The vibrant city of Mardin in southeastern Türkiye is currently hosting an exciting cultural celebration, the Culture Route Festival, which kicked off on October 17 and will run until October 25, 2026. This event promises visitors a rich tapestry of entertainment and cultural experiences, showcasing the region’s heritage and artistic expressions.
A Diverse Array of Events
The Culture and Tourism Ministry has organized a remarkable lineup of 172 events across nine venues throughout Mardin. Attendees can enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, workshops, and culinary showcases, all designed to highlight the region’s unique culture. This year marks Mardin’s second time hosting the festival, which is a key stop in the ministry’s annual program that now spans 26 cities in Türkiye. Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Gokhan Yazgi noted that the festival began in a single city in 2021 and has since expanded significantly.
The opening ceremony took place at the Sakip Sabanci Mardin City Museum, located in the Artuklu district. Following the inauguration, officials toured various exhibits, including the “Living Heritage: Mardin” exhibition, which serves to preserve and showcase local traditions and crafts.
Engaging Programs for All Ages
The festival’s schedule is packed with engaging activities. Exhibits on Ottoman sacred items and traditional handicrafts complement Living Heritage Workshops that teach attendees about age-old artistic practices. For younger participants, a Children’s Village has been set up, offering imaginative arts and crafts activities. Additional events aimed at youth are being held at significant local venues, including parks and museums.
Music lovers will delight in the array of free concerts at the Artuklu Fairground, featuring popular Turkish artists such as Demet Akalin and Ceza. Performances will also take place in various outdoor settings, including historic inns and public squares, along with film screenings and discussions, ensuring a culturally rich experience for all attendees.
Culinary Highlights of Mardin
A major focus of the festival is Mardin’s exquisite cuisine. Renowned dishes like kaburga dolmasi, a stuffed lamb rib delicacy, and sembusek, a savory pastry, highlight the region’s culinary treasures. As part of the Tastestops initiative, more than 30 restaurants are showcasing Mardin’s local gastronomy. In an exciting twist, Michelin-starred chefs will host sessions that delve into Mardin’s rich culinary heritage, guided by entrepreneur Gamze Cizreli.
Tourism Boom in Mardin
Mardin’s tourism scene has thrived in recent years, with Governor Tuncay Akkoyun revealing that the city welcomed more than 3 million visitors in 2025—a remarkable 29% increase compared to the previous year. By September 2026, foreign visitors had surged by an impressive 41%. Known for its stunning stone architecture, as well as its mosques, churches, and monasteries that represent a mix of cultures, Mardin is on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage status.
Local lawmaker Faruk Kilic emphasized that Mardin’s allure lies in its unique blend of languages, faiths, and cultures. He believes that the festival will put Mardin on the global map, attracting even more visitors in the future. Both Yazgi and Akkoyun have linked the growth in tourism to regional stability, calling attention to the government’s ongoing “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative. The festival not only benefits local businesses but also provides free access to various cultural activities, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a rich experience without a financial barrier.