınköprü Folk Dance Competition, the International Handicrafts Workshop, the International Children’s Handicrafts Workshop, and the International Puppet Workshop. The festival has been named “The World’s Best Culture and Arts Festival” by international ranking organizations nine times in a row.
Karaca Performs Duet with her Close Friend Suat Suna
At the folk concert finale, Işın Karaca delivered an unforgettable night for thousands of fans filling the Kemal Sunal Amphitheater. The artist sang beloved songs with her fans and added a touch of humor to the evening with her jokes. A surprise duet with her close friend Suat Suna delighted the audience. When the amphitheater reached full capacity, thousands of fans watched Işın Karaca on giant screens set up in Kültürpark. Seeing the crowd outside on the LED screens, Karaca joined her fans in the park to sing together. The concert continued into the late hours, bringing the festival’s excitement to its peak.
Awards for Ahmet Mekin and Göksel Kortay
During the festival, the Lifetime Honor Award in Culture and Arts was given to Turkish cinema legend Ahmet Mekin, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to iconic Turkish theater actor Göksel Kortay. Ahmet Mekin attended the award ceremony with his actor grandson, Mekin Sezer, while Göksel Kortay’s award was received by actress Sevinç Erbulak.
“Turkey will raise more leaders like Mustafa Kemal”
In his acceptance speech, Ahmet Mekin, reflecting on his age of 93, expressed hope for the future: “Beautiful days are coming for all of you. May you all see brighter days. May you see a more beautiful Turkey. Let’s live these together. This Turkey has raised one Mustafa Kemal, but it will raise more Mustafa Kemals. Many more will emerge, leading us forward. I believe in this. I believe in all of you. I believe in the Turkish people. Thank you all very much.”
Göksel Kortay thanked the festival organizers via phone. The awards were presented by Büyükçekmece Mayor Dr. Hasan Akgün and Büyükçekmece Municipality Coordinator H. Gürhan Ozanoğlu.
