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The Pavli Fair, once a modest gathering in the heart of Thrace, has grown into Türkiye’s longest-running fair and Thrace’s last surviving folk festival. For more than a century, it has brought together farmers, traders, musicians and families, turning Pehlivankoy into a vibrant crossroads of culture and tradition every September.
Its roots stretch back to 1910, when Abdulhamid II issued a decree to establish the fair—planting the seed for a celebration that still thrives today.
In its early years, villagers would adorn their livestock and lead them through the streets, creating a colorful procession of lambs and cattle that captivated the crowds. Although these parades have mostly disappeared over time, the fair continues to embody the spirit of togetherness and tradition.
This year, the fair runs from Sept. 11 to 14, drawing thousands to Pehlivankoy for four days of festivity along the scenic Ergene River plain. It officially commenced with solemn observance of the national anthem at Zubeyde Hanım Square, followed by spirited performances by marching bands, mehter units, folk dance troupes, and a folk group from Bulgaria.
This year’s fair offers a vibrant marketplace with hundreds of stalls, showcasing everything from regional delicacies and textiles to handmade crafts and souvenirs. A bustling lunapark adds excitement, energized by the Roman community, whose music and dance keep the festive spirit alive late into the night.
Many locals, meanwhile, continue the tradition of camping in tractor-trailers parked near the fairgrounds, turning the event into a temporary village filled with camaraderie and shared celebration.
Governor Ugur Turan described the Pavli Fair as “a magnificent legacy,” stressing the importance of safeguarding this cultural treasure that has been handed down for generations and, as he put it, “sealed with the sultan’s besmele.”
Member of Parliament Ahmet Gokhan Saricam underlined that the event is eagerly awaited by locals each year, serving both as a social gathering point and as an opportunity for residents to sell the produce and goods they have worked on throughout the season.
Pehlivankoy Mayor Gunduz Hosgor, echoing calls to preserve the fair’s historic role, said that under the motto “From Tradition to Future,” the Pavli Fair continues to bring joy to visitors while keeping its original spirit alive.
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