Çağlak Festival

A traditional cultural event held annually in May since 1459 and recognized as Türkiye’s second oldest festival, the Çağlak Festival takes place in the Akhisar district of Manisa province. Festival activities are primarily conducted in the Şeyh İsa Neighborhood in the district center, the Çağlak site located in the northeastern part of the city, and the Gölet Life Area, which serves as the hub for modern events. The purpose of the event is to commemorate the return of Akhisar’s 15th-century scholar Şeyh İsa (Mecdüddin İsa) to his hometown after completing his education and to continue the spring celebrations historically associated with this event.

Çağlak Festivali kortej yürüyüşü-Akhisar Belediyesi

Historical Origins and Traditional Rituals

The festival’s foundation lies in Şeyh İsa’s return to Akhisar in 1459 after completing his education in Bursa and Kayseri. According to historical accounts, the people of Akhisar camped for 17 days at the Çağlak site to welcome him, sharing communal meals and engaging in various games during this period. Over time, this event became traditional, initially known as the “Çağlak Mesiresi” and today as the “Çağlak Festivali,” with its scope expanded and celebrations continuing to this day.

Traditional celebrations begin with a procession and commemorative ceremonies originating from the mosque housing Şeyh İsa’s tomb. Essential elements of the festival—including communal keşkek preparation, oil wrestling competitions, and javelin games—are rituals that preserve the event’s historical heritage.

Cultural Status and International Connections

The Çağlak Festival is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. In 2010, it was declared a “sister festival” with the Ayvaz Dede Festivals held in Donji Vakuf, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This sisterhood is rooted in the fact that the figure honored in the Ayvaz Dede festivals, who played a key role in the Islamization of the Bosnian people, was originally from Akhisar.

Current Program and Activities

Organized by the Akhisar Municipality, the modern festival program lasts more than a week and includes the following activities:

Sporting Competitions

Trap shooting, chess tournaments, master and children’s football tournaments, bridge competitions, and the Çağlak Run.

Artistic Activities

Exhibitions of painting, photography, ceramic art, and wooden toys; theater performances and stand-up comedy shows.

Festivalde Halk Oyunları Gösterisi-Akhisar Belediyesi

Music Programs

Open-air concerts at the Gölet concert area feature Turkish art music choirs, local artists, and nationally renowned singers.

Çağlak Festivali Konser Alanında Görüntü-Akhisar Belediyesi

Socio-Economic Impact

The festival directly contributes to Akhisar’s commercial life. Shopping stalls established at Hüsnü Kahraman Culture Park and the Gölet site are allocated to local entrepreneurs and associations, fostering regional economic activity. According to 2025 data, stall rentals ranged from 18,000 TL to 50,000 TL depending on product category and location. The festival not only welcomes residents of Akhisar but also visitors from neighboring provinces, playing a key role in promoting the region.

Çağlak Festivali stantları-Akhisar Belediyesi