İlker Ayrık to be this year's representative Nasreddin Hodja

The program for the 65th International Akşehir Nasreddin Hodja Festival, organized by the Akşehir Municipality in Konya, has been announced.

Akşehir Mayor A. Nuri Köksal announced the festival program at a press conference.

Stating that the Akşehir Nasreddin Hodja Festivals have returned to their roots starting this year, Mayor Köksal noted that the role of the representative Nasreddin Hodja will be performed by theater and film actor İlker Ayrık this year.

Noting that the Golden Donkey Awards will also be presented at the festival, Mayor Köksal said that this year's Golden Donkey Awards will be given to the famous artist Müjdat Gezen and Erdoğan Özbakır from Akşehir, known as the living Nasreddin Hodja, who has undertaken the role of representative Nasreddin Hodja in previous years.

Stating that they have prepared a jam-packed festival program, Mayor Köksal noted that the festival will include concerts by Volkan Konak, Aleyna Tilki, Gazapizm, Ümit Besen, and Pamela, theater performances by Şevket Çoruh and Sunay Akın, and children's theater performances during the day.

Stating that workshops such as Finger Puppet Workshops, Tote Bag Painting, Masks, Transparent Toy Soap, and Wood Painting will be held throughout the festival, Mayor Köksal stated that they have prepared a beautiful festival worthy of Akşehir and Nasreddin Hodja, featuring local and international folk dance performances, Nasreddin Hodja Humor Trail events, and activities to be held at Republic Square and the Akşehir Cultural Center.