Folk Dance Fiesta – Final Day (Part 2)

When the energy of the “Damat Halayı” swept through Germiyan Street, the entire area turned into a dance floor, and the rhythm united everyone.
But we had skipped a very important detail in Part 1:
Mr. Yıldırım Akgül, the Director of Culture and Social Affairs at the Municipality, had told us off the record that he planned to gift three bağlamas (traditional Turkish string instruments) to the participants.

Our initial plan was to present these to the group leaders.
However, learning that Dominika was a musician changed everything — giving a bağlama to her made more sense than sticking to protocol.

We first gifted a bağlama to Viktoria, the Hungarian team leader. Then, one was given to Dominika.
At that point, no bağlama was left for the Slovak team — which would’ve been unfair.
So, we resolved the issue during the Turkish Night by presenting a bağlama to Filip, the Slovak team leader.

Now, back to the wonderful day:
With two VIP minibuses provided by the Kütahya Municipality, we set out for Aizanoi Ancient City — a place I believe everyone should see at least once.
The site instantly captivated our participants.
The best-preserved Temple of Zeus in the world and the Medusa relief were the most photographed spots.

As we traditionally do at the end of our projects, we gathered for group photos in front of the Medusa — the symbolic closing location of our journey.

Upon returning to the hotel, we found the Turkish Night venue already prepared by the Municipality’s City Council Project Team.
Although our Mayor could not attend due to last-minute obligations, he was represented by Deputy Mayor Mr. Haşim Ertekin, along with Mr. Bülent Cebeci (City Council President) and Mr. Yıldırım Akgül (Director of Culture and Social Affairs).

After a brilliant presentation on Türkiye and Kütahya, our folk dance groups took the stage.
Following tastings of traditional Turkish delicacies, we moved on to the Youthpass Ceremony.

Youthpasses were presented as follows:
Slovakia – Mr. Ertekin
Romania – Mr. Cebeci
Hungary – Mr. Akgül
Turkey – Assoc. Doç. Dr. Elif Özdoğlar from Dumlupınar University

Specially designed mugs by KERAMIKA Ceramics Factory and beautiful traditional ceramic keychains brought by Dr. Özdoğlar were cherished gifts for the participants.
The night ended with a collective dance performance from all groups a powerful, joyful farewell.