Kaleiçi Old Town Festival Turns 10

The historic city center of Antalya, Kaleiçi, which blends the traces of the past with the rhythm of today, opens its doors to the cities of the world for the 10th time. Organized by Muratpaşa Municipality, the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival will take place between October 9–12.

With its narrow streets, mansions, and windows hidden behind bougainvillea, Kaleiçi is Antalya’s historic district that awakens visitors’ sense of discovery, allows them to trace the footsteps of human history through diverse routes, and brings together unique examples of world cuisine.

As a living ancient city, Kaleiçi received the “Golden Apple” tourism award—known as the “Tourism Oscar of the World”—from the International Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers (FIJET) in 1984. However, due to changing global tourism trends and decreasing interest, its vitality gradually faded over the years. At such a time, Muratpaşa Municipality launched an initiative centered around Kaleiçi in 2014, aiming to develop a form of tourism that spreads across the city and is driven by the desire to discover new places, cultures, and people.

In 2015, Mayor Ümit Uysal initiated the festival to share Kaleiçi’s story—which stretches back to the 4th century BC—with the world. With the goal of establishing lasting relationships among living historic cities, the festival soon evolved into a global gathering. Today, it has transformed into a cultural network spanning three continents.

Every year, with its colorful parade, festival band, and fairy-tale characters, the festival enlivens the streets of Kaleiçi and fills every corner of the district with literature, painting, theater, dance, and music. From the Historical Fish Market Square to Hıdırlık Tower, from Hadrian’s Gate to the Marina, the living ancient city becomes a vibrant open-air art gallery hosting workshops, talks, and performances.