On 21 March 2018, an official opening ceremony of “Kastamonu – 2018 Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” with participation of Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Binali Yıldırım took place following the lighting of the Nowruz fire at the Republic Square.

The event organized by TURKSOY in cooperation of with the Governorate and Municipality of Kastamonu has gathered a wide audience such as ministers, parliamentarians, diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations along with the guests from various regions of Turkey.

In his speech, Mr. Binali Yıldırım congratulated on Nowruz feast symbolizing the beginning of spring and stressed that 21 March is not only the date of the declaration of Kastamonu as Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, but also the date of the Nevruz Feast which is celebrated not only in the Turkic World, but also in almost all countries and regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

After the opening speeches, the ceremony continued with colourful performances featuring artists from various countries representing the Turkic World including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan as well as Altai, Bashkortostan, Sakha Yakutia, Dagestan, Kabardino- Balkaria, Buriatia from the Russian Federation, Gagauzia (Moldova), Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina.

TURKPA Deputy Secretary General Mr. Ali Yıldız also attended the event.