Yaşar Kemal's Çukurova is Preparing for International Culture and Art Days
Çukurova, which inspired the works of master Turkish literature figure Yaşar Kemal, will host art lovers with international events to be held in October.
The Çukurova International Yaşar Kemal Culture and Art Days will take place between October 15-18, 2026, in Kadirli, Osmaniye, and Hemite. Bringing together many different branches from literature to music under one roof, the events will offer participants unforgettable moments in the footsteps of İnce Memed.
Event Schedule and Theme
The Çukurova International Yaşar Kemal Culture and Art Days will be held on October 15-18, 2026, in the regions of Kadirli, Osmaniye, and Hemite. The four-day organization will meet art lovers with the theme "Four Days, Three Stops, In the Footsteps of İnce Memed".
Throughout the program, elements of literature, theater, cinema, music, traditional arts, nature, and folk culture will come together under one roof to appeal to wide audiences.
First Two Days Program
The first stop of the events will be the Kadirli Municipality Congress Center on Thursday, October 15. Immediately following the opening ceremony, a theatrical play will be staged and various panels will be held.
On the second day of the program, Friday, October 16, the traditional İnce Memed Walk will take place in Osmaniye. In the evening, talks and panels will be held under the roof of Osmaniye Korkut Ata University.
Comprehensive Celebrations in Hemite
The most comprehensive part of the celebrations will take place on Saturday, October 17, in Hemite, the birthplace of Yaşar Kemal. Cartoon and international painting exhibitions will be opened around the Yaşar Kemal Culture House and Park.
While visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a canoeing trip on the Ceyhan River, kite and glider shows can be watched. At the end of the day, there will be concerts by Serenad Bağcan and Mazlum Çimen, as well as a screening of a Yaşar Kemal documentary.
History and Nature Excursion
On Sunday, October 18, the final day of the events, a special culture and nature excursion covering Karaçay Hidden Waterfall, Karatepe, Kastabala Ancient City, and Aslantaş Open Air Museum will be organized.
With this final stage, participants will have the opportunity to closely get to know both the literary heritage and historical riches of the region.