Türkiye’s rich artistic legacy meets contemporary expression once again as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism launches the ninth leg of its nationally celebrated Kültür Yolu Festivali (Culture Route Festival) in the historic city of Erzurum. As one of the ancient stops along the Silk Road, Erzurum is poised to welcome visitors for an extraordinary celebration of art, history, and collective memory from August 16 to 24, 2025.
According to Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, “The Kültür Yolu Festivali is not just a celebration of art. It transforms cities into crossroads of shared memory, deep-rooted values, and cultural heritage that we carry into the future. Erzurum, with its timeless texture and cultural depth, reflects this spirit like no other.”
This year, the festival spans 20 different cities, each acting as a living canvas for Türkiye’s artistic and cultural expression. Erzurum, often regarded as the gateway to the East, now steps into the spotlight with exhibitions, performances, workshops, and dialogues that breathe life into its centuries-old legacy.
Permanent Exhibitions in Historic Venues Open Their Doors to the Public
Throughout the nine-day festival, Erzurum’s iconic historical landmarks will serve as immersive settings for permanent exhibitions curated around diverse themes. At the Yakutiye Medrese Turkish Islamic Art and Ethnography Museum, visitors will embark on a symbolic journey titled Skies, Migrations, and Roots. Meanwhile, the Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Cultural Center will host two powerful exhibitions: Women Heroes, shedding light on inspirational female figures, and Mysterious Anatolia, unveiling the ancient secrets of the region.
In front of the historic Erzurum Castle, the From the Skies: Türkiye exhibit transforms open space into a visual symphony of Türkiye’s landscapes and cultural diversity, inviting passersby to pause and engage with the country from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Living Histories Inside Erzurum Museum
At the Erzurum Museum, each exhibition is a chapter in a broader story. The Princes and Sultans Toy Collection introduces visitors to the playtime world of Ottoman royalty, while the Anatolian Tale Road Storytelling Exhibit revives Türkiye’s oral storytelling traditions in a whimsical yet educational format.
The Painting and Sculpture Museum showcases Layers of Time and Flowers of Sorrow, bridging classical and modern artistic disciplines. One of the most unique installations, A New Universe from Karaz to Eternity, captures the essence of the ancient Karaz culture through modern techniques, pairing traditional themes with interactive and augmented reality experiences.
Special showcases such as Karaz’s Rams – Ceramic Printing Exhibition and Koşay Excavations Photography Gallery pay homage to archaeologist Hamit Zübeyir Koşay, blending science, storytelling, and multimedia presentation into a compelling narrative.
Artisanship Meets Miniature Elegance at the Çifte Minareli Medrese
The architectural masterpiece Çifte Minareli Medrese becomes a sanctuary for Türkiye’s miniature art and fine craftsmanship. Featured here are Living Heritage: From Craft to Art – Prayer Beads, Miniatures of Türkiye, and Digital Animated Miniature Art, alongside the screening of the Türkiye’s Masters documentary.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the Expression of Feelings exhibit, a delicate fusion of historical depth and artistic sophistication conveyed through the miniature medium.
Craftsmanship from Central Asia to Anatolia on Full Display
Traditional Turkish design takes center stage at the Olgunlaşma Institute, where exhibitions such as Traces of Çarpana from Central Asia to Anatolia and One Twist, Thousand Stories: The Twisted Bracelet showcase the intricacy of traditional jewelry making.
Meanwhile, the İsmail Saib Sencer Public Library hosts the Illumination Art (Tezhip) exhibit, offering insights into the meditative elegance of manuscript decoration. At the Atatürk University Rectorate Art Gallery, Kaftans III reveals a dialogue between modern visual language and time-honored textile motifs.
Interactive Workshops and Public Talks Add Dynamic Flavor
Far beyond exhibitions, the festival is a space for hands-on experiences. Attendees can participate in traditional arts workshops, including:
Ebru (water marbling)
Calligraphy (hat)
Pottery and ceramics
Hand weaving
Prayer bead carving
Public discussions and talks delve into Erzurum’s historical, literary, and artistic legacy, inviting academics, artists, and the local community to reflect on what makes the city a cultural cornerstone.
Erzurum Reimagined Through Culture
The Kültür Yolu Festivali brings Erzurum to life — not just as a place of historical significance, but as an evolving cultural laboratory. Through storytelling, craft, visual arts, and interactive design, the festival offers visitors a chance to:
Reconnect with their roots
Celebrate Türkiye’s rich mosaic of identities
Discover the living dialogue between ancient heritage and modern creativity
In doing so, Erzurum becomes more than a host city; it becomes a stage for collective expression and a mirror reflecting the soul of Anatolia.
Why Erzurum? A City of Layers and Legacy
From its Seljuk-era monuments to its Ottoman-era palaces and mosques, Erzurum stands as a palimpsest of civilizations. Its location as a former Silk Road hub — linking East and West — makes it an ideal setting for a festival that seeks to bridge tradition and innovation.
The festival taps into this geography and spirit by using sites like:
Erzurum Castle
Yakutiye Medrese
Çifte Minareli Medrese
Olgunlaşma Institute
University art galleries
Each space is reimagined not merely as a venue but as an artistic ecosystem, filled with stories, textures, and voices.
Invitation to a Cultural Journey
The Kültür Yolu Festivali in Erzurum is more than a program — it is a multi-sensory journey through the heart of Türkiye’s identity. Whether you are an artist, historian, academic, or simply a curious traveler, August 16–24 presents a rare opportunity to engage with living heritage in one of Türkiye’s most majestic cities.
From the quiet hum of a calligraphy brush to the vibrant visuals of contemporary installations, Erzurum promises a festival where every corner echoes with meaning.
