Spectacular hıdırellez festival in Ilıca celebrated with Great Enthusiasm

The festival drew notable figures from the region, including Turkish Consul General in Komotini Aykut Ünal and his wife İlayda Ünal, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Consultative Committee and Mufti of Xanthi Mustafa Trampa, Xanthi MP Hüseyin Zeybek, Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt, President of the Association of Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Hüseyin Baltacı, Vice President of the FEP Party Bahri Belço, regional council members İbrahim Amuçka, Salih Yörük, and Fatih İsmailko, as well as other local leaders.

The celebration began with a performance by the İTB Folk Dance and Music Ensembles, followed by young participants reciting Hıdırellez rhymes. The event was hosted by İpek Salihoğlu.

In his opening speech, İTB President Kerem Abdurahimoğlu welcomed all participants and extended his holiday greetings. He emphasized that this was the new administration’s first major activity and described Hıdırellez as a meaningful celebration that reflects the Turkic peoples’ bond with nature from Central Asia to the Balkans. He made a pointed appeal regarding the European Court of Human Rights' ruling on İTB, which has gone unimplemented for 17 years:

“This decision has remained in winter for 17 years. Let 2025 be the year we bring spring to it. Restore our association’s legal status, and let us all celebrate spring together. Let this be the year of the Turkish Union of Xanthi.”

He also thanked the Mustafçova Municipality for its support.

In his remarks, Mayor Ahmet Kurt described Hıdırellez as a nature festival celebrated across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkans, especially within the Turkish world. He added:

“According to one belief, it marks the meeting of the prophets Hızır and Ilyas. It symbolizes brotherhood and abundance. We hope this festival brings meaning to our lives. I encourage our youth to celebrate it with enthusiasm, our songs, and a spirit of unity and richness.”

Mufti Mustafa Trampa underlined Hıdırellez as a cultural event that reveres nature:

“Hıdırellez means nature, vitality, life. As a society, we must protect nature, plant more trees, and use water responsibly. Hıdırellez teaches us all of this. Preserving these blessings is in our hands. I wish you all a joyful Hıdırellez.”

The festival continued with music and dance performances. Students from İTB’s Music Course, led by teachers Süleyman and Merve Kara, performed traditional songs. The folk dance groups trained by Tülin Hacıhalil and Gökhan Mustafa delivered lively shows that were warmly received.

As part of the celebration, İTB distributed traditional Hıdırellez gölle (a festive dish) to attendees.