Newsletters
A sports festival was held at the ancient city of Aizanoi in Kutahya's Cavdarhisar district to help young people build up an awareness of sports while drawing attention to one of Türkiye's major historical sites.
The "Aizanoi Sports Festival" was organized under the leadership of the Cavdarhisar District Governor's Office and carried out by the District Directorate of Youth and Sports.
The event took place at Aizanoi, which is home to what officials describe as Anatolia's best-preserved Temple of Zeus and is often referred to as the "Second Ephesus."
With the support of the Kutahya Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, special sports courses were set up for students inside the festival area.
Young participants tried out different sports branches and also took part in traditional games, bringing together physical activity and cultural heritage in the same setting.
Cavdarhisar District Governor Murat Ak said the festival aimed not only to strengthen sports awareness among young people but also to encourage them to look after history and protect cultural heritage.
He noted that the festival was being held for the second time, but this was the first edition staged at Aizanoi Ancient City. Ak said the event sought to contribute to the development of young people who are "smart, agile and moral," while also helping them take ownership of the past.
Kutahya Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Bulent Kucuk said the festival was part of the wider "Sports Everywhere" project, which aims to bring people of all ages together with sports.
Kucuk said the project had reached 20,000 people across the city center and districts, allowing them to take part in sports and develop more active and healthy lifestyles.
Cavdarhisar District Sports Director Ahmet Olcen said the festival was organized under the motto "History and sports together, experience sports branches," adding that they were pleased to bring hundreds of students together with sports.
Alongside the activities, students also sent messages of support to Türkiye's national football team, which will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
