38th International Hittite Fair and Festival Kicks Off in Çorum

The 38th International Hittite Fair and Festival began in Çorum with a parade.

Governor Ali Çalgan spoke before the parade passed through Hürriyet Square. Çalgan stated that Çorum is one of Turkey's rising cities, with its deep-rooted history, industry, agriculture, cultural richness, natural beauty, and hardworking people.

Çalgan noted that Çorum has a history of approximately 8,000 years. "Çorum carries a strong civilization heritage extending from the Hittites to the present day. Today, through this festival, we will collectively promote our history, culture, art, gastronomy, handicrafts, and production power. We will bring the past and the future together with the same excitement." he stated.

Governor Çalgan emphasized that the festival is not merely a series of entertainment programs. "This festival is an important organization where friendship, brotherhood, unity, and solidarity are strengthened, cultures meet, and our city's economic and touristic potential is promoted. I believe that the cultural events, exhibitions, talks, sports activities, and various organizations to be held during the festival will provide unforgettable moments for our city, our fellow citizens, and our esteemed guests who come to our province for the festival." he said.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı also described Çorum as "the Hittite civilization brought to the present day." Yazgı used the expressions: "There are many ancient cities in Anatolia. There are many civilizations, but Çorum is a city that shaped history. When the Kadesh Peace Treaty was signed in 1259 BC, this ancient city was still the center of the world. The most important events in the world at that time were also held here."

Yazgı stated that being from Çorum is a privilege and added the following:

"We tried to define this city as the city of love, peace, and tranquility. We tried to define it as the 'capital of culture'. Our guests who come here are always highly cherished. Just now, while walking on the street with our mayor, we saw friends from many parts of the world, many of whom are perhaps our fellow citizens, and friends from Istanbul; we greeted them and chatted. Çorum is truly an ancient city worth seeing. These kinds of festivals actually serve this purpose. When people talk about festivals, the conversation usually revolves around only concerts and music, but this festival is not like that. This festival is also a fair. This festival is also about gastronomy. This festival is also about handicrafts. This festival is also about folk dances. Whatever Anatolia is, it is present in every way within this festival."

Çorum Mayor Halil İbrahim Aşgın stated that the Hittite Fair and Festival was paused for a while due to the Kovid-19 pandemic and the February 6 earthquakes.

Aşgın stated that a total of 11 folk dance teams, 5 of which are from abroad, have arrived in the city for the festival. He announced that artists such as Musa Eroğlu, Sefo, Buray, and Soner Sarıkabadayı will give concerts during the festival.

Aşgın stated that many events will be organized within the scope of the festival, such as chickpea production, cooking competitions, classic car exhibitions, an international painters' gathering, and horse races. He noted that this year's festival is the most comprehensive Hittite Fair and Festival to date.

Kahramanmaraş Afşin Mayor Koray Kıraç, TRNC Beyarmudu Mayor Bülent Bebek, Sinop Ayancık Mayor Hasan Kara, and ÇESOB President Recep Gür also wished the festival success in their speeches.

Following the speeches, the teams participating in the festival paraded through the ceremony area.

Citizens also accompanied the parade, which featured Mehter (Ottoman military band) and folk dance performances.

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