Bergama Fair

Bergama Kermesi is one of the continuous cultural and artistic events held in the İzmir province of Bergama district, Türkiye. It is also known as the International Bergama Festival. First held in 1937, the festival emerged as a multifaceted event aimed at promoting Bergama’s historical, cultural, and artistic heritage. Organized with contributions from local authorities and various cultural institutions, it has gradually acquired an international character.

The Bergama Kermesi was initiated in line with the Republic’s cultural policies to preserve and promote local values. The first edition in 1937 was carried out with the participation of intellectuals, artists, and scientists of the era. Despite interruptions, the event continued for many years and is recognized as one of Turkey’s oldest continuously held festivals. Over time, its scope expanded, transforming it into a cultural and artistic platform that attracts not only local but also international participants.

The Bergama Kermesi features concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, conferences, and panel discussions. The program’s content reflects Bergama’s layered history and cultural heritage. The legacy of the Ancient City of Pergamon, traditional crafts, and local cultural elements form core components of the festival.

^{Bergama Kermesi} (Bergama Municipality)

The festival is not merely an entertainment event; it also functions as a platform for scholarly and artistic exchange. Through conferences and panels, the archaeological, historical, and cultural significance of Bergama is examined, while artistic performances offer contemporary interpretations of this heritage.

The Bergama Kermesi is regarded as part of intangible cultural heritage due to the active participation of the local community and its intergenerational transmission. The event contributes to preserving and making visible Bergama’s cultural identity. Moreover, it is seen as a vital instrument in promoting Bergama’s cultural values associated with its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today, the Bergama Kermesi is organized under the name “International Bergama Festival” and brings together artists, academics, and cultural figures from various countries. The event is planned annually around a specific theme and carried out under the coordination of Bergama Municipality.