The 4th Alanya Tropical Fruit Festival, organized this year by Alanya Municipality and in which we are a supporter, has concluded. The three-day festival featured vibrant scenes on its final day with significant participation from citizens. The 4th Alanya Tropical Fruit Festival was held behind the former municipal building. Throughout the three days, the festival featured stalls filled with tropical fruits, children's play areas, a photography exhibition, and workshops and talks featuring prominent figures. Citizens showed great interest in the festival, which also included workshops and talks with well-known figures. The Alanya Tropical Fruit Festival, organized to support Alanya's agriculture, encourage tropical fruit production, and promote it internationally, also hosted prominent figures on its final day. The program began with Gökhan Sehlikoğlu, Gastronomy Product Development Chef, who presented recipes for Alanya Avocado Dishes from Mexican Cuisine, and continued with a workshop by artist and environmental activist Zeliha Sunal, whose recipes for "Zero Waste Tropical Fruit Pickles" were highly appreciated. Chef Şükran Kaymak held a workshop with a large turnout, where she shared recipes for two delicious tropical jar desserts with a special cream. Chef Aydın Demir added color to the festival with his recipes that interpreted Turkish cuisine with tropical fruits. Selen Beytekin, a high-profile architect, construction engineer, and jazz artist, captivated the audience with her culinary skills and voice, blending jazz with cuisine. Elif Korkmazel, who hosted the program, concluded the festival stage with her Tropical Fruit Bowl recipes.
**THE STALLS MADE A DIFFERENCE**
Citizens showed great interest in the stalls opened during the festival. Citizens attending the festival made purchases at the stalls, which featured many recipes made with tropical fruits. Citizens also had the opportunity to taste various tropical fruits for the first time. Producers also introduced their products on site and had the opportunity to meet other producers. In collaboration with the Alanya Municipality Agriculture and Livestock Commission and the Alanya Chamber of Agriculture, the "From Tradition to the Future: Our Local Seeds" stand was also present at the festival. Local seeds that reflect Alanya's deep-rooted agricultural culture, with the aim of preserving and passing on heirloom seeds to future generations, were shared with festival visitors free of charge.
**CITIZENS ENJOYED THEMSELVES IN SPECIAL AREAS AT THE FESTIVAL**
Citizens from all over Turkey who attended the festival spent enjoyable time in specially prepared areas. Activities in the Children's Play Area continued throughout the festival under the supervision of teachers from Alanya Municipality Kindergarten and Children's Academy. The free area featured activities such as painting, bag decorating, felt workshops, obstacle course games, and many more. While children had fun, families also enjoyed the tropical atmosphere. Alanya Municipality also created many special photo areas for the festival. Visitors took photos with their families and friends in these areas, capturing these moments. A black and white photography exhibition was also displayed at the festival, taking participants back to previous years and attracting great interest.