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The Türkiye Culture Route Festival, a nationwide celebration of art, culture, and gastronomy organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, began its Van leg on Saturday with more than 300 events scheduled over the next nine days. This year’s edition features a special highlight: an exhibition of works by world-renowned artist Pablo Picasso.
Returning to Van for a second time, the festival launched with an opening ceremony at the Van Museum, attended by Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Serdar Cam, Festival Director Selim Terzi, local officials, and hundreds of art enthusiasts..
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Cam emphasized the growing impact of the festival beyond cultural expression.
“People are attending these festivals not only from all over Türkiye, but also from abroad,” he said. “The Culture Route Festival has become a driving force for tourism and local economies, helping cities achieve brand recognition. Van already has that identity, which is why the festival fits the city so well.”
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Cam also encouraged neighboring provinces to engage in the festival’s cultural exchange. “Van’s deep historical roots and central role in the region make it a perfect setting,” he said.
“I invite everyone—from Hakkari to Agri, from Siirt to Bitlis and Sirnak—to take part in this cultural celebration. The strongest unity is built through art, music, and literature," he added.
After the ceremony, Cam and Director Terzi toured several exhibitions at the Van Museum. Notable displays included Mysterious Anatolia by Resul Celik, Van Keepsake by Ismail Erdogan, and Light Rises from the East, each showcasing the region’s artistic and historical richness.
Other highlights included Princes and Sultans, a nostalgic toy exhibition by Zafer Karaokay; Birds and Things; Personal Ceramics; Traditional Handicrafts of Van; and From Urartu to Today: Women, all curated by the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage and Museums.
Interactive digital installations, miniature art displays, and the photo series Türkiye from the Sky by Rıza Bey drew praise from visitors, offering a bird’s-eye view of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
A standout moment was Ziya Kadan’s Adil-i Mutlak exhibition at the historic Husrevpasa Mosque Complex. The event blended contemporary art with the architectural heritage of the mosque, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
Later in the day, the Tariria Culture, Art and Gastronomy Center opened a rare exhibition titled "Creation Is Everything" by Pablo Picasso, adding a global element to the festival’s program.
Running from July 12 to 20, the Van Culture Route Festival will feature more than 300 events, including concerts, workshops, performances, and exhibitions. Organizers say the festival aims to inspire both residents and visitors, reinforcing Van’s role as a cultural hub in eastern Türkiye.
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