Emirdağ 19. Gurbetçi Festival Starting on 26 July

The Emirdağ district of Afyonkarahisar is preparing to host the 19. edition of the traditional Gurbetçi Festival. Scheduled to take place between 26 July and 2 August 2026, the festival will bring together the local residents and fellow townspeople arriving from different cities. The event will be held at the Emirdağ Otogarı, aiming to provide participants with unforgettable moments through its colorful program. Announced by Mayor Serkan Koyuncu, the festival is coming this year with a packed event calendar. Over the years, the Gurbetçi Festival has become an important gathering point that strengthens the cultural ties of the local people.

1 August Saturday, the most magnificent day of the festival, will be shaped by the intense attendance of the protocol. The main program, which will take place with the presence of Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, will gain further meaning with the participation of the Afyonkarahisar Members of Parliament. On this special day at 21.00, the famous artist Zara will take the stage to meet with her fellow townspeople. This main stage program, featuring the protocol, is expected to be one of the highest-attended events of the festival. Authorities aim to give a message of unity and solidarity by inviting all citizens to the festival area on this special day.

The artists who will take the stage throughout the festival will also offer a highly ambitious and diverse repertoire. Starting with Uğur Önür's stage performance on 30 July, the musical events will continue with Mithat Körler on 31 July. Ezgi & Oralat taking the stage every evening at 19.30 promises festival participants an eagerly anticipated evening entertainment. On 1 and 2 August, Doğukan Alsay and accompanying DJ performances will attract great interest from young participants. The musical events, which will end with Ekin Uzunlar taking the stage on 2 August, will appeal to participants of all ages by offering a wide range of music.

The Emirdağ Otogarı, where the event will be held, will transform into a center of culture and entertainment throughout the festival. The bus terminal, which has a large area, has the capacity to allow thousands of fellow townspeople to gather at the same time. Mayor of Emirdağ Serkan Koyuncu stated that the preparations for the festival are almost complete and that all citizens are invited. In the events prepared with the vision of 'Gönül Belediyeciliği' and 'Hizmet Belediyeciliği', necessary precautions are planned to be taken regarding issues such as security and transportation. Municipal teams are working intensive shifts to ensure that fellow townspeople have a comfortable and safe festival experience.

Beyond being just an entertainment event, the Gurbetçi Festival also holds great importance for staying connected to one's roots and reuniting with loved ones. The people of Emirdağ, who have migrated to various large cities, seize the opportunity for an annual traditional gathering thanks to this festival. Expats visiting their relatives and friends also find the opportunity to fully experience local culture and music. This tradition, which has continued for 19 years, serves as an important bridge in ensuring cultural transmission between generations. This year's event is also expected to take place with a enthusiastic and crowded attendance, just like in previous years.