Manavgat, with its historical and natural beauties, continues to draw attention with its rich cultural heritage and cuisine. The International Manavgat Crete to Side Culture and Flavour Festival, held this year, made a significant contribution to the region’s gastronomic tourism and offered participants an unforgettable experience. The festival, held in the Side Ancient City, was hosted in a venue that combined both its historical texture and the impressive atmosphere it offered.

Crete and Turkish Music: A Concert Blended with Friendship

One of the festival’s highlights was the concert by the famous artist Sofia Vossou at the Temple of Apollo. Vossou, who represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest and has received the “Platinum Record” award, blended Crete and Turkish music in her performance, presenting a unique musical feast for the audience. In particular, Vossou surprised her fans by singing the song “Seni Seviyorum” in Turkish, a piece well-known to Turkish music lovers. She also performed the song “I Anixi” (Spring), which became a classic among Eurovision songs and earned her a major plaque, sharing an emotional moment with the audience. Every note of the song carried a sense of both the past and the future’s musical fusion.

Necati and Saykolar: Musical Energy and Fun

Another major highlight of the concert was the performance of Necati and Saykolar Group, who blended Anadolu rock tunes with modern sounds. On the stage of the Temple of Apollo, the group presented not only music but also a visual show to the audience. Their stage performances, supported by improvised lines and theatrical elements, created an interactive atmosphere. Along with unforgettable songs by Barış Manço, Cem Karaca, and Selda Bağcan, the group’s own compositions such as “Bey Diyeceksiniz,” “Leyla,” and “Fırtına” were among the tracks that the audience passionately joined in on. Necati and Saykolar received widespread acclaim not only for their music but also for their energetic and creative performances on stage. Manavgat Mayor Dr. Niyazi Nefi Kara, along with his wife Hacer Ceyhan Kara, joined the stage and got caught up in the rhythm of the musical atmosphere, adding joy to the event with their mutual dances.

Crete Cuisine: A Delicious Discovery with Sideli Women

Another significant aspect of the festival was the culinary event where gastronomy and cultural heritage met. The “Crete Cuisine Interpretation with Sideli Women” tasting event, held at the Side Ancient Harbour, showcased the richness of Crete cuisine with contributions from both local and international chefs. World-renowned chefs Maria Ekmekçioğlu, Ioannis Koufos, and Rasim Sakarya prepared traditional Crete dishes, especially focusing on local herbs and regional recipes, and presented them to the food enthusiasts. Unique flavors such as “Lor Tatlısı,” “Pitaraça,” and “Kuzu Etli Şevketi Bostan,” prepared with the help of Sideli women, highlighted how special and distinctive Crete cuisine truly is. Additionally, the dance performances by the Crete Folk Dance Ensemble and the Manavgat Municipality Folk Dance Ensemble added vibrancy to the festival, blending perfectly with this culinary exploration.

Manavgat and Crete: Historical and Cultural Ties

One of the most captivating events of the festival was the “Manavgat and Crete” panel held at the Temple of Apollo. This discussion aimed to deeply explore the historical and cultural connections between Manavgat and Crete. The event, which brought together Cretans from various districts of Kuşadası, Hatay, İzmir, Mersin, Adana, Silifke, and Antalya, was moderated by Cem Çon, President of the Antalya Cretans Association and a journalist. Among the speakers were Yunus Çengel, President of the Cretans Federation, writer and folk culture researcher Öznur Tanal, and retired Cretan Mehmet Çoban, who lives in Side.

Mehmet Çoban shared insights into the living conditions of ancient Side, the settlement of Cretans in the region, and the challenges they faced in the past. He emphasized how Cretans sustained themselves through agriculture and handicrafts, growing up in solidarity. Yunus Çengel highlighted the great significance of Antalya and Side in preserving Cretan culture, mentioning their goal of establishing a center to preserve the language, folk songs, and dance elements that are at risk of being forgotten. He also noted the importance of festivals like the one in Side for bringing families together. Öznur Tanal shared the findings of her research on the Cretans of Side and emphasized how Cretan culture promotes a healthy lifestyle while acknowledging the impact of migration traumas on successive generations. She especially noted how festivals like the one in Side support Cretans in their search for roots.

Festival Results and Participants’ Comments

At the end of the festival, Manavgat Mayor Dr. Niyazi Nefi Kara expressed his gratitude by presenting plaques and flowers to Sofia Vossou and Necati and Saykolar. The festival provided an unforgettable cultural experience for both the people of Manavgat and the visitors. This special event, filled with music and flavors, strengthened cultural ties and also contributed to the increase of tourism in the region. Participants shared their satisfaction, emphasizing that the festival was not just a music and food event but also an experience deeply intertwined with history and culture.

With this festival that brought together the cultures of Manavgat, Crete, and Turkey, the town both embraced its historical and cultural heritage and enhanced its tourism appeal. The event served as a model for future festivals and played an important role as a platform that strengthened the bond between Manavgat and Crete.