Türkiye's Most Beautiful Family Gathering, AileFest, Began at Yedikule Fortress!

AileFest (Family Fest), one of the most comprehensive family gatherings of Türkiye, commenced at Yedikule Fortress on October 10-11-12 with the support of our municipality. The festival, which is free to attend, offers families three days packed with concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, children's activities, cinema and food stalls.

Rising among Istanbul's seven hills, in the shadow of historic walls, Yedikule Fortress is hosting the most important family gathering of Türkiye this year. This venue, which has been part of the city's memory for centuries, welcomes thousands of people with AileFest on October 10-11-12. Running non-stop from 11:00 to 22:00, the events go beyond being just a festival, transforming into a gathering that emphasises social unity.

AileFest's extensive programme features different themes for visitors of all ages. Lectures, talks, concerts, shows, games, workshops, movie screenings, competitions, a bookshop section, book signings and shopping areas form the various themes of the festival. Events that family members can participate in together are particularly prominent among the elements that strengthen the spirit of the festival.

The cultural aspect of the festival is further enhanced by the participation of prominent figures. Writers, academics and artists such as Hayati İnanç, Sinan Canan, Senai Demirci, Bahadır Yenişehirlioğlu, Ahmet Bulut, Nurullah Genç, Varol Yaşaroğlu and Hatice Kübra Tongar will be present at both book signings and discussions. These gatherings enrich the festival intellectually with conversations on family, society and culture.

One of the most colourful parts of the festival is the events dedicated to children. TRT Çocuk's (TRT Children) beloved characters Rafadan Tayfa and Grup Rafadan welcome young visitors with concerts and stage performances. In addition, children have fun and learn through play areas, workshops, and competitions. The ‘Families Competing’ (Aileler Yarışıyor) section brings parents and children together on the same stage, highlighting the fun side of spending time together.

The AileFest cinema programme also features a carefully selected film: Code Name Swallow: The 500-Year-Old Secret Returns. This movie offers both entertaining and thought-provoking moments with content that families can enjoy together.

Alongside cultural and artistic events, the gastronomy and shopping stalls set up in the festival area are also attracting great interest. Festival delicacies offer visitors different flavours, while the shopping areas provide families with a pleasant day with handmade products and gifts.

AileFest is gaining strength not only with the support of sponsors but also with the backing of public institutions. Halkbank, TRT, Tabii, and the Zero Waste Foundation are among the main sponsors, while Trendyol, Fuzul Topraktan, and NG Hotels are contributing as area sponsors. Fatih Municipality, Emlak Konut, and the Hasırcı Seed Arts Association are also supporting the organisation. Furthermore, the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, RTÜK, and the Istanbul Governorate are among the important institutions backing the festival.

Organised as part of the declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of the Family,’ AileFest stands out not only as a cultural event but also as part of a social vision thanks to this support.

One of the most notable aspects of the festival is that admission is free. Participants can attend events by obtaining a digital invitation via ailefest.com. This ensures that the event is easily accessible to everyone.

AileFest is not only an entertainment and cultural gathering but also a memory project centred on the concept of family. Held at the historic Yedikule Fortress, the festival aims to keep social solidarity, shared values and cultural memory alive while offering family members the opportunity to spend time together.

This major event, held in the heart of Istanbul over three days, reinforces its claim to be ‘The most beautiful family gathering of Türkiye’ and enriches the time families spend together with culture and art.