International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance and Music Festival “Bosphorus”
Istanbul, Turkey
11 July - 15 July
Overview
Istanbul- Staddler of two continents
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait.
Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Istanbul is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. While the majority of the population are Muslims, it's a mix of cultures and backgrounds fused together in one city. It has a mix of Jewish, Greek, and Armenian populations.
Istanbul has an active nightlife and historic taverns, a signature characteristic of the city for centuries if not millennia. Along İstiklal Avenue is the Çiçek Pasajı, now home to Winehouse (known as meyhanes), pubs, and restaurants.
All these beauties in Turkish Metropolitan cities and lot of fun are waiting for you at our festival. Come and join the best festival experience ever. Travel and dance with us in Istanbul, Turkey…
Accommodation
PARTICIPATION FEE:
· 145 Euro for 3 BB per person (3 nights with breakfast included)
· 189 Euro for 4 BB per person (4 nights with breakfast included)
It covers 4* hotel accommodation (Hampton by Hilton Zeytinburnu, Ibis Zeytinburnu etc.)
Addition day can be booked for 40 euro/person/day with breakfast service.
DISCOUNT: For every 25th participant, 1 participant is free of charge
PARTICIPATION FEE INCLUDES:
· Participation in the festival concerts
· Professional sound, stage and light equipment
· Accommodation in 4* Hotels (3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5€/person/day, supplement for single room is double price)
· Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups
· Souvenir and gift for each group
· Certificate for attendance
· Invitation letter
PARTICIPATION FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
· Transport (for arrival and departure)
· Optional Excursions
· Insurance and city tax
· What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”
PAYMENT METHOD:
Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment
Next payment of 20% for booking of accommodation needs to be sent to the organizer
Rest of the sum will be paid before the beginning of the festival or upon arrival regarding the permission and agreement with organizers
Dates
- 11/07/2025 - 15/07/2025
Pricing
11/07 - 15/07
- 5 days (4 nights) = 145 € per person
Itinerary
With pleasure, we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth, and adults groups) to participate in the “International BOSPHORUS Folk Dance and Music Festival”.
This festival is the perfect occasion for different groups from various countries to gather together so that they could express their culture and nation through dances, music, and interesting national costumes.
GENERAL RULES OF PARTICIPATION:
· In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs and music bands from all over the world.
· Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands festival.
· Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 dances, 08-12 minutes each with USB or orchestra.
· Folklore groups should take a flag of their country and few gifts for the municipality visits and organizers.
· Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. All filled in and signed applications will mean acceptance of the terms laid by the present regulation.
· The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country).
· Groups have to send us short CV and few photos of the group by e-mail.
· Until 29th of September 2024 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
· Folklore groups should have their own transport for arrival and departure
DRAFT PROGRAM
11 July 2025
· 14.00 Arriving in Istanbul, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time
· 21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups
12 July 2025
· 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
· 10.00 – 15.00 Istanbul sightseeing with organized local tour guides (visiting Hagia Sophia,Sultan Ahmed Square, Blue Mosque, Top Kapi Palace, Byzantine Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazar etc. optional on extra charge)
· 18.30 Ensemble parade
· 19.00 Official festival evening
- Welcome Speech
- Open air performance
13 July 2025
· 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
· 10.00 – 12.00 Bosphorus boat tour (optional - extra)
· 17.00 Second festival evening
14 July 2025
· 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
· 10.00 – 15.00 Visiting Galata Tower, Taksim Square and Eminonu Bazar (optional or free time)
· 21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival, presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles and work shop, learning different nationalities dances...
15 July 2025
· 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
· 12.00 Departure
Things to do
1. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia
Built by order of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, its soaring dome, huge nave and glittering gold mosaics contribute to its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful buildings, and its fascinating history as church, mosque and museum make it the city's most revealing time capsule.
2. Istanbul's Bazaar District
Grand Bazaar is the best-known shopping destination on Istanbul's historic peninsula, but it certainly isn't the only one.
3.Ride Istanbul’s ferries
It doesn't matter whether you opt for a long or short cruise: either is sure to be memorable. To really get away from it all, hop a ferry from the Kabataş or Kadıköy piers to the Princes’ Islands, a favorite urban escape for centuries of Istanbulites
4.Istanbul Archaeological Museums
No longer a dusty warren of overlooked rooms, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums have been renovated and rearranged to better highlight their extraordinary collection of artifacts. The main neoclassical Archaeology Museum building holds a stunning array of marble statuary and sarcophagi dating to the classical era and excavated at ancient cities all around Türkiye
5. Surrender to the steam in a bath house
In life, there aren't too many opportunities to wander semi-naked through a 16th-century Ottoman monument. But Istanbul's world-famous hamams offer just that: the chance to immerse yourself in history, architecture, warm water and soap suds all at the same time