The 3rd International Hadi Poyrazoğlu Puppet and Karagöz Festival is Underway
The 3rd International Hadi Poyrazoğlu Puppet and Karagöz Festival kicked off in Ankara, bringing joy and excitement to children and adults alike. The festival, which started with a captivating show by German puppet artist Thomas Herfort, will run until April 26 in Ankara before moving on to Istanbul and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Puppet artists from Germany, Italy, and Azerbaijan are among the participants in this year’s festival, showcasing their unique talents and creativity with puppet and Karagöz performances. Selim Terzi, General Manager of Living Heritage and Cultural Events, expressed his excitement about the festival’s expansion to foreign countries, stating, “Our festival will now move abroad, with events planned in Azerbaijan. We aim to share this beautiful heritage with different countries in the future.”
The festival offers a diverse program of local and international puppet and Karagöz shows, alongside workshops for enthusiasts of all ages. Project Coordinator Sanem Arıkan highlighted the festival’s rich and dynamic offerings, stating, “Our festival is a vibrant celebration of puppetry, featuring traditional Karagöz and Hacivat performances. Each day brings a new and exciting event for attendees to enjoy.”
During the festival’s opening ceremony, Folklorist and Writer Prof. Dr. Hayrettin İvgin was honored with the “Hadi Poyrazoğlu Honor Award” for his contributions to the field. The festival promises to be a delightful experience for all attendees, as new generations embrace the timeless charm of Karagöz and Hacivat on stage.
Overall, the 3rd Hadi Poyrazoğlu Puppet and Karagöz Festival is a celebration of culture, creativity, and heritage, bringing together artists and audiences from around the world in a shared love for puppetry and performance arts.
News: İrem Yavuz
Camera: Yetkin Torlak
