2nd International Cultural Festival of the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation

Patriarchal Great School of the Nation – Istanbul, Turkey

7 - 10

May 2027

2027

Turkey

Istanbul

7 - 10

May 2027

2027

Turkey

Istanbul

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Dates: May 7 – 10, 2027
Option for an extended stay (+1 day): May 6 – 10, 2027.

Organizers:
Patriarchal Great School of the Nation
Open Ways Events & Travel – FolkWay Festivals

 

Introduction

Istanbul, a city where East and West have met for centuries, is one of the most significant cultural crossroads in world history. With its rich heritage, architectural splendor, and unique cultural identity, it remains a vibrant symbol of dialogue, education, and culture.

In this extraordinary setting stands the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation, a historic educational institution that, for over five centuries, has been dedicated to knowledge, education, and cultural values.

Following the grand success of the 1st edition, the hosting of the 2nd International Culture & Tradition Festival offers a rare opportunity for a cultural gathering and artistic exchange among associations and performing groups from different countries. The main festival event will take place at the Cevahir Auditorium of the Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center in the Şişli district.

 

The Event

The festival is organized with deep respect for the history and long educational tradition of the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Istanbul.

The goal is to highlight the School’s role as a beacon of Education, Culture, and Intercultural Dialogue and, building on the success of the 1st festival, to establish this event as an annual cultural institution of high prestige and international reach featuring artistic groups from Turkey, Greece, and across Europe.

The program will feature traditional dance groups, choirs (traditional & Byzantine), music ensembles, as well as parallel educational and cultural activities.

Indicative Program

Friday 07/05/2027

  • Official arrivals & check-in.
  • Welcome & briefing by the organizers.
  • Settling in at the hotel.
  • Optional participation in a welcome party/feast (glenti) for networking and entertainment.
  • Overnight stay.

Saturday 08/05/2027

  • Breakfast.
  • Optional excursion / tour.
  • Main Festival Event – performances by all participating groups, presentation of commemorative awards and diplomas.
  • Overnight stay.

Sunday 09/05/2027

  • Breakfast.
  • Optional excursion.
  • Overnight stay.

Monday 10/05/2027

  • Breakfast.
  • Group departures.

 

(The final detailed program will be distributed to participants by 10/03/2027)

Διαμονή στο εξαιρετικό Grand Cevahir Hotel Convention Center 5* (https://www.gch.com.tr/en/) στην περιοχή Şişli (Σίσλι) της Κωνσταντινούπολης, σε δίκλινα και τρίκλινα δωμάτια με πρωινό.

Important Information

  • All groups must have a performance program prepared for up to 10 minutes, which can be presented with live musicians or audio via USB/FLASH.
  • Commemorative souvenirs will be awarded by the organizers.
  • Registration applications will be accepted until January 25, 2027. A registration form with detailed instructions will be sent to interested groups.
  • Groups can participate in the festival without using our accommodation and only pay a fee for their participation.
  • All groups will receive detailed proposals for optional excursions.
  • Flight ticket quotes/offers can be provided upon request for interested groups.
  • The festival is held under the official auspices of the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation and the organizational management of Open Ways Events & Travel.

 

Organization – Open Ways Events & Travel

The organization and artistic curation of the festival are executed by Open Ways Events & Travel, a company with long-standing experience in organizing and supporting international cultural events.

Through its cultural division, FolkWay Festivals, Open Ways designs and realizes folklore and cultural festivals in Greece and abroad, bringing together cultural associations, dance troupes, and choirs from all around the world.

Through the FolkWay International Network, the company maintains active partnerships with international organizers and institutions, giving Greek and international groups the opportunity to travel and participate in high-level international festivals.

With professionalism, consistency, and deep respect for cultural heritage, Open Ways creates high-standard events where tradition, dance, and music gain a global perspective.

 

Invitation to Participate

We invite you to be part of a unique cultural experience in Istanbul, a crossroads of civilizations, history, and art.

Building upon the success of the 1st festival in bringing together people and traditions around the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation, the 2nd International Culture Festival aims to continue as an established institution and a grand celebration of culture, inspired by centuries of history, education, and dialogue.

Your participation will be a valuable addition to this major international event, bridging the past, present, and future of tradition in an unforgettable setting.

Participation Cost

The participation cost is shaped according to the hotel category and type of accommodation chosen, among other options. Please contact us to receive a detailed quote tailored to your group.

The cost includes:

  • Accommodation (3 nights) at the Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center 5* (https://www.gch.com.tr/en/) in Şişli, Istanbul (or at a selected 4-star hotel in Taksim Square and nearby areas), in double and triple rooms with breakfast.
  • Participation securing and organization for the festival (diplomas, commemorative gifts, photo & video materials).
  • Transfers from the hotel to the venue of the main festival event, for groups that will not be staying at the Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center 5* where the festival will take place.
  • Free Shuttle Service: The 5-star hotel offers a free hourly shuttle service to Taksim Square and the Cevahir Shopping Mall.
  • Full organization & support by Open Ways Events & Travel.
  • Presence of the organizer team throughout the entire event duration.

 

The cost does not include:

  • Support/contribution fee for the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation (€200 per group).
  • Any other transportation / transfers that are not provided by us (however, an offer for transfers and flight tickets can be provided upon request for interested groups).
  • Excursions / tours or cruises (Detailed proposals for optional excursions will be provided).
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites.
  • Extra overnight stay (€60 per person for the 5-star hotel and €50 per person for the 4-star hotel).

Information

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