Location: Patriarchal Great School of the Nation – Istanbul, Turkey
Date: May 15 – 18, 2026
(Option for an additional day’s stay, May 14 – 18, 2026)
Organizers:
- Patriarchal Great School of the Nation
- Open Ways Events & Travel – FolkWay Festivals
Introduction
The Istanbul, a city where East and West have met for centuries, is one of the most significant cultural hubs in world history. With its richness, architecture, and unique cultural heritage, it remains to this day a living symbol of dialogue, education, and culture.
In this unique environment, the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation stands prominently, a historic educational institution that for more than five centuries has served knowledge, education, and the values of culture.
The hosting of an International Tradition – Culture Festival in the χpremises of the School (or alternatively in other halls) is a rare opportunity for cultural encounter and artistic exchange among groups and artists from different countries, highlighting the importance of cooperation, creativity, and mutual understanding through art and tradition.
The Organization
The festival is organized with special respect for the historical journey and the long educational tradition of the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation, one of the most significant and oldest educational institutions in Istanbul.
The aim is to highlight the School’s role as a bearer of Education, Culture, and Intercultural Dialogue and, through a rich and high-quality program with the participation of artistic groups from Turkey, Greece, the Greek Diaspora, and Europe, to create an event that will become an annual cultural institution of high prestige and international scope.
The program will include traditional dance groups, choirs (traditional & Byzantine), musical ensembles, as well as other parallel educational / cultural activities.