The Turkic World Gathered at the “Nevruz Toyu” Hosted by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality celebrated Nevruz – the shared holiday of the Turkic World – on 21 March 2026 with a magnificent “Nevruz Toyu” held at the Topkapı Turkic World Cultural Quarter and the Fatih Ali Emiri Efendi Cultural Center.

The event was hosted by Acting Mayor of Istanbul, Mr. Nuri Aslan, and attended by a high-level protocol delegation consisting of Mr. Merey Mukazhan, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States; Mr. Samir Abbasov, Head of the Azerbaijan Culture Center on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ankara; Mr. Nuriddin Amankul, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul; Mr. Çıngız Toktobekov, Consul General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Istanbul; Ms. Zalihe Mendeli, Consul General of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Istanbul; Mr. Sherzod Abdunazarov, Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Istanbul; Mr. Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, Consul General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul; Mr. Alexander Kalachev, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul; Mr. Ayrat Gataullin, Authorized Representative of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation in Türkiye; Mr. Marat Tanzykkuzhin, Representative of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation in Türkiye; Mr. Laszlo Keller, Consul General of Hungary in Istanbul; and Mr. Murshud Mammadov, Consul of Azerbaijan in Istanbul.

Visits to Cultural Houses and Ancient Traditions

The program began with visits by the protocol delegation to the Cultural Houses and yurts located in the Topkapı Turkic World Cultural Quarter. The delegation toured, respectively, the Cultural Houses of Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Bashkortostan, and Tatarstan, as well as the “Yörük Tent,” where a Traditional Turkish Women’s Attire Exhibition was on display. During the visits, consuls general and representatives provided cultural briefings, and guests were offered traditional delicacies. As the final stop in the cultural quarter, the Nevruz Fire—one of the most ancient traditions of the holiday—was ceremonially lit by Acting Mayor of Istanbul Nuri Aslan together with the participating consuls general and representatives. Following the traditional fire-lighting ceremony, Acting Mayor of Istanbul, Mr. Nuri Aslan, and the accompanying delegation took a commemorative family photo in front of the Nevruz fire.

The Spirit of Ergenekon Revived with the Iron Forging Ceremony

Following the visits, the delegation proceeded to the Fatih Ali Emiri Efendi Cultural Center to attend the official ceremony. The program began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a Nevruz prayer.

In his speech, Mr. Nuri Aslan, Acting Mayor of Istanbul, emphasized that Nevruz is a harbinger of spring and a symbol of unity and solidarity. The ceremony then continued with the traditional “Iron Forging Ceremony,” symbolizing the Turks’ emergence from Ergenekon.  Acting Mayor Aslan struck iron on an anvil together with the participating consuls general and representatives, sharing in the spirit and celebration of Nevruz.

Cultural Festivities and Folk Performances

In the later part of the program, folklore groups from participating countries took the stage, presenting traditional dances and musical performances unique to their cultures. The cultural festivities, which began with a performance by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, continued with vibrant shows by groups from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Bashkortostan, and Tatarstan.

The event concluded with all protocol members touring the foyer area, where regional refreshments and products were presented.