İzmir Sephardic Culture Festival

Jun 2

The International Izmir Sephardic Culture Festival preserves, shares, and introduces the Sephardic culture, which has been one of the most important components of İzmir since the 16th century, and its contributions to the city's culture.
Sephardic Jews, who were forced to leave the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century, embraced the cultural elements of the Muslim and Christian communities with whom they shared their lives in Izmir, where different cultures and beliefs have coexisted for thousands of years. As a result, a unique "Sephardic Culture" specific to İzmir emerged, with its music, cuisine, traditions, and artistic expressions. The preservation of this culture, which has found its place in the cultural heritage of the city, contributes greatly to our multicultural life and sets an example throughout Türkiye.
The festival events begin before Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, which symbolizes wisdom, understanding, justice, and equality, and continue until the day the last Hanukkah candle is lit.
The exhibition, concerts, discussions, and film screenings, featuring the participation of local and international artists and researchers, showcase the richness of the Sephardic culture in İzmir.
Founding Director
Nesim Bencoya

Festival's Facebook Page

4th International Sephardic Culturel Festival

3rd International Sephardic Culturel Festival

İzmir Sephardic Culture Festival (24:30)

The next International Izmir Sephardic Culture Festival, as usual, will be held during the week of Hanukkah. Please mark the dates of December 7-15, 2023, in your calendar. The program details will be announced in October-November.
Thank you for your interest.