Türkiye expands “Family Year” initiatives through Culture Route Festivals
Events blend heritage, social programs, and family-focused activities across provinces
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — The Turkish government is expanding its nationwide “Family Year” initiative with a series of Culture Route Festivals, aimed at strengthening family bonds and promoting cultural heritage through educational and social programs.
The effort follows President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Family,” underscoring the state’s commitment to protecting family values and raising awareness of the institution’s central role in society.
Organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the festivals bring cultural and recreational activities directly to citizens, reported Daily Sabah.
So far, events have been staged in eight provinces, combining traditional heritage with the Ministry of Family and Social Services’ programs for children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Families attending the festivals were introduced to foster family initiatives, support services, and awareness programs on safe internet use.
Special sessions on “Family and the Internet” and digital detox camps have attracted strong interest, highlighting the need for balanced engagement with digital platforms.
Interactive elements remain central to the festival experience. Performances by Janissary bands added historical and cultural depth to the gatherings.
Visitors have taken part in traditional arts workshops such as marbling, ceramics, pottery, and woodworking, alongside children’s activity areas, open-air film screenings, book readings, museum tours, and sporting events.
Looking ahead, the government plans to extend the program to 12 more provinces in the second half of 2025. Erzurum, in eastern Türkiye, will continue hosting events in August before the program moves on to Çanakkale, Kayseri, and Gaziantep.
In September, Ankara and Konya will follow, with Istanbul, Malatya, Diyarbakır, and Mardin scheduled for the autumn. Izmir and Antalya will host the final activities toward the year’s end.
Officials said the integration of cultural heritage with family-centered activities is designed not only to encourage quality time among relatives but also to strengthen social cohesion.
By the close of 2025, the ministry expects the festivals to leave a lasting impact on family awareness and contribute to the country’s broader socio-cultural development.
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