Winter Hobby Courses to be held at 13 different centers will bring new life to the city’s cultural and artistic scene

Mayor Eşki: “No one in Bornova will be left without access to art”

Bornova Municipality is launching its traditional Winter Hobby Courses, which bring thousands of Bornova residents together with art, music, dance and handicrafts every year. Applications will be accepted between September 15 and 22, 2026, with 13 different centers across the city opening their doors to residents. Offering a wide range of free courses, from music and folk dances to strategy games and handicrafts, the program will allow Bornova residents to spend the winter months both productively and enjoyably.

Registration begins on September 15

Registration for the courses organized by the Bornova Municipality Directorate of Cultural Affairs will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Residents will be able to easily submit their applications online via kurs.bornova.bel.tr.

The courses will be offered free of charge at 13 different facilities across Bornova, including the Hobby and Skill Development Course Center (next to Peterson Mansion), Çamdibi Şehit Er Adem Bilaloğlu Social Facilities and Altındağ Atatürk Cultural Center.

Mayor Eşki: “We are bringing art to every street in Bornova”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that winter hobby courses play an important role in the city’s social and cultural development. Mayor Eşki said:

“Bornova has always been a city of culture, thanks to its history and the values it has nurtured. Our goal is to build on this cultural heritage and make art and sports accessible to everyone by bringing them to every street and every neighborhood in Bornova. This year, instead of concentrating our winter hobby courses in a single center, we are spreading them across 13 different locations, from Evka 3 and Naldöken to Pınarbaşı, bringing these services closer to our residents.

We have opened dozens of different branches, ranging from strategy games that support the mental development of our children to instrumental music classes that soothe the soul; from folk dances that keep our traditions alive to handicrafts and home textiles that can help women contribute to their household economies. We want no one in Bornova to be left without access to art or without the opportunity to add a new color to their life. I invite all our residents to become part of this beautiful journey.”

Dozens of branches for every age and every interest

The course program stands out with its rich content and includes branches designed to appeal to people of all age groups. Highlights from the courses offered at different centers include:

Music Education: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Bağlama, Bendir, Kanun, Electric Guitar, Rhythm/Percussion Instruments, Instrument Making.

Choir Programs: Children’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Turkish Folk Music (THM), Turkish Classical Music (TSM).

Performing Arts and Dance: Ballet, Modern Dance, Folk Dances, Roman Dance, Latin Dance, Sirtaki, Zumba.

Visual Arts and Handicrafts: Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Handicrafts, Home Textiles.

Intelligence and Strategy Games: Chess, Strategy Games.

Residents can find information about which courses will be offered at each center, along with detailed contact numbers, on the official Bornova Municipality website.