116th Pavli Fair Opened in Kırklareli Pehlivanköy

Pavli Fair, which was held for the 116th time this year in Pehlivanköy district of Kırklareli, started with colorful images.

Citizens coming from different parts of the region for the Autumn Animal and Commodity Fair, also known as the Pavli Fair, one of the oldest fairs in Turkey, stay in living spaces created in tractor and truck beds.

The opening ceremony of the fair, which will be held between 10-13 September, was held in Zübeyde Hanım Square. Kırklareli Governor Uğur Turan, AK Party Kırklareli Deputy Ahmet Gökhan Sarıçam, Kırklareli Mayor Derya Bulut, Pehlivanköy Mayor Gündüz Hoşgör and citizens attended the ceremony.

At the ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, the mehter band, folk dances and marching band performed.

"WE CARRY OUR TRADITIONS TO THE FUTURE WITHOUT DISTURBING"

Pehlivanköy Mayor Gündüz Hoşgör stated that the fair has an important place for the people of the region and that the number of tradesmen and participants is increasing every year.

Hoşgör stated that many fairs have transformed into festival identities over time and said, "We are proud to have carried this fair to the next generation without damaging the texture and structure of our culture."

AK Party Kırklareli Deputy Ahmet Gökhan Sarıçam also pointed out the importance of transferring culture to future generations and stated that Pavli Fair is a valuable heritage for the people of the region.

PAVLI FAIR IS KEEPING ALIVE AS A CULTURAL HERITAGE

Kırklareli Governor Uğur Turan said that Pavli Fair is the oldest fair in Turkey and the only surviving fair in Thrace.

Stating that the fair is an important event that keeps cultural heritage alive and transfers traditions to future generations, Turan noted that it offers different experiences to visitors with local delicacies, handicrafts, folk dances, concerts and amusement park areas.

Turan stated that the fair also provides economic contribution to tradesmen and producers and contributes significantly to the promotion of Pehlivanköy and its surroundings.

TRAILERS ARE TURNED INTO CARAVANS

Citizens who have been attending the fair for many years said that Pavli is a special event awaited for them throughout the year.

Gülşen Gürses stated that the fair is both a trade and entertainment area and said, "As the whole population, we wait for the fair with great longing throughout the year. It has been going on with great devotion for 116 years."

Gürses said that in the past, people came to the fair with horse and ox carts, but today the trailers have been converted into caravans.

Tradesman Burhan Dışlioğlu stated that he attended the fair for 11 years and that products specific to the region were presented to the visitors.

A 116-YEAR-OLD TRADITION EXTENDS TO THE OTTOMAN PERIOD

The Pavli Fair, which was decided to be held during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II, was first organized for the purpose of selling animals.

The fair, which turned into a shopping, entertainment and social meeting area over time, created a traditional market culture where the local people met their fabric and various needs.

Today, at the fair, which bears traces from the Ottoman period, citizens shop, have fun in the amusement park, and stay in the areas they set up in tractor trailers.