The 6th annual Cultural Fusion Event, hosted by İskele Municipality, has kicked off with the inspiring slogan: “Let our passion be your passion, make İskele your destination on October 6th.”
The event boasts nearly 150 stands showcasing cultures from the TRNC, Turkey, and various other countries. A Children’s Street will be open throughout the day, offering entertainment for younger visitors. Local artists will perform concerts, while folk and modern dance groups will add cultural flair. The grand finale will feature singer Derya Uluğ, who takes the stage at 21:30 in İskele Ecevit Square.
The 6th Cultural Fusion Event kicked off with a procession to the Atatürk Monument in İskele Ecevit Square, according to the municipality. The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu delivered the opening speech at the event. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, along with President Ersin Tatar, also addressed the attendees.
At the opening ceremony, various cultural groups showcased their traditional dances. The İskele Municipality Folk Dance Ensemble performed alongside the TUFAD group from Sırttaki, Azerbaijan Cultural Association, Roman Dance Group from Akdoğan Youth Center, and representatives from the Filipino and Iranian communities. Following the speeches and dance performances in front of the Atatürk Monument, the ceremony concluded. As a symbolic gesture, İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu and other officials lit an incense burner at the entrance of İskele Market Center, which was set to burn throughout the day’s festivities.
Sadıkoğlu: “İskele is a city where diverse cultures coexist harmoniously”
The event, hosted by İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu, attracted a diverse array of dignitaries and citizens. President Ersin Tatar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, and Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu were among the high-profile attendees. Local officials, including İskele District Governor Ertuğrul Toroslu, Mesarya Mayor Ahmet Latif, and Çatalköy-Esentepe Mayor Ceyhun Kırok, also graced the occasion. Ahmet Kaya, Mayor of Trabzon Ortahisar—one of İskele Municipality’s sister cities—joined the gathering, further emphasizing the event’s importance. Representatives from various institutions, organizations, associations, and NGOs rounded out the guest list, alongside İskele residents and numerous other attendees, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere.
İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu opened the 6th Cultural Fusion Event with a heartfelt speech. He warmly welcomed the audience, saying, “From our İskele—a city where beautiful people and diverse cultures harmoniously coexist—I greet you all with my deepest sentiments.” Sadıkoğlu expressed both the joy of presenting this event to the public and the pride of uniting various cultures. He emphasized that the Cultural Fusion Event, the result of months of meticulous preparation aimed at surpassing previous years, demonstrates their commitment to making each iteration more captivating and distinctive than the last.
Mayor Sadıkoğlu emphasized that the Cypriot people are part of a beautiful nation renowned for its spirit of sharing. He attributed this beauty to their inclusive approach towards all people, regardless of language, religion, race, or color. Highlighting İskele’s diverse cultural makeup, Sadıkoğlu explained that at the Cultural Fusion Event, representatives from various nations would welcome guests at stands showcasing their unique heritage. He stressed that İskele Municipality, conscious of its core responsibilities, extends its social and cultural services beyond mere formalities through numerous annual events. Sadıkoğlu noted that the Cultural Fusion Event, now in its 6th year, exemplifies this commitment. The Mayor concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, with special recognition for his dedicated staff.
Ataoğlu
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu hailed the Cultural Fusion Event as a truly exceptional occasion in his speech, commending İskele Municipality for its organization. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu and all contributors, acknowledging the event as the fruit of extensive preparation. Ataoğlu underscored his ministry’s unwavering support for such initiatives, which he deems crucial for preserving cultural heritage and forging connections between past, present, and future generations. He emphasized the vital role of events like this in keeping diverse cultures vibrant and alive.
Tatar: “This event showcases the TRNC on a global stage”
At the 6th Cultural Fusion Event, President Ersin Tatar expressed both surprise and delight upon learning that stands had been set up by people from 21 different countries. He emphasized that this event, organized by İskele, is helping the TRNC gain international recognition on a global scale.
President Ersin Tatar congratulated İskele Mayor Hasan Sadıkoğlu and declared, “Those who believe they can force us to submit through the Greek Cypriot side’s recent oppressive attitudes are gravely mistaken.” The President asserted, “The Turkish Cypriot people are civilized and share their culture and values.” He emphasized that since 1974, despite past hardships, they have continued to contribute positively to humanity in a peaceful environment.
The event will feature nearly 150 stands, a children’s street, concerts, and dances
Throughout the event, medical support will be provided by an ambulance and team from Cyprus Central Hospital/Mağusa Medical Center LTD, alongside the İskele Municipality Health Unit. Public safety is ensured by the İskele Police Department and İskele Municipality Law Enforcement Unit. The İskele Municipality Environmental and Health Inspection Department is also present to protect public health.
The municipality’s statement said:
“Centered in İskele City Center, with some streets closed to traffic, the event showcases local culture alongside promotional stands from Turkish immigrants who now call Cyprus home. İskele Municipality’s sister cities—Trabzon Ortahisar, Mersin Yenişehir, and Finike—are represented, as well as a diverse array of nations including Azerbaijan, Philippines, Turkmenistan, and Uyghur Turks. The international lineup further extends to India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Jordan, Libya, United Kingdom, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Sudan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Throughout the day-long festival, adults can leisurely explore the stands, while children enjoy a dedicated play area. This ‘Play Street,’ located in the İskele Municipality parking lot, is supervised by instructors from İskele Municipality’s Yuvam Anakucağı (My Home Nursery).”
The Play Street will be open from 12:00 to 19:00, offering face painting, an array of bouncy castles, and various game activities. A special children’s entertainment hour is also scheduled from 17:00 to 19:00.
Local artists will enliven the event with concerts featuring Grup Deniz Feneri, Halil Sahkın & SOS, Murat Çığ and His Orchestra, and Yahya Erenköylü and His Orchestra. Folk and modern dance performances will add vibrant cultural flair. The grand finale of the 6th Cultural Fusion Event showcases Derya Uluğ. Making her public concert debut in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uluğ will captivate the audience with her hit songs at İskele Ecevit Square at 21:30. All events and concerts are free to attend.
