Every encounter that brings tradition and the present together on the same line leaves a lasting mark on young people’s journey of identity. With this understanding, the 7th Ethnosport Culture Festival, held from May 22–25, 2025, at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, provided a powerful platform to reconnect today’s youth with the heritage of the past. Throughout the festival, our tent transformed into a living cultural space—where traditional arts came to life through hands-on creation over the course of four days.
26 May 2025
We Embroidered Time with Art
Held under the theme “The Trace of Tradition, the Revival of Culture”, the festival’s traditional arts workshops—ranging from bow-making and felt craftsmanship to stained-glass decoration and watercolor—drew significant interest. Young participants had the chance to experience these age-old crafts hands-on, guided by master artisans. Each work created became a cultural narrative, crafted with patience, care, and heart. Every pattern echoed a voice from the past, and every color reflected the visible commitment of our young women to this heritage.
Meeting in the Same Rhythm, Across Languages
Our tent became a gathering place not only for local visitors but also for young people from Kazakhstan and Palestine. The first encounters formed around the workshop tables soon turned into vibrant cross-cultural exchanges. Young people speaking different languages shared the excitement of connecting with the same values, showing once again that our shared memory resonates far beyond geographical borders.
Where the Heart Speaks, Art Begins
Our Chair of the Board, Attorney Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz, visited the tent during the festival, engaging closely with the young participants. She carefully examined the works produced, witnessing firsthand the sense of belonging and responsibility art inspires in youth. The contributions of participants from different countries particularly demonstrated how cultural bonds speak a truly universal language, making the emotional connection young people form with the past all the more visible.
Building Loyalty Step by Step
The visit of our Foundation Council Member, Mr. Bilal Erdoğan, to the festival grounds served as a clear indication of the importance placed on cultural heritage. Our Board Members, Fatih Sadullah Selman and Ömer Faruk Yeşilyurt, also joined the event, meeting with young people and actively contributing to the work carried out. These visits were not mere protocol stops, but rather reflections of value-based education in action and of our commitment to cultural continuity.
One Motif, a Thousand Memories
Every motif created in the workshops during the festival was more than just a piece of art—it was a carrier of shared meanings embedded in our collective memory. Each piece shaped by the hands of young participants became a tangible testament to their connection with cultural heritage and their determination to carry it into the future. Every encounter reflected the trust placed in youth and the steadfast commitment to passing values from one generation to the next.
