MeeTurkey Alternative Tourism & MICE Magazine - May 2019 by S&M Publication ltd.

May 2019 Year: 25 No:93

Hıdrellez Spring fest of Edirne

Edirne Liver fest Kırkpınar Wrestling Siem Reap Sangkranta Tourism Cartoon Competition Istanbul Jazz Festival Turkish Children’s Day IBTM Arabia

FROM THE EDITOR Travel for Festivals

May’2019 Year:25 No:93

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF SUAT TÖRE suattore@smpublication.com With the arrival of Spring, Turkish cities PUBLISHING EDITOR start hosting several festivals. As I wrote in the previous issue, the festivals have major Özgür TÖRE impact on the development of cultural ozgur@ftnnews.com tourism to the host communities. While EDITORS the festival organizers are now using the Ömer KOCAMAN historical and cultural themes to develop omer@smpublication.com the annual events to attract visitors and Fusun TÖRE creating cultural image in the host cities by fusun@smpublication.com holding festivals in the community settings, PUBLIC RELATIONS governments also support and promote HALKLA İLİŞKİLER these events as part of their strategies for economic development, nation building Cahit Akyol and cultural tourism. cahit@smpublication.com INT. RELATIONS In order to keep the rich Anatolian culture in Özge TÖRE Turkey alive and thriving, in every province, ozge@smpublication.com district and even in some villages there are PHOTOS various traditional festivals and gatherings. Festivals which represent traditional Turkish culture not only aim to increase the spirit of unity in MeeTurkey archive society, but also to present the cultural wealth of the places where these ART DIRECTOR ceremonies are held. In this issue we present you popular festivals held Özgür TÖRE throughout Turkey during Spring. OFFSET PREPARATION In this issue, in addition to stories from many festivals in Turkey, you will S&M Publication FILM & PRINTING find news from the meeting industry of Turkey as well as around the world. We also present you IBTM - Arabia, Sangkranta celebration held in Mars Baskı Çözümleri Siem Reap, Cambodia. REPRESENTATIVES ANTALYA: Salih ÇENE Happy reading! salih@salihcene.com Özgür Töre Tel: 90.242.248 50 35 -36 CANADA: Çetin GÜRZ cetin@smpublication.com MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine is quarterly publicaTel: 1.514.636 6810 tion and has been prepared as S&M Publication Ltd. All CHINA: Mr. LOUK copyrights are reserved. info@tuerqu.nfo ALL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO Tel: 86.10.656 37 661 Tel: 90.216.391 37 95 - Fax: 90.216.391 37 96 FRANCE: Turgay AKSOY ozge@smpublication.com turaks@free.fr HEAD OFFICE: S&M PUBLICATION LTD. Tel: 33.476.87 8.2 20 Muratreis Muradiye Mektep Sokak 13/1 Baglarbasi GERMANY: Henry WALTZ 81140 Istanbul-TURKEY info@gecko-promotions.com Tel: 90.216.391 37 95 Fax: 90.216.391 3796 Tel.: 49. 6172.45 04 86 www.smpublication.com ITALY: Ömer SÖZÜER omer@smpublication.com Tel: 39.2.295 23 382 ITALY: Francesca GATTO f.gatto@verbainedita.it Tel:39.3.403 411 296 İZMIR: Çetinay AKSOY cetinay@smpublication.com Mobile: 90.533.312 20 46 Russia & C.I.S.: Iuliia TÖRE iuliia@rustourismnews.com Tel : 90.216.391 37 95 USA: Şahver BURNHAM Sahverr@hotmail.com Tel: 1.623.670 2369 THAILAND: Anchalee NIAMDEE (Nok)aniamdee299@gmail.com SUBSCRIPTION / ABONE Tel: 90.216.391 37 95 ozge@smpublication.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

Contents

Newsline Turkey ��6 Inbrief �� 13 Newsline World �� 14 Meet at Spring Festival �� 24 Meet at Jazz Festival �� 27 Meet with Children �� 33 Meet at Culture �� 34 Meet at Exhibition �� 38 Meet at Competition �� 40 Fame & Game �� 42 Eat & Meet �� 44 Destinations �� 46

38 Advertisement Index

WOW Istanbul ��Inside Front Cover Fez Travel ��3 FTNnews + RusTourismNews �� 23 IKSV �� 25 Cambodia Travel Mart �� 35 Charming Cambodia Travel & Tours �� 37 Akut �� 49 Hotel Izmir Palas �� 51 Istanbul Modern �� Back Cover

May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 5

NEWSLINE TURKEY

ICCA announces ranks for Turkish cities in the Meetings Industry ICCA (The International Congress and Convention Association) released 2018 Country and City Rankings, marks yet another successful year for the association meetings market. Paris, which previously held the top city spot in 2016, returns in 2018 to claim first place. Vienna ranked second, and Madrid ranked third in 2018. Once listed in the world’s top 10 for six consecutive years, Istanbul climbs to 84th place with 33 meetings in 2018. Turkey’s other important meetings destination Antalya, which hosted the ICCA Mediterranean chapter's annual meeting between February 17th and 19th, ranked at 225th place with only 12 international association meetings in 2018. Turkey ranked 52nd place with a total of 55 meetings in 2018.

¡¡ In 2010, Istanbul ranked 7th in the world and 6th in Europe with a total of 109 meetings. ¡¡ In 2011, Istanbul ranked 9th in the world and 8th in Europe with a total of 113 meetings. ¡¡ In 2012, Istanbul ranked 9th in the world and 8th in Europe with a total of 128 meetings. ¡¡ In 2013, Istanbul ranked 8th in the world and 7th in Europe with a total of 146 meetings. ¡¡ In 2014, Istanbul ranked 9th in the world and 8th in Europe with a total of 130 meetings. ¡¡ In 2015, Istanbul ranked 8th in the world and 7th in Europe with a total of 148 meetings. ¡¡ In 2016, Istanbul ranked 39th in the world and 23rd in Europe with a total of 62 meetings. ¡¡ In 2017, Istanbul ranked 133th in the world and 74th in Europe with a total of 20 meetings. ¡¡ In 2018, Istanbul ranked 84th in the world and 46th in Europe with a total of 33 meetings.

Big Move To The Istanbul New Airport Successfully Completed About 47,300 tons of equipment transported from the old Istanbul Ataturk airport to the new Istanbul Airport, 30 kilometers north, on the shores of the Black Sea on the first weekend of April. During the relocation between the two airports, major roads in the city were closed to traffic to ensure secure operation. The Istanbul Airport started serving international and domestic flights on April 6 after its mega move. İlker Aycı, chairman of Turkish Airlines, said in a statement: "Today in our new home, we open the doors of a new adventure and fly to our capital once again for our first flight." Turkish Airlines carried more than 25,000 passengers on its first day at its new home. 6 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Modern entered into a cooperation A selection from the Istanbul Modern Collection can be seen at the Turkish Airlines Lounge in the airline’s brand new hub, Istanbul Airport. Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Modern entered into a cooperation to introduce Turkey’s modern art to the world. A selection from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Collection will be available for the passengers from May 3, Friday in the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport. As the Turkey’s first modern and contemporary art museum, a special selection from the Istanbul Modern will be displayed in Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport. From May 3 Friday, 38 works of 16 artists will be exhibited at a special section set aside for Istanbul Modern. Spanning 130 square-meters, the exhibition titled “A Selection from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Collection” will bring significant examples that represent four main dispositions of modern art of Turkey together. Made possible with the collaboration of Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Modern, collection selections will be renewed three times annually within the project. Within the exhibition there will be varied type of artworks ranging from the early 20th century landscape painting tradition to the abstract paintings of artists looking for a synthesis between eastern and western arts during 1950s. Housing the works that illustrate the daily life presence of figure painting, the exhibition will also display compositions that interpret cultural values of Anatolia with a new perspective. There will be artworks of Şeref Akdik, Hakkı Anlı, Fethi Arda, Ferruh Başağa, Hasan Vecih Bereketoğlu, Aliye Berger, Nurullah Berk, Adnan Çoker, Nejad Melih Devrim, Abidin Dino, Neş’e Erdok, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Hoca Ali Rıza, Hikmet Onat, Selim Turan and Fahrelnissa Zeid in the selection. Chair of the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Oya Eczacıbaşı highlighted the importance of Turkish Airlines’ passenger lounge as a display of Turkey since it will host passengers from all corners of the world. Eczacıbaşı also said; “With our collaboration with Turkish Airlines, we are happy to introduce modern arts of Turkey to the local and foreign tourists waiting for their flights in the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 7

NEWSLINE TURKEY Airport International Terminal. We will circulate the artworks three times in a year to display the artworks of different eras and artists to the passengers. With these exhibitions we will not only introduce arts of Turkey to the world but also help the waiting passengers to spend their times in a productive manner between the artworks. Of course, we invite everyone who wish to see more to our museum, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.”

YOTEL’s First Hybrid Hotel at The New Istanbul Airport Opens As the big move from the old Istanbul Ataturk airport to the new Istanbul Airport completed, the new airport is now the main hub of international travel. YOTEL’s first hybrid hotel at Istanbul Airport now welcomes guests through its doors for the first time. The unique hotel offers 277 cabins before security (YOTEL Istanbul Airport) and 174 cabins after security (YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport). This makes it the innovative brand’s largest airport property to date, ideal for short stays and long transfers. Located inside the airport terminal, it will be the only hotel offering at the airport and in the immediate vicinity. “Our arrival in the Turkish market highlights an exciting period in our global expansion plan and we are incredibly proud to be part of such a revolutionary project at Istanbul Airport”, said Hubert Viriot, CEO of YOTEL. “ YOTEL will have the capacity to hold up to 200 people with facilities including private meeting rooms, a restaurant, bar and GRAB+GO smart vending for guests on the move. The hotel will also feature a state-of-the-art gym for those who like to keep fit on the go. Guests will have 24/7 access to Mission Control where they can make use of the signature airline-style, self check-in kiosks which reduces check-in time to under 60 seconds. Bora Goymen, General Manager of YOTEL and YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport said, “YOTEL and YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport mark the biggest airport hotel investment seen in Turkey to date. We are incredibly proud to open our first hotel operation in Istanbul and are excited for guests to experience it first hand.” YOTELAIR can be found after passport control and within the Family Palace zone of the retail area, making it convenient for travelers who want to wake up minutes away from their departure gate or those in transit who wish to 8 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

make the most of their stay in between flights. Both YOTEL and YOTELAIR will save guests vital time and provide an ideal solution to those in need of a place to sleep, refresh and connect – without having to leave the airport.

Mandarin Oriental To Open Its Second Hotel In Istanbul, Turkey Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a second luxury hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. The project, which also features branded residences, is scheduled to open in 2022. The new development comprises three standalone towers and is located in the exclusive Etiler residential area, close to the city’s central business district. One of the towers will house Mandarin Oriental Etiler, Istanbul with 158 guestrooms and suites and 16 serviced apartments. The remaining two towers will house 251 luxurious Residences at Mandarin Oriental. UNStudio from Amsterdam has been appointed as the master planner and architect. The hotel will have three restaurants and bars, and a selection of adaptable meeting spaces with outdoor areas and terraces, ideal for hosting both business and leisure events. There will also be a spa and fitness center, offering the Group’s award-winning signature wellness programmes as well as locally inspired treatments. The hotel will have both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. The Residences at Mandarin Oriental will feature some of the most exclusive homes in the city, providing owners with extensive private gardens and impressive views of the Bosphorus. Owners will also enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and direct access to the hotel’s facilities. In addition, there will be a full suite of bespoke resident facilities, including two outdoor swimming pools with city skyline views, a fitness center, and six beauty treatment rooms. The owners and developers of the project are Astaș Holding A.Ş and Yapi & Yapi. This is the Group’s third venture in Turkey with Astaș Holding A.Ş who is the owner of the Group’s two other Turkish properties – the awardwinning Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum and Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul which is scheduled to open in 2020. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 9

NEWSLINE TURKEY “We are delighted to be announcing a second Mandarin Oriental property in Istanbul, together with an exciting luxury residential project. We look forward to extending further the Group’s presence in one of the world’s most historic and vibrant cities,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “Operating two complementary hotels in a single city is something that the Group has already done successfully in Hong Kong and will soon do in London. We believe there is room for more than just one Mandarin Oriental hotel in certain select destinations around the world,” he added. “Having strengthened our successful collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Bodrum, and through the upcoming opening of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul it is our intention to establish this second Istanbul property, uniquely located in the prestigious district of Etiler, as one of the world’s most impressive addresses. The project is slated to cater to a discerning clientele who enjoy this legendary city so rich in history and culture, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia,” said Astaș Holding A.Ş, and Yapi & Yapi’s Board of Directors.

Europe’s Biggest Theme Park - Wonderland Eurasia opens in Ankara Europe's biggest theme park - Wonderland Eurasia is now open in the Turkish capital. The park was built by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and covers an area of 1.3 million square meters. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated Wonderland Eurasia, which is formerly known as Ankapark. “Wonderland Eurasia will have major contributions to our city,” Erdogan told at the opening ceremony. He said the project will increase the brand value of Ankara and visitors will enjoy the park free of charge until the evening of March 31. The 1.3-million-square-meter park is home to 26 large rides, including 14 roller coasters, 2,117 smaller rides, a five-km rail system, stages for concerts, and the Digital Dark Ride – a multidimensional theatre with hologram shows and interactive animations. The park also boasts more than 2 million plants and hosts the world's second-biggest fountain, which can reach 120 meters [around 394 feet] in height. 10 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

Istanbul's New Digital Tourism Project: Visit Istanbul The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Tourism Directorate has launched the Visit Istanbul project in order to promote Istanbul and its values using digital platforms internationally. The project aims to introduce the value of Istanbul in the international area by using digital platforms. In this context, the target countries were identified in order to develop communication strategies. First of all, the target countries that have been studied travel habits extensively are USA, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Gulf Countries, India, and China. In order to increase the brand value of Istanbul, tourism-oriented strategies will be developed and implemented within a year with these determined countries. The first 'History' themed introductory movie of Visit İstanbul project 'Meet With History Of Your Dream City' has been published on project's social media pages. In the movie, including original pieces of music, extremely colorful and magnificent scenes about the monumental history of Istanbul are shown. The next movie will be 'Gastronomy Istanbul' introducing the cuisine of Istanbul. For the project, four fashion phenomenons of social media have met in İstanbul at the start of the campaign. Laura Comolli from Italy, Barbora Ondrackova from the Czech Republic, Michèle Krusi from Switzerland and Simla Canpolat from Turkey took a full city tour over 3 days and shared images with their followers.

TÜROB Elects Its First Woman Chairman The Hotel Association of Turkey TÜROB Chairman Timur Bayındır handed over his presidential chair to Müberra Eresin. The Hotel Association of Turkey TÜROB is the dynamic, embracing and prominent NGO in Turkey's tourism sector, which has been a member of qualified hotels and Tourism companies since the first day it was founded in 1971. Müberra Eresin named as the first woman chairman of the association. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 11

NEWSLINE TURKEY Timur Bayındır, who was the chairman of TÜROB since 2004, handed over his chair to Müberra Eresin. Armin Zerunyan, Hediye Güral Gür, and Taner Yallagöz were appointed as vice presidents. İsmail Taşdemir, who was the General Manager of TÜROB, appointed as the Secretary-General. Müberra Eresin is the Vice Chairman of Eresin Turizm A.Ş. and the General Manager of Eresin Hotels. The new TÜROB Board of Directors are: Müberra Eresin (Chairman) – Eresin Hotels / Eresin Tourism, Armin Zerunyan (Vice Chairman) – Hilton Turkey, Hediye Güral Gür (Vice Chairman) – NG Hotels, Taner Yallagöz (Vice Chairman) – Yaşmak Hotels, Kasım Zoto (General Coordinator)– Armada Hotel, Levent Erdoğan (Accountant) – MyDora Hotel, İsmail Taşdemir (Secretary General), Banu Dedeman – Dedeman, Temel Aygün – Titanic, Richard Appelbaum – Divan, Orkun Petekçi – Accor Turkey, Nuri Kalyoncu – Point, Ayhan Hacıbektaşoğlu – Barın Hotel, Uygar Koçaş – Le Meridien Etiler, Ziya Cihan – WOW İstanbul Hotel, Mustafa Topaloğlu – All Seasons Hotel.

TUI Care Foundation To Help Rural, Small-Scale Farmers In South-West Turkey To Benefit From Tourism Over the next three years, the TUI Care Foundation will help rural, small-scale farmers in south-west Turkey to benefit from tourism. The project, which will be delivered by the Travel Foundation, will improve the livelihoods of farmers and small holders in the Muğla region by helping them to supply much sought after local delicacies of honey, olives, citrus fruit, almonds and pomegranates to hotels, restaurants and gift shops. More than 50% of the population in Muğla is rural and although the tourism industry is booming along the “Turquoise Coast” in destinations such as Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye, most farmers do not yet tap into the growing tourism market or take their products to the next level to create added value and increase their profitability. Research estimates that only 12 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

5-10% of “value added” foods such as jam, yoghurt and ice cream bought by hotels are produced locally. Farmers and village communities lack the scale or knowhow to add value to products, to meet the quality standards of an international market or to create appealing marketing campaigns. The TUI Care Foundation believes that this needs to change. By creating new or improved products

Inbrief Nihan Esen has been appointed to ICEC Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar as congress manager. Yıldıray Altın named as the general manager of Reges A Luxury Collection Çeşme, which opens in June. Arcan Bayraktaroglu appointed to Hyatt Regency Istanbul Atakoy as GM. San Clemente Palace Kempinski appoints Alper Can Bulcum as GM. Haluk Aksoy has been appointed to Oman Salam Air as GSA manager for Turkey.

and opening new markets in the hotel and resort sector of the tourism industry, the aim is for at least 150 farmers and their families to have more secure and sustainable livelihoods. A team of agronomists, business and tourism experts will help establish supply chains for delicacies such as jams and honey, bringing local products to international visitors. The project focuses on offering tailored technical assistance and advice which will help the community of rural Muğla to thrive. From increasing the visibility of their produce and brands through better marketing and communications, to upgrading production processes and to offering guidance on how to meet international quality and certififcation standards., the project aims to develop and improve the long term prospects of the community.

Bülent Hasanreisoğlu is the new general manager of Suada Hoteli Rize, Ayder high plateu. Levent Suyolcuoğlu has been appointed to Kusadası, Pinebay Holiday Resort as general manager. İbrahim Korkut is the new sales director of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in middle East and Africa. Ziya Altınay named as the general manager for Ramada Hotel & Suites İstanbul Merter. İllter Türkmenoğlu is the new general manager of Doubletree by Hilton İstanbul Moda. Emre Güllüler has been appointed to Arjaan by Rotana İstanbul as a general manager. Hasan Ekmen has been appointed to Turkey general manager for Barcelo Hotels.

May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 13

NEWS LINE WORLD

ICCA announced Top 20 Most Popular Meeting Destinations ICCA (The International Congress and Convention Association) released 2018 Country and City Rankings, marks yet another successful year for the association meetings market. The global meetings industry trade association captured a total of 12,937 rotating association meetings taking place in 2018, at an increase of 379 additional meetings compared to the number recorded at the same time in 2017. The highest annual figure ICCA has ever recorded in its yearly Statistics, these new rankings signal industry growth is continuing on a strong and robust trajectory. Paris, which previously held the top city spot in 2016, returns in 2018 to claim first place. The U.S.A. continues to top the country rankings. Paris climbs to the top of the city rankings by the number of international association meetings with a landslide margin of 40 meetings above second place holder Vienna. In 2017, Paris and Vienna held joint second place, with 190 meetings each. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one Barcelona falls to fourth place, with Madrid entering the top 5 for the first time since 2015 in third place. Among the top 5 cities for another year, Berlin falls to fifth place from fourth in 2017. Remaining in the top 10 but changing position are London, Prague, Singapore and Lisbon. London, Singapore and Prague drop to seventh, eighth and ninth place respectively, and Lisbon climbs three positions to hold sixth place. Bangkok rises seven places from 17th to 10th, knocking Seoul out of the top 10. Seoul falls to 15th place, surpassed by top 20 risers and joint position holders Amsterdam and Tokyo, which jump from 16th to 13th place and 18th to 13th place respectively. Buenos Aires stays firmly in 11th place and Hong Kong rises to 12th. Dublin drops four places to 18th, and Stockholm holds 19th place for another year. MontrĂŠal, QC and Rome drop out of the top 20, and newcomers Brussels and Taipei enter in 17th and 20th place. In an unsurprising turn of events, the U.S.A. remains in the top country spot, unchallenged for over two decades. Germany remains in second place and 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number three the United Kingdom drops to fifth place, overtaken by Spain, which rises to third. After exiting the top 5 last year, France reenters in 2018 in fourth place. Italy replaces France in sixth place, and 14 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

Japan and China-P.R. remain in seventh and eighth place for another year. The Netherlands and Canada swap positions, coming in at ninth and 10th respectively. Portugal remains in 11th place and the Republic of Korea climbs one position to 12th. Brazil and Poland fall one place to 17th and 19th respectively, and Switzerland drops to 20th place, while Australia and Sweden climb to 13th and 14th. Austria remains in the top 20 but falls four places to 16th. Newcomer Argentina regains its position in the top 20 after falling to 21st place in 2017, knocking Denmark from 20th to 22nd place.

Messe Berlin (Singapore) to organize MICE Show Asia 2019 Messe Berlin (Singapore), one of the world’s leading trade fair companies, will be organising the inaugural MICE Show Asia 2019 in Singapore. The 3-day business-to-business travel trade show will take place from 16 - 18 October 2019 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands. MICE Show Asia is under ITB Asia’s umbrella of events. The new show will shine the spotlight on Asia’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. The gathering will see professionals from the incentive travel, meetings, and events industries come together to discuss the latest trends, hear from up-and-coming MICE innovators, and network with suppliers. MICE Show Asia 2019 will bring together participants of which 47% are from MICE Agencies, 26% from Corporates such as Meetings & Incentive Planners, 15% from Professional Conference or Exhibition Organisers, 9% of attendees will be from Association buyers, and 3% will be present as Independent Planners. Over 60% of MICE buyers are from Asia-pacific (APAC) countries. “The MICE sector in APAC continues to thrive, with the region expected to witness the highest growth rate in the next 5 years. After successfully organising ITB Asia for 12 years, we noticed the fast-growing demand for the MICE and corporate travel segments. MICE Show Asia 2019 seeks to capture this growing demand and I am confident participants will gain the highest value at this show,” said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of MICE Show Asia. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 15

NEWS LINE WORLD According to a forecast published by Allied Market Research on the global MICE market, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth rate of 8.6% through to 2023. Expanding demand particularly in Singapore, China, and India, alongside market drivers such as ease of visa restrictions, investments in better infrastructure, and high demand in commercial aviation are fuelling the upward trend. MICE Show Asia 2019 will have a stellar line-up of speakers from top-tier brands including American Express Meetings & Events, EventXtra, succevo, K.I.T. Group GmbH and Cvent. Expert speakers will share market insights, brand-new ideas, and inspirational case studies that are leading the industry’s conversations. Some of the topics that will be discussed at the travel trade show include 2020 forecasts for the global meeting and events industries, the digital transformation of the meeting and events industries, and the innovative use of technology to captivate event-attendees. Messe Berlin is working with prominent trade partners such as the United Networks of International Corporate Event Organizers (UNICEO) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) etc. to enrich the conference content and bring buyers onboard. At MICE Show Asia, exhibitors represent a wide range of convention bureaus, destination marketing organisations, convention centres, hotels and resorts, as well as technology and business events solution service providers and more. For more information on MICE Show Asia 2019, visit www.miceshowasia.com/.

IMEX Encourages Exhibitors To Make Sustainable Exhibiting Pledge IMEX in Frankfurt has invited exhibitors at this year’s show (21 -23 May) to make a Sustainable Exhibiting Pledge as it continues to increase its commitment to demonstrating and leading through best practice in sustainability. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “Our approach to sustainability is to lead by example, to encourage others to aim higher and to shine a spotlight on key industry campaigns. This year I’m inviting exhibitors to make a sustainable exhibiting pledge, to implement three simple green initiatives to help reduce their environmental impact at the show. Carina Bauer explained: “We’re asking everyone in the global meetings industry to imagine a new beginning: to ask what if we all really 16 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

committed to cutting down waste? “We’ve continued to improve our own sustainability performance at both of our shows each year and we’re proud to say that our Frankfurt show is now 100 per cent hydro-powered. Thanks to our waste donation programme plus the responsible recycling systems at Messe Frankfurt, we now send zero waste to landfill. This is virtually unheard of in the exhibition business! “Our work to reduce and recycle more waste generated by both exhibitors and visitors is explained in our first ever IMEX in Frankfurt sustainability report which joins our annual IMEX America sustainability report.” In line with its determination to lead the industry forward, IMEX was a launch partner when the Events Industry Council introduced its Principles of Sustainable Events in January after hosting two forums at IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America in 2018 when these principles were formulated. A further element of its commitment to leading the industry, the IMEX team believes in sharing what it knows and has learned through experience. At IMEX in Frankfurt, learning about sustainability will feature prominently throughout the show. Starting on EduMonday, 20 May, there will be more than 20 opportunities to learn about sustainability among the 250 plus sessions in the extensive education programme at the Inspiration Hub. What’s more, the first ever Sustainability Policy Round table, supported by Edmonton, will bring together industry leaders and experts to share insights at the InterContinental Frankfurt on 21 May. Furthermore, in partnership with the Events Industry Council (EIC), IMEX will salute an organisation making a significant commitment to reducing its environmental impact by announcing the winner of the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award at the IMEX Gala Dinner on 22 May. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says: “At both shows we continue to work closely with our partners including Meet Green, EIC, The Venetian®| The Palazzo® and the Sands Expo®, Messe Frankfurt and GES. We are wholeheartedly committed to providing education, inspiration and leadership on sustainability issues. The business events industry still has a long way to go before thinking green is the first thought, not the last.” May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 17

NEWS LINE WORLD

Destination Florence CVB Steps up for the International Promotion of Florence The Florence Municipality, The Florentine Chamber of Commerce and The University of Florence signed an agreement to outline new and effective strategies in the tourism field, relying on the governence of tourism and the ability to directly foster agreements between institutions and individuals, while defining and clarifying the roles of various on-site actors. The agreement is dedicated specifically to the MICE tourism and to better the quality of tourism in all the Florenctine territories and it has the aim of choosing a partner to develop activities and strategies. Thanks to the winning of a competition notice, Destination Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau has been selected as the unique partner of the City of Florence and its partners to promote the destination all over the world and acquire more conferences and events. To develop the activities, the Municipality of Florence allocated 320.000 Euros per year for a total period of three years, to be renewed for two more years. Destination Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau has been operating for over 20 years as a destination agency to attract large events, congresses, international marriages, and individual tourists. It represents a comprehensive outlet for tourism thanks to more than 300 partners, a network that makes it possible to have a synchronized bond with the territory and the operators functioning within, strengthened by signed agreements with trade associations of reference. The Ministry of Tourism of the city of Florence, Cecilia Del Re, said "We are very proud to have selected a unique partner for the promotion of the city. Florence is a unique city to host conferences and events also thanks to the new tramvia, the huge renovation of our congress centre and the future major enlargment of our airport". Destination Florence CVB presented a project to better the tourism within the city of Florence thanks to specific activities and with two main goals: acquire more conferences and events and attract a qualified tourism. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT: Increase the number of winning bid and conferences to be held in the city, Presence at primary Fairs and Events of 18 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

the sector (ILTM Cannes, ATM Dubai...), Augment number of tourists with a qualified profile and high spending capacity, Increase the average duration of stay within the territory, Expand and diversify the range of services, products, and experiences, Qualitatively enhance the image of Florence worldwide, Promote qualified and certified tourist services in the city, including the greater metropolitan area, to include lesser-known concepts of great touristic value Carlotta Ferrari, Director of Destination Florence CVB said: “Florence is one of the most attractive destination of the world in fact it is in the top five cities to host conferences and events. We will continue to promote Florence to acquire more conferences and events each year." "Also, thanks to the Destination Florence project, we will develop and promote tourism offerings, proposing a benchmark for a single, potential national model. We are working with the most innovative technology as our new chat bot that we will presented in the next months and we are also opening our official account on WeChat to promote Florence in the Chinese market."

The Accessibility Group To Host Disability Expo In September At The ICC Wales The Accessibility Group will host the initial Disability Expo from 6-7 September, 2019 at The ICC Wales in Newport. The event, which is expected to attract more than 5,000 trade and consumer visitors will provide an opportunity for attendees to gain knowledge, experience inspiring innovations and have fun. To maximise the event’s commercial potential, organisers Leighton Morris and Sara Flay from The Accessibility Group have appointed Brightelm to deliver sponsorship and exhibition sales. As specialists in event services for associations, the Brightelm team, led by Rob Eveleigh will focus on finding and delivering a host of exhibitors as well as sponsorship deals ranging from transport providers through to commercial partners looking to highlight their offering to the event’s wide-ranging audience. The event, which is the first of its kind in Wales, is making use of the ICC’s industry leading accessibility to provide a truly open forum for disabled people, carers, families, the trade and anyone interested to gather, share ideas and see the latest products and services available. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 19

NEWS LINE WORLD “We wanted to create an event for disabled people that is organised by disabled people, with a true understanding of the market and the needs of attendees,” comments Leighton Morris, CEO of the Accessibility Group. “Other similar events exist but they have become too commercial in their outlook and have lost their appeal to much of their audience. We want to create a space where people can ask questions, find answers and be educated on genuinely life changing topics – whether it is the latest technology, a new service or something as simple as a government grant that they were unaware of. Disability is a huge topic, with many of the most serious conditions invisible to the eye, as such there is much to learn and this event will be the perfect platform to achieve that.” The Accessibility Group selected Brightelm as a commercial partner due to their professionalism and approachability, as Leighton says: “Rob sold his services to us as we would expect him to sell to our exhibitors and sponsors. It was about relationship building, a long-term approach and a desire to create a partnership rather than a client / supplier relationship.” Rob Eveleigh, Brightelm’s Managing Director concludes: “Brightelm is just a year old, yet we have already won one award and been shortlisted for a second. Winning the Disability Expo is a real coup for us. Whilst we were initially engaged to focus on the sponsorship it is exciting to have our remit expanded to cover the exhibition space as there is so much crossover and synergy between the two.” The Disability Expo will run from 6-7 September, 2019 at the ICC Wales.

Australia To Host The World’s Largest Gathering of Family Doctors Australia has won an international bid to host over 4,300 family doctors at the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) World Conference in 2022. President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Dr Harry Nespolon, celebrated the RACGP’s successful bid, saying the event will bring the world’s best professionals in family medicine to Australia. “This is an extraordinary win for the RACGP, Australian GPs and their patients,” Dr Nespolon said. “The opportunities a conference like WONCA 2022 creates for primary care in Australia are endless. “Doctors from every corner of the globe will converge on Sydney in October 2022 to share research and discuss best practice and techniques to keep people and communities healthy on an international level. 20 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

“This gives us the chance to put Australia on an international stage. As a country, we punch well above our weight when it comes to world’s best practice and the standards within general practice. “Meeting other doctors in our field, hearing their stories, and learning from their experiences will be a most effective way for Australian GPs and their healthcare teams to make decisions that ensure their practice is more efficient and delivers world-class healthcare.” RACGP partnered with strategic bidding organisation BESydney to win hosting rights for Australia. “WONCA 2022 will mark 50 years since the global meeting was first held Down Under, attracting doctors from emerging, developing and developed health systems,” said BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith. “WONCA 2022 in Sydney will equip these professionals, the bedrock of the global health system, with the skills and knowledge to keep them at the forefront of world’s best practice. “Australian health professionals have much knowledge and innovation grown out of unique conditions to share, and this, when combined with our collaborative nature, can move the dial when applied to important global issues, such as the provision of quality healthcare to rural and remote areas.” New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard congratulated RACGP on securing this wonderful opportunity. “Best-practice primary health care is fundamental to our world-class health system in delivering improved outcomes for patients,” said Mr Hazzard. “With Australia's population ageing and rates of chronic disease increasing, GPs now, more than ever, are key to the provision of high-quality, preventative care.” Australians rely on general practice more than any other area of our health system, with over 2 million Australians visiting their GP every week. The bid was given financial support by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund. “Attracting large-scale international business events to Australia is a critical part of Tourism Australia’s strategy and I’m very pleased that the support helped Sydney secure WONCA in 2022,” said Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, John O’Sullivan. WONCA 2022 will be held at International Convention Centre Sydney. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 21

NEWS LINE WORLD

Global DMC Partners Introduces VR and AR Technologies To Meetings Industry Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of destination management companies (DMCs) serving more than 500 premier locations worldwide, announced its partnership with Balti Virtual, a leading software company that specializes in augmented and virtual reality experiences. To launch the new partnership and showcase just one capability of this exciting new technology, Global DMC Partners is debuting its new AR brand mascot: Global Girl, affectionately known as “G.G.” “AR and VR can help planners take their events to the next level and increase attendee engagement. G.G. is just one example of how we can do this,” said Global DMC Partners President Catherine Chaulet. This rich and highly engaging technology brings new life to products and venues as planners and attendees experience them like never before. Attendees are sure to be engaged and captivated from start to finish through fun and memorable experiences such as augmented reality invitations, reality photo ops, augmented 3-D agendas, virtual augmented gifts and customized scavenger hunts. Shipping and travel limitations may soon be a thing of the past. Planners can now step right into venue spaces or showcase new products, no matter where they are located in the world. “We are thrilled to be ushering in a new era in the meetings and event space by offering these innovative and engaging technologies to our clients,” continued Chaulet. “We are excited for the future of our industry. The creative applications are endless.” To meet G.G. and experience her repertoire of lively, cultural dances from around the world, simply download the free AppAR8 app from the iTunes app store or the Google play store, open the app and then scan the Global DMC Partners logo. Users can take photos and video with G.G. and share them with their friends on social media. Users are encouraged to share their own creative content with G.G. by following and tagging @GlobalDMCs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 22 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

MEET AT SPRING FESTIVAL

Hıdrellez The spring feast called “Hıdrellez” or “Kakava”, as being called by Roma people, is being celebrated on 5-6 May, in Edirne. “Hıdrellez” feast is the equivalent of the “Gergyovden” in Bulgaria and considered as beginning of the summer. In Islamic World, this day is dedicated to the prophets Hıdır and İlyas, guardians of people, animals and fertility. It is believed that they always move in opposite directions to help people in need. According to the legend, they are invisible but sometimes they appear in human form and ask people for help, and if they do not helped, person who do not help them are doomed for failure and distress. For believers, these two saints only meet once in a year, between 1st and 5th of May. The purpose of this meeting is to show people where they are, what they achieved and explain how they helped people. 24 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

MEET AT SPRING FESTIVAL

after the feast table.

Hıdrellez is a traditional feast for Edirne region. Main figure of the feast is the Çeribaşı, leader of the Roma people living in the area. Gates and doors are decorated with flowers early in the morning to protect people from dark powers and domestic animals. Special foods are served and people go for swinging to swings tied up to trees

Concerts, contests and dances are organised in Saraçlar Street. Burning the Kakava Fire, symbolising the rise of fertility and the desire for sharing the good feelings and serving of rice is organised on 5th of May, in Sarayiçi. “Entering Spring” ritual is done on 6 May morning, at 06.00 am on Tunca River shores. Beside all Roma People Associations, local and foreign photoghrapy artists and app. 10.000 guests participate in event each year. Hıdırellez Feasts also become a part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

26 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

MEET AT JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival, 29 June - 18 July 2019 Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) and sponsored by Garanti Bank for 22 years, the Istanbul Jazz Festival will once again host leading names and new discoveries from the world of jazz, as well as the stars of contemporary music between 29 June and 18 July 2019. The festival will feature more than 300 names in 27 different venues around Istanbul. The 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival will offer a festival experience full of discoveries in June and July with more than 50 concerts featuring veterans and new discoveries of jazz, well-known ensembles and new horizons of contemporary music. The surprises of the 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival this year include saxophonist, composer, producer and contemporary jazz legend with the group leader identity Kamasi Washington; Michael League's project with sophisticated compositions and groundbreaking improvisation style Snarky Puppy; Balkan Paradise Orchestra, © Aitor Rodero virtuoso pianist and composer Aydın Esen; the composer and vocal around jazz, R & B and hip-hop genres José James; one of the most inventive musicians of the new generation, producer, composer and drummer Makaya McCraven; a star thanks to the songs he has composed, recorded and played with his own instruments Jacob Collier; one of the leading pianists of contemporary jazz Bill Charlap; another star of the jazz piano Shai Maestro; a pioneer name of the jazz trumpet Paolo Fresu; a Swedish jazz bassist, composer and record producer with his creative musical style Lars Danielsson; jazz singer who masterfully combines jazz, blues and soul melodies Mélanie de Biasio; known with jazz improvisations around reggae, soul, afro-beat and latin rhythms Nubiyan Twist; pianist and composer who captured a modern musical language by combining Azeri folk music with jazz Elchin Shirinov and more… Vitrin: Showcase for Contemporary Music from Turkey Following the success of the editions in 2017 and 2018, the festival will once again organise Vitrin: Showcase for Contemporary Music from Turkey that supports successful musicians and ensembles of the local scene in their global outreach, with the sponsorship of SOCAR Turkey, on May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 27

MEET AT JAZZ FESTIVAL 3-6 July 2019. A group of international delegates composed of leading representatives of international music industry and journalists will explore contemporary music from Turkey together with the festival audience during the first four days of the festival. The Festival Spreads Over Two Sides of the Bosphorus Festival concerts will be held in different locations of the city, continuing to provide a whole new concert experience to the music lovers by turning unconventional spots into concert venues. Among the 27 venues that will host the festival this year are The Marmara Esma Sultan Mansion and Beykoz Kundura, which are unforgettable places in the history of the festival; and the garden of one of the oldest buildings in Beyoğlu, Palazzo di Venezio, which served as a festival venue for the first time last year. Other festival venues include Feriye and Cemiyet for the first time this year, and Nardis Jazz Bar, Volkswagen Arena, Sultan Park Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Sakıp Sabancı Museum the Seed, Zorlu PSM Turkcell Platinum Stage, UNIQ Open Air Theatre, UNIQ Hall, Fenerbahçe Khalkedon, Fenerbahçe Park, Beylikdüzü Yaşam Vadisi Park and Salon İKSV. Night Out programme will once again take place in Kadıköy’s most beloved venues: All Saints Moda Church, Bant Mag. Havuz / BİNA, Kadıköy Sahne, Kadıköy movie theatre, KargART, Mecra and Moda Sahnesi. A Legend is Returning; Jazz Boat sails to the Bosphorus after 9 years Unquestionably one of Istanbul Jazz Festival’s most beloved events ever, the Jazz Boat is returning after nine years upon fan demand. Add the ferry tour to your schedule for this highly anticipated seafaring concert where a tour of the Bosphorus meets with music, and the city’s impressive atmosphere mixes with melodies. The Jazz Boat will depart from Kabataş Pier, have a stopover at Anadolu Kavağı and return to Kabataş. Tickets for the 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival went on sale on Saturday, 13 April at 10.30 and are available from Biletix sales points, and also from the box office of İKSV (every day from 10.00-18.00 except Sunday), where tickes can be purchased without a service fee. 28 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

Tulip Card holders receive special discounts of up to 25% on their ticket purchases. Priority sales for Black and White Tulip Card holders take place on 8-9 April, and on 10-11 and 12 April for Red and Yellow Tulip Card holders. Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Awards The 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to two veteran names of jazz, Hasan Hürsever and Ömür Göksel at the festival’s opening ceremony. Drummer Hasan Hürsever began his musical studies in his hometown of Mitrovica, Kosovo. Hürsever, who came to Turkey from Yugoslavia stepped into his professional music career with the band “Kuyruklu Yıldızlar” and worked with many musicians including Atilla Şereftuğ, Özdemir Erdoğan, Ayten Alpman, Ali Kayral, Kayahan, Ümit Aksu, Esin Engin and Ayhan Yünkuş. He joined the TRT Big Band in 1980, founded by Süheyl Denizci. In 1987, he played with Fatih Erkoç, Neşet Ruacan and Ergun Ömür Göksel Eremkar in the International Pori Jazz Festival in Finland. After his retirement from TRT Big Band, Hürsever worked with pianist Şevket Uğurluer for many years. He continues his musical practice with his sons Hakan and Volkan Hürsever, who are pianist and double bass player respectively. Selected as “The Voice King of Turkey” at the age of 18, Ömür Göksel gained huge success and popularity despite his young age with his extensive repertoire and ability to sing in different languages. During the 1970’s, he won gold records multiple times with his songs like “Mutluluk” and “Sevemem Artık”. In 1979, he decided to continue his musical practice abroad after receiving concert offers from Europe and USA. After this date, he pursued his professional music career in Italy, USA and Germany. Having achieved great success with his albums such as "A Touch of Quality" and "A Touch of Love" in the 2000s, Göksel continued working on in this series in the following years. Göksel continues his musical activities and often gives concerts with TRT Big Band. This year the 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival opens with a magnificent night yet again. Ömür Göksel, one of Turkey’s most prominent jazz singers who left his mark on the 1960s and 70s with his Golden Record Award-winning songs “Mutluluk”, “Sevemem Artık” and “Yanıyorum”, and master jazz May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 29

MEET AT JAZZ FESTIVAL drummer Hasan Hürsever will be presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Afterwards, Hasan Gürsever will be performing a mini-concert with his trio consisting of his sons Volkan and Hakan Gürsever, and leave the stage to the Balkan Paradise Orchestra. The band consisting of nine Barcelonian female musicians was founded in 2015 with the inspiration they drew from Balkan music. The synergy created by the trumpet, clarinet, trombone, French horn, tuba, percussion and drums turns every performance by the Balkan Paradise Orchestra into a musical feast. The night promises breathtaking hours of joyous polyphony music. Children have fun and learn at the Feriye on “A Childlike Day” The festival will once again organise a special event for children. On 13 July, at 14.30, children will spend an eventful Saturday when they have fun as they discover their musical leanings through concerts, workshops, training programs, and exhibitions, the details of which will be announced soon. The festival will be speaking to children on this dreamy day full of music with concerts designed for children, workshops and performances. Held for the third time, this year’s A Childlike Day will be an unforgettable day for children with its programme that includes Yürüyen Merdiven and Tülay Günal’s performance “The Story of Stories”. The programme for the creative workshop, which will be open to ticket holders by making a reservation, is due to be announced later. A Jazz Book in the Color of Rainbows from the Festival to Children This year, a children’s book will be published within the scope of the 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival with the support of Bernard Van Leer Foundation. Within the scope of the project, the children’s book under the editorship of Burcu Ural Kopan for İKSV festivals and biennials will decribe jazz music to the children through the seven colors of the rainbow and there will be a reading section, as well as puzzles, practical activities, games in each section of the book. In addition, each section will introduce a jazz musician and will include a playlist of related topics. The children’s book, which Prof © Ilgin Erarslan Yanmaz Feyza Çorapçı from Boğaziçi University, Department of Psychology supports as an academic advisor, 30 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

will be published in Turkish, English, and Arabic, and will be accessible free of charge at event venues as well as several bookshops. In addition, workshops related to the book will be organised at various festival venues during the festival and at the İKSV Alt Kat: Learning and Interaction Space. The children’s book of the Istanbul Jazz Festival is being prepared within the scope of Early Childhood Development & Culture and Arts Project with the support of Bernard van Leer Foundation. The project that will continue until the end of 2019, also involves special events, readings, workshops, various trainings, seminars and meetings. The 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival Press Meeting İKSV General Director Görgün Taner said: “This year, we will follow the festival directed by Harun İzer for the first time. A very exciting programme was prepared and I am sure that it will be an exhilarating festival for you as well. As you know, we have been conducting many activities for audience development. This year, there will be free of charge events within the Istanbul Jazz Festival. We are also preparing a children’s book for the festival. Once again, İKSV Culture&Art Card holders will be able to follow the festival with their cards. We also keep supporting successful musicians and ensembles of the local scene in their global outreach within the scope of Vitrin: Showcase for Contemporary Music from Turkey. As İKSV, we keep working Görgün Taner, Didem Dinçer Başar, Harun İzer © Ilgin Erarslan Yanmaz gladly to make all of these possible, as always. We deeply value the contributions of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as all public institutions, all our supporters and our main festival sponsor Garanti Bank, with whom we’ve been walking down this road since 1997.” In her speech, the Executive Vice President of Garanti Bank Didem Dinçer Başer said: “As a company believing in the power of culture & arts on the road to develop societies, and dedicated to support this cause in the long term, it is valuable for Garanti to contribute to the spread of popularity of jazz music in Turkey. As Garanti Bank, we are proud to support the Istanbul Jazz Festival for 22 years, which has been successfully organised by İKSV. Thanks to the festival, we are happy to be a facilitator to increase the number of jazz enthusiasts, and to connect with thousands of music lovers.” May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 31

MEET AT JAZZ FESTIVAL Open call for young musicians from the festival: Young Jazz Young Jazz is being organised for the 17th time with the 26th Istanbul Jazz Festival. Young Jazz provides a platform for amateur or emerging musicians and bands to make their early professional stage appearance within the Istanbul Jazz Festival. Every year, the festival opens applications for young musicians from Turkey with interest in classical or contemporary forms of jazz, as well as jazz fusions such as rock, funk, Latin, pop, acid or electronic influenced forms of jazz, soul, R&B, or similar genres. The applicants are invited to submit demo recordings either of their original compositions, or covers of jazz standards or similar songs of their choice. Musicians and bands to take the stage at the Jazz in the Parks event within the festival are then selected by the Young Jazz Selection Committee. In addition, for the first time this year, the Istanbul Jazz Festival will present three workshops and master classes open to the participation of all musicians who apply the Young Jazz, with the support of Audioban in the scope of Young Jazz. At the office of Audioban, these trainings will be held between 10 and 26 May 2019, and will focus on Album Making Stages-Jazz Production, Stream / Digital Rights and Perfomance Practices and Staging. In addition to the trainings, the Istanbul Jazz Festival and Audioban will continue to collaborate with the groups that apply for the Young Jazz 2019 program. Audioban recently released the first album of the band The Kites, which was one of the teams that will be selected within the Young Jazz auditions in 2018 and will take the Istanbul Jazz Festival stage this year. The Young Jazz Selection Committee comprises musician Ayşe Tütüncü, musician Cenk Erdoğan, musician Ceyda Köybaşıoğlu, music writer Feridun Ertaşkan, musician Harun Tekin, music writer and producer Hülya Tunçağ, musician Volkan Öktem, journalist Yekta Kopan and Director of İstanbul Jazz Festival Harun İzer. The festival programme is announced on the official festival website, and the İKSV Mobilapp. 32 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

MEET WITH CHILDREN

TCA Celebrates April 23 Children's Day On April 23, Turkish Americans across the United States celebrated Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. The day marks the inauguration of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) on April 23, 1920, proclaimed in 1929 as a Turkish national holiday dedicated to children. Every year, April 23 is celebrated in Turkey and Turkish communities abroad with international children’s festivals, in the spirit of world peace and harmony. The inauguration of the TGNA on April 23, 1920 was first step toward the creation of the Republic of Turkey, the roots of which were laid during the Turkish National War of Liberation led by Mustafa Kemal - later to be given the name Ataturk (father of Turks). The Turkish national liberation struggle began on May 19, 1919 and culminated in the liberation of Anatolia from foreign occupation, the international recognition of modern Turkey’s borders by the Treaty of Lausanne, and the founding of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. When the TGNA held its first session in 1920, virtually every corner of the Ottoman Empire was under the occupation of the Allied powers. Exasperated by the Ottoman government’s inability to fight the occupation, patriotic movements began springing up all around Anatolia. The occupation of Izmir by invading Greek armies and the atrocities they committed against the Turkish population was the final outrage that sparked a nationwide resistance movement. This resistance soon turned into a war of independence under Mustafa Kemal, a young Ottoman military officer at the time. With the Allied occupation of Istanbul and the dissolving of the Ottoman Parliament, Mustafa Kemal’s justification for opening the resistance movement’s new legislative body was created. With the opening of the Assembly, Ankara became the center of the Turkish national struggle and was declared as the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13, 1923. On the opening day of the Assembly, Mustafa Kemal was elected as its first president. His opening speech includes clues of what he envisioned this Assembly to achieve. Stating that “there will not be any power above the assembly,” Atatürk set the stage for the founding of the Republic of Turkey to replace the Ottoman monarchy. The Assembly, as the representative body of the Turkish people, established a national army and defeated the Allied Powers. Under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it created a secular, democratic Republic.

May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 33

MEET AT CULTURE

Siem Reap Sangkranta Angkor Sangkranta is held to align with Khmer New Year that was three days in the 14-16 April at Siem Reap, Cambodia. Khmer New Year is celebrated to mark the end of harvesting season and the beginning of rainy season, during which farmers who dominate Cambodian society enjoy the fruits from their labors and get ready to enter the New Year based on Buddhist calendar. The event is aimed to strengthen the solidarity of Cambodian families, to preserve Cambodian traditions and customs, to show off Cambodian culture to the world, and to boost the tourism industry in Siem Reap, as up to a million tourists showed up in the province on the days of the event last year. Throughout three days of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event from morning till night time, all Cambodian and foreign visitors were able to enjoy seeing religious 34 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

MEET AT CULTURE

This year we had a great programme continued at that schedule; Sunday 14th April Praying Ceremony at Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. Opening Ceremony of Siem Reap Sangkranta Event. Main Event) Welcome the New Year God of the year of Golden Pig. Monday 15th April Visit Kampung Plok flooding Village. Visit the friendly Tug of War competition. Joining Flooding Lantern praying ceremony. Sight-seeing around the event area. Tuesday 16thÂ April Visit Culture Village. (Cultural and Traditional Show) Visit Buddha Bathing Ceremony. Visit Water Zone at Event area.

ceremonies, the displays of Khmer games, parades, traditional dance performances, fairs, and concerts, etc. They could also participate in traditional games, dances, tug of war, Khmer chess competition, latten floating ceremony, and so on. 36 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

MEET AT EXHIBITION

IBTM Arabia ’19 IBTM Arabia, part of IBTM’s global portfolio of meetings and events industry trade shows,organized from March 25-27, 2019, at Jumeirah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi. This year IBTM Arabia was a success for exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. A one-to-one ratio of international and regional buyers to exhibitors and a mutual match appointment system allowed both exhibitors and 75 global Hosted Buyers to create a diary of up to 30 appointments with the business leads they identified. This year’s event, which marked 13th year anniversary of Ibtm Arabia and took place at the 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers from the 25-27 March, brought buyers and suppliers of MICE products from MENA countries together and resulted in over 3,000 meetings over the three days. IBTM Arabia is run with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Etihad Airways. 38 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 39

MEET AT COMPETITION

2018 Tourism Cartoon Competition - Izmir The award winners of the 2018 International Tourism Cartoons Competition are honored on April 27 at a ceremony held at the Four Points by Sheraton Izmir Hotel. The theme of this year’s competition is dedicated to “Travel Memories”. The theme of this year’s competition is dedicated to “Travel Memories”. A total of 673 artists from 61 countries have submitted 1331 cartoons. In addition to the Grand Awards in each category, five (5) additional awards are presented to adult artists and two (2) additional awards are presented to youth artists at the ceremony. Organized by the Anatolia Tourism Academy under the main sponsorship of Er Yatırım, this year’s event welcomed works from Turkey (265 art works), Iran (264 art works), Serbia (67 art works), Indonesia (52 art works), China (57 art works), Russian Federation (54 art works), Egypt (43 art works), Brazil (28 art works), India (20 art works), and Romania (39 art works). In the Adult category (minimum age of 17), out of 507 artists contributed to 1,117 art works, Kürşat ZAMAN (Turkey) (above image) has received 40 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

the Grand Award. Konstantin KAZANCHEV (Ukraine) (image right) sits on the second place and Serpil KAR is on the third place. The honorable mention awards go to Seyed Ali MİRAEE (Iran) and Mete AĞAOĞLU (Turkey). The Special Recognition Award dedicated to Prof. Atila Özer, is to be presented to Mahmood Azadnia (Iran). In the Youth category (younger than 16), out of 166 artists contributed to 214 art works, Elif KAYRA EŞİN is the winner of the Grand Award (image below). Emre BARUT and Hayrunnisa FIRAT are the recipients of honorable mention awards. All winners in this category represent Turkey. Er Yatırım has been the main sponsor since 2013. Mr. Ferzan ÇELİKKANAT, CEO of Er Yatırım, states that the artistic works submitted to the competition considers not only the commercial or business aspects of tourism but the competition is also as an art event that reveals many differentiating aspects of social and cultural relationships and environmental impacts of tourism. Also, this year Fraport TAV Antalya Airport, Atlasglobal, Four Points by Sheraton Izmir, Four Points By Sheraton Istanbul Kağıthane, and turizmgazetesi.com are also proud to be generous in sponsoring the competition. Anatolia Tourism Academy has been the coordinators of this year’s competition. Dr. Nazmi KOZAK of the Academy states that the International Tourism Cartoons Competition is in its 10th year and is the only tourismthemed competition in the world. As in previous years, it is being held in Turkey this year in recognition of Turkey’s contribution to the art of cartoons. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 41

FAME & GAME

Kırkpınar Wrestling The Historical Kırkpınar Wrestling and Week of Cultural Activities are held annually during the last week of June. Folk dance performances, fairs and exhibitions as well as local food competitions take place during the week, and in the last three days a tournament of oil wrestling is held. With the participation of foreign competitors the tournament has become an international event, and it begins with a drum roll and a prayer chanted loudly by the compère (cazgir), who then introduces the pair of wrestlers. Wrestlers in each traditional weight and age-based category, such as junior (teşvik), light (deste), medium (orta), senior (başaltı) and master (baş) are matched though a draw. The wrestlers wear strong trousers called “kispet” which are made of tough buffalo skin with heavy hand stitching and strong leather ties at the waist and bottoms of the legs. Before the bout begins, the “oilier” pours pure olive oil over the shoulders and chests of the wrestlers and ensures that the kispet become supple with oil. Drums and clarinets start playing loudly and the wrestlers carry out fluent preparatory routines en masse before the audience to warm up their bodies and, when they are ready, each pair starts wrestling over the grass plain, which is known as the “parade ground of men.” 42 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

A wrestler who turns his opponent in a head down, feet up position, or throws him down on his back, or throws him so that his belly is exposed to the sun is declared a winner. A wrestler whose kispet is torn or slips down is declared the loser, and also if he indicates that he wants to give up by slapping his opponent’s kispet.The tournament ends with the selection of the Kırkpınar Aga and Chief of Master Wrestlers for the year. Kırkpinar Oil Wrestling Competetion was entitled as European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) in 2008 and it was enlisted by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Mankind in 2010.

May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 43

EAT & MEET

Edirne Liver fest Edirne once witnessed the rise of the Ottoman Empire, today it still bears the soul of the empire and celebrates it with centuries-old festivals and rich cuisine If we mention the northwestern Turkish city of Edirne, tucked up near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria, you may think, "Oh brother, not another story about olive oil wrestling." Yes, it's true that each summer for the last 650 or so years Edirne has hosted the Kirkpinar Olive Oil Wrestling Festival, in which halfnaked men slathered in fragrant oil grapple in the grass. It's activity that's even recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Event. 44 | MeeTurkey | May 2019

Liver fest But we're actually here today to discuss liver. Fried liver. And the city that loves it above all other foods. This may not be the gustatory delight at the top of your list for a daylong celebration ("C'mon kids, It's liver fest time!"). Turkish oil wrestlers compete during the 648th historical Kirkpinar oilwrestling tournament in Sarayici, near Edirne, in 2009. But in Edirne, liver is king. There are entire restaurants, known as cigercisi, devoted to the organ. Indeed, in some parts of town, it takes some searching to find a restaurant that serves anything else. This wasn't always Edirne's claim to fame. For centuries, the city was a major European trading hub, an early Ottoman Empire capital and arguably one of the most fought-over areas in the world. But these days, spring in Edirne means the annual Liver Festival. Roma bands provide the music, and an array of stalls lines the main street, plating up samples of the dish that the city is known for throughout Turkey. The liver in question should come from lambs that have been grazing in the nearby Thracian plains. It's carefully and very thinly sliced, the strips dusted with flour, salt and pepper and lightly fried. It's served in a mound surrounded by several garnishes: fresh sliced onion mixed with parsley; the tart, dark red spice known as sumac; peppers and tomatoes. In short, it's a meal that to Edirnites is the bee's knees. With their peppery liver, Turks drink a cool glass of ayran, a salty yogurt drink sometimes called Turkish buttermilk, although an Efes Pilsener has also been known to appear on the table from time to time. In America, liver regularly finishes at or near the top of surveys ranking the country's most hated foods. But we should take comfort in knowing there's still a place in the world where liver is not only tolerated but revered. And as locals will tell you, it's just the thing to get you through a long day of oil wrestling. May 2019 | MeeTurkey | 45

DESTINATIONS - ANKARA

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is located in the center of Anatolia province. With a known history of around 3000, Ankara has seen great heights in the past. Around 3000 years ago, the Hittites established a city by the name of Akuwash (old name for Ankara) at the intersection of two trade routes in Turkey. During its earlier phase, Ankara was ruled by Phrygians, Macedonians (under Alexander the Great), and Romans. Seljuk Turks captured the city in 1071 AD and renamed it as Enguriye. Most important moment in the history of Ankara came when Atatürk founded his provisional government here in 1920, and in 1923 when it became the capital of Turkish Republic. The city has seen a number of changes since then, however it has been successful enough in maintaining a fine balance between the old and the new and thereby living up to its unique identity as the “Melting Pot of East and West”. Today, Ankara is a sprawling urban mass thoroughly organized and well - planned and much European in look than most of the cities in Turkey. Its wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and government offices distinguish the city. Besides, there are several tourist attractions and meetings in the city making it an ideal destination for the tourists and mice industry.

City At a Glance Population: 3,627,098 Traffic Code: 06 Telephone Code: 0312

How to go Ankara’s international Esenboga Airport is well connected to other cities in Europe as well as to important destinations in other parts of the world.

What to do The foundations of this citadel were laid by Galatians to be completed by the Romans. Byzantines and Seljuk made major changes later on. The citadel is located atop a hill in the old city where one can see some fine examples of traditional architecture of Ankara.

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What to see

The Ankara Citadel The Museum of Anatolian Civilization Anıtkabir The Temple of Augusts The Roman Bath The Column of Julian Had Bayram Mosque The Hatti Monument Victory Monument Monument of the Republic Yeni Mosque Kocatepe Mosque

DESTINATIONS - ANTALYA

Visit the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici; narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses around the ancient city walls. Since its founding in the second century B.C., Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The region, bathed in sunshine 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sun-bathing, swimming and sports activities like windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and hunting. If you come to Antalya in March or April, in the mornings you can ski the slopes and in the afternoons you can swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites await your discovery amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves, and palm, avocado and banana plantations. The Turquoise Coast is the tourism capital of Turkey. Its full range of accommodations, about 35 000 delegates, sunny climate, variety of excursions and activities, and its warm hospitality make it a soughtafter venue for meetings and conferences. The Antalya Convention Bureau, ACB, is an independent, non-profit making organization. Founded in 1995, the Antalya Promotion Foundation (ATAV) has become a member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) in 1997. A Culture, Exhibition and Congress Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaalti district. The Congress Center is located in a glass pyramid.

City At a Glance Population: 1.132.211 Traffic Code: 07 Telephone Code: 0242

How to go Antalya airport is 10km east of the city center, and has direct flights from Europe. It is well connected to other parts of Turkey, and daily direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara.

What to do With its palm-lined boulevard, internationallyacclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist center in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting

events throughout the year, like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. Opened in 1995, the Cultural Center hosts cultural and art events. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many interesting museums around the city. ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

What to see

Archaeological Museum Truncated and fluted minarets Hadrian’s Gate Old Harbour Perge, Side, Aspendos Düden and Kursunlu Waterfalls Antalya Castle

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DESTINATIONS - ISTANBUL

The former capital of three successive empires -Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman- Istanbul is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions. Istanbul is fast becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations. The opening of the Lütfi Kirdar International Conference Center (ICC) doubled the capacity of congress facilities in Istanbul. The ICC is ideally located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the center of the city’s business, cultural and commercial life, surrounded by some of Europe’s top quality hotels. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) has all the contacts and information for your meetings in Istanbul.

City At a Glance Population: 14.000.000 Traffic Code: 34 Telephone Code: 0212 (European side) - 0216 (Asian side)

How to go Istanbul city has modern and new international airport, which is well connected by regular flights, with most important destinations in Europe, Middle East, and North America with. Besides, vast networks of flights fly between Istanbul and various other cities of Turkey. Ataturk International Airport is 20 km from city center. Helicopter service is also available between the cities.

What to do While in Istanbul there is so much to do and look forward to. The museums, castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

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Being a cultural and historical center, exploring the grand heritage of the city should be the top most priority. Shopping which can be a pleasure in the markets of Istanbul should form another important part of your itinerary. More than anything else a walk down the lanes and by lanes of the many bazaars in Istanbul can be a great experience, if interested in feeling the culture and lifestyles of the people of this amazing land. ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

What to see

Dolmabahçe Palace Küçüksu Pavillion St. Irene Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Mosaic Museum

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Covered Bazaar St. Sophia Kariye Museum Beylerbeyi Palace Yerebatan Cistern Miniatürk

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DESTINATIONS - IZMIR

Izmir, historically known as Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and has the country’s largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. It is the capital of Izmir Province. Izmir has the inherit of almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly up to that much more in terms of advanced human settlement patterns. It is Turkey’s first port for exports and it has free zone, a Turkish-U.S. joint-venture established in 1990, is the leader among the twenty that Turkey counts. Its workforce, and particularly its rising class of young professionals, is concentrated either in the city or in its immediate vicinity (such as in Manisa). Izmir is widely regarded as one of the most liberal Turkish cities in terms of values, ideology, lifestyle, dynamism and gender roles. The Izmir Convention & Visitors Bureau (Izmir CVB) was founded in 2007 by Izmir Tourism Promotion Foundation (IZTAV), as a non-profit and independent organization. Izmir CVB’s mission is to promote the city’s rich cultural and natural assets .It has great potential on a national and international level and is seeking guidelines and best practice to develop the city’s congress tourism.

City At a Glance Population: 3,627,098 Traffic Code: 35 Telephone Code: 0232

How to go Adnan Menderes Airport, 16km south of the city center, has several daily flights to Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya. There are also regular flights from many European cities.

What to do While in Izmir see the sights, the Archaeological Museum near Konak Square, which houses a superb collection of antiques including the statues of Poseidon, and Demeter that in ancient times stood in the agora. Neighboring the Archaeological Museum, the collection of the Ethnography Museum contains folkloric artifacts among which are fine collections of Bergama

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and Gördes carpets, traditional costumers and camel bridles. Situated on Atatürk Caddesi (Street) there is an old Izmir house used by the founder of the Turkish Republic, the Atatürk Museum, exhibits photographs of the leader as well as some of his personnel belongings. The Selcuk Yasar Art Museum is a private museum on Cumhuriyet Boulevard with a collection of 20th century Turkish art. Wander in the bazaar, sip drinks and dine at the pleasant waterfront restaurants. ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

What to see

Agora Pergamum – Bergama Milet - Dydima Clock Tower Kemeralti Kadifekale

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Asansor Ephesus – Selcuk Virgin Mary Alacati Seferhisar Cesme

İPLİKTEN ÇÖZÜLENLER TEKSTİLDE KÜRESEL ANLATILAR

THE EVENT OF A THREAD GLOBAL NARRATIVES IN TEXTILES 22 ŞUBAT FEBRUARY - 7 TEMMUZ JULY 2019 İSTANBUL MODERN SANAT MÜZESİ ISTANBUL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Asmalımescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 99, 34430, Beyoğlu, İstanbul

Ulla von Brandenburg Uçan Kazlar I Flying Geese I, 2017 Fotoğraf Photo: Uwe Walther © Ulla von Brandenburg/ Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)

IFA (INSTITUT FÜR AUSLANDSBEZIEHUNGEN) VE İSTANBUL MODERN İŞBİRLİĞİYLE GERÇEKLEŞTİRİLEN “İPLİKTEN ÇÖZÜLENLER” SERGİSİ GOETHE-INSTITUT İSTANBUL TARAFINDAN DESTEKLENMEKTEDİR. “THE EVENT OF A THREAD” IS AN EXHIBITION OF IFA (INSTITUT FÜR AUSLANDSBEZIEHUNGEN) MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH ISTANBUL MODERN AND SUPPORTED BY GOETHE-INSTITUT ISTANBUL.