The 9th Kaleiçi Old Town Festival, organized by the Muratpaşa Municipality of Antalya in the historic city center, began with a gala dinner attended by representatives from 23 cities in 18 countries. Hosted by Mayor Ümit Uysal and his wife, Ümran Uysal, the event was also graced by Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin and Muratpaşa District Governor İhsan Kara. In his speech, Mayor Uysal emphasized that the festival aims to highlight cultural heritage, preserve it, and ensure it continues to inspire. He also stressed the importance of history in guiding humanity’s future, ensuring past mistakes are not repeated.

The municipal delegations from 18 countries and 23 cities attending the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival visited the festival's host, Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal, and Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin. After a meeting at the Governor's office, the delegations presented gifts from their countries. Following the visit, they gathered for a photo in front of a friendship board created for the festival in Cumhuriyet Square.

Later, the delegations visited Mayor Uysal at the Muratpaşa Municipality. In his speech, Uysal shared that about 130 cities have participated in the festival so far, with ongoing relationships with around 400 cities. He expressed hope for future collaborations in areas such as climate change, emphasizing that all efforts should benefit humanity.



The traditional parade of the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival brought vibrant colors to the streets of the ancient city. The festival band’s lively music echoed throughout Kaleiçi, with stilt walkers and fire performers captivating the crowd. This colorful section of the festival, blending with the city’s historic landmarks, offered visitors a visual feast. During the procession, costumed characters depicting historical figures, traditional dances, and music performances by local artists took place. Fire and stilt performances enhanced the festival's mystical atmosphere. The parade ended at Cumhuriyet Square, following a route through the majestic Hadrian's Gate and Atatürk Street.

Concerts and Performances

Concerts held at Cumhuriyet Square featured both local and international artists. The festival spirit moved from the streets of Kaleiçi to Cumhuriyet Square with performances by Madrigal and Feridun Düzağaç. In his speech, Mayor Ümit Uysal highlighted, "This geography is a land of peace, brotherhood, and solidarity," adding that Türkiye embodies these values. He continued, "We love our Türkiye, our Antalya, and we cherish living freely, looking to the future with confidence, and desiring a developed and prosperous nation united with the world." After his speech, cities from the festival greeted the citizens with flags from their respective countries and Türkiye.

Migration and Intercultural Integration Forum

The "Migration and Intercultural Integration Forum," part of the festival, focused on how cultural interaction and integration can be strengthened. Representatives from 23 cities in 18 countries discussed strategies for immigrants to live harmoniously with local communities. Topics like social cohesion, education, cultural diversity, and mutual understanding were central. Mayor Uysal mentioned the global migration movement and emphasized the importance of tolerance and integration for cities to thrive. He stressed that integration should occur through culture, art, and peace, with positive emotions guiding the process.

At the end of the forum, delegations participating in the festival signed a declaration committing to collaborate with cities, institutions, and international organizations to develop sustainable strategies for migration management and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Additionally, a sister city agreement was signed between Muratpaşa Municipality and Sibiu Municipality of Romania.

Opening of the Czech-Turkish Cooperation Park

Muratpaşa Municipality opened the Czech-Turkish Cooperation Park in Fener Neighborhood as a symbol of its partnership with the Prague 6 Municipality of the Czech Republic. The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Prague 6 and several local officials. Mayor Ümit Uysal emphasized the long-standing cooperation with Prague 6 on the preservation of cultural heritage and expressed a desire to develop new projects, particularly in areas like high technology, software, electronics, and the entrepreneurial climate. He also mentioned plans to propose new initiatives in these fields.