Bornova Folk Dance Festival kicks off with great enthusiasm, featuring four countries

The 4th Bornova Folk Dance Festival, organized by the Bornova Municipality under this year’s theme of “Halay,” began with vibrant celebrations. Taking place from May 29 to June 1, the festival brings together folk dance troupes from Georgia, Russia, Poland, and Bulgaria, as well as local associations from İzmir and Bornova. In total, 30 groups and 758 dancers representing nine different regions are filling Bornova with rhythm, culture, and dance.

On the first day of the festival, cultural booths by local associations were set up at Bornova Büyükpark Square. Performances by international dance groups received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Bornova Deputy Mayor Cem Arıkan presented traditional gifts to the visiting group leaders.

That evening at the Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theater, a special “Sıra Gecesi” concert was held by the Bornova Municipality Civil Society Campus Choir and Women’s Choir, conducted by Selda Kesgi Dinç, blending the joyful spirit of halay with music.

Panel Discussion Explores the Social and Cultural Dimensions of Halay

Prior to the concert, a panel titled “Folk Dance Festivals: Halay through Social and Cultural Dimensions” examined the historical, societal, and artistic aspects of halay.

Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bora Okdan, the event featured Lecturer Dr. Serdar Kastelli, Retired Lecturer Şahin Ünal, and SÜMHOTER President Necati İlter as speakers. Discussions emphasized halay as a symbol of unity, resistance, and solidarity in Anatolian culture, and highlighted folk dance as not only an art form but also a preserver of social memory.

Festival Spirit Spreads Across the City: From Büyükpark to Aşık Veysel

On the second day of the festival, a parade with a marching band will take place from Büyükpark to Küçükpark. That evening, folk dance performances will continue at Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theater.

On Saturday, the festivities will move to Çamdibi Atatürk Park, and on Sunday, the festival will culminate in a grand gala night at the Aşık Veysel Recreation Area Open-Air Theater, featuring a special performance by the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Folk Dance Ensemble.

Academic and Artistic Support Behind the Festival

The festival's academic and artistic coordination was managed by a dedicated and skilled team. The Artistic Director was Tansu Akarsu, assisted by Lecturer M. Aykut Mis. The Project Consultant was Prof. Dr. Mehmet Öcal Özbilgin. Choreographies were created by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bora Okdan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Yamaner Okdan, Dr. Didem Özdemir Mis, Aylin Erdoğan Dede, Hande Soysal, Abdulselam Yatar, and Eser Ergu.

The music arrangements were led by Lecturer Dr. Tarkan Erkan, while Lecturer Dr. Serdar Kastelli served as Music Director. Makeup design was by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Füsun Aşkar, and costume design by Lecturer Merih Oldaç.

Mayor Eşki: “We build a language of peace and brotherhood through halay”

Speaking about the event, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said:

“With the fourth edition of the Bornova International Folk Dance Festival, we are uniting cultures and building a language of brotherhood through halay. I thank all the dancers, artists, and guests who brought the unifying power of dance to the streets of Bornova. Our city will always remain a place of culture, art, and peace.”