The third edition of the Van Culture Road Festival opened Saturday in the eastern Turkish city, launching nine days of concerts, exhibitions, workshops and culinary events as part of Türkiye's nationwide Culture Road Festival series.
Running from July 11 to July 19, the festival marks the 10th stop of this year's Türkiye Culture Road Festival, which spans 26 cities across the country and aims to promote local cultural heritage through arts and tourism initiatives. This year's Van edition places a special emphasis on gastronomy, spotlighting the city's culinary traditions through a curated "Flavor Stops" program alongside its arts and cultural offerings.
The opening ceremony at the Van Museum was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan, Van Governor Ozan Balcı, Van Member of Parliament Kayhan Türkmenoğlu, Türkiye Culture Road Festival General Director Selim Terzi and local officials.
An undated aerial view of Van Castle, built by Urartian King Sarduri I between 840 and 825 B.C., Van, Türkiye. (Shutterstock Photo)
Addressing the ceremony, Alpaslan said it was a source of pride to bring the 10th stop of the Türkiye Culture Road Festival to the ancient region of Van, which has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history, from the Urartians and Assyrians to the Medes, Persians, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
