Şanlıurfa Opens Culture Route Festival Blending Heritage and Tourism
Türkiye’s Culture Route Festival has opened in Şanlıurfa. The 2026 program positions the southeastern city at the center of a cultural initiative. Therefore, heritage, tourism, and economic strategy combine.
The opening ceremony took place at the Şanlıurfa Museum. This marks the first stop of a festival series. It will expand across 26 cities.
A Festival as Cultural and Economic Strategy
Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Nadir Alpaslan described the initiative as a development model. The festivals aim to increase the brand value of cities. They also make cultural heritage visible and transform culture into economic value.
Alpaslan called Şanlıurfa “the place where the story of humanity began.” Archaeological sites like Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe are central to that narrative. Therefore, the city holds global historical significance.
Tourism Growth and International Visibility
More than 800,000 visitors traveled to Göbeklitepe in 2025 alone. Officials presented this as evidence of growing global interest. The “Taş Tepeler” project continues excavations across 11 sites.
International exhibitions in Rome and Berlin have helped carry Şanlıurfa onto the global stage. Consequently, the city’s accommodation capacity and service quality are improving.
A Multi-Venue Program
The festival runs until May 3. Organizers plan 159 events across 21 venues. These cover exhibitions, workshops, performances, and outdoor activities.
The “Hane” exhibition explores family themes through calligraphy, ceramics, and digital works. “Sacred Relics of the Ottoman” presents Quran manuscripts and textiles. A large-scale exhibition brings together traditional crafts like ceramics, woodwork, and metalwork.
Student artworks inspired by Göbeklitepe and Nevali Çori connect prehistoric discoveries with contemporary expression. Concerts and traditional “sıra geceleri” gatherings form part of the performance program.
Workshops focus on archaeology, literature, and intangible cultural heritage. Traditional practices like “mirra” coffee are included. Outdoor activities include guided walks, cycling tours, and photography events. A dedicated children’s area offers interactive workshops.
Gastronomy Takes Center Stage
Food remains a central component of the festival. The “Lezzet Noktası” (Taste Points) project maps a curated route across 33 selected restaurants. Therefore, visitors can experience Şanlıurfa’s culinary traditions directly.
A board of chefs and gastronomy experts selected the restaurants. Consequently, the initiative integrates cultural heritage, everyday life, and tourism consumption into a single framework. Visitors are not only spectators but participants.
In conclusion, Şanlıurfa sets the tone for the 2026 festival calendar. The Culture Route model will now apply across other cities. Heritage and tourism move forward together.
