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Diyarbakir, known for its layered history and diverse heritage, has become the 17th stop on the Türkiye Culture Route Festivals—a nationwide series organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The event, now in its fourth year in Diyarbakir, transforms the city into a vibrant center of music, exhibitions, theater, film screenings, gastronomy gatherings and children’s workshops spread across 51 venues.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi said that what began five years ago as a single-city initiative has now expanded into a massive cultural movement covering 20 cities across Türkiye’s seven regions.
He emphasized that the festival has evolved into “a bridge of culture and art connecting people, cities, and generations,” strengthening unity while revitalizing domestic tourism and highlighting Diyarbakir’s historical and cultural identity.
This year’s edition once again features tributes to the Palestinian struggle through the “I Will Not Collapse” exhibition and the theater play We Must Talk About Palestine, reflecting what Yazgi described as “the conscience of art and the shared values of humanity.”
He added that Türkiye continues to stand for hope and peace in a world marked by conflict, climate crises, and displacement, and that the festival’s message of cultural solidarity aligns with the vision of the “Century of Türkiye.”
Diyarbakir Governor Murat Zorluoglu noted that the city, once associated with unrest, now draws attention for its achievements in culture, art, and sports.
“Today, Diyarbakir is no longer remembered for conflict or sensational events but for investment, cultural vitality, and creativity,” he said, highlighting the role of such festivals in making the city more attractive and livable for both residents and visitors.
Mehmet Mehdi Eker, head of the Agricultural Strategy and Policy Development Center, described the festival as a celebration of Diyarbakir’s human and cultural wealth, adding that it helps showcase the city’s artistic energy and deep-rooted heritage drawn from numerous civilizations.
Throughout the festival’s second day, visitors filled the courtyards and halls of Diyarbakir’s historical sites.
The 1,800-year-old Saint George Church hosted Pablo Picasso: Creation Is Everything, while the Inner Castle Museum Complex exhibited From Horseshoe to Hope, an art project combining recycling and social benefit.
The Ziya Gokalp Manuscript Library presented Verses of Peace, and the Cahit Sitki Taranci House Museum featured Jewelry from Diyarbakir’s Shining Traditions.
Locals and visitors alike expressed excitement at seeing global and local art converge in such meaningful spaces.
“Seeing Picasso’s works in Diyarbakir is an incredible feeling,” said Berna Benar, a visitor from Istanbul, who described the festival as “a beautiful meeting of heritage and creativity.”
Visitors from across Türkiye, including cities such as Eskisehir and Edirne, said they were impressed by the city’s lively atmosphere and the humanitarian spirit of the events.
Many praised the charitable aspect of From Horseshoe to Hope, where proceeds from the artworks are donated to the Child Protection Agency.
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