Ilker Ayrık will be playing the role of Nasreddin Hodja in this year’s representation

Actor and filmmaker Ilker Ayrık will take on the role of Nasreddin Hodja at the 65th International Akşehir Nasreddin Hodja Festival, which will take place on July 5-10.

The program of the 65th International Akşehir Nasreddin Hodja Festival, organized by the Akşehir District Municipality of Konya, has been announced. Mayor A. Nuri Köksal of Akşehir revealed the festival program at a press conference. Mayor Köksal stated that this year, the essence of Nasreddin Hodja will once again be emphasized at the Nasreddin Hodja Festival in Akşehir, mentioning that actor and filmmaker Ilker Ayrık will take on the role of Nasreddin Hodja. Mayor Köksal also mentioned that the Golden Donkey Awards will be presented at the festival, with this year’s awards going to the famous artist Müjdat Gezen and to Erdoğan Özbakır, a local known for his portrayal of Nasreddin Hodja in previous years. Mayor Köksal stated that they have prepared a rich festival program, which will include concerts by Volkan Konak, Aleyna Tilki, Gazapizim, Ümit Besen, and Pamela, theater performances by Şevket Çoruh and Sunay Akın, children’s theater shows during the day for the kids. Mayor Köksal also mentioned that activities such as Finger Puppet Workshop, Canvas Bag Painting, Mask Making, Toy Transparent Soap, and Wood Painting workshops will be available throughout the festival. He emphasized that there will be Local and International Folk Dance Shows, Nasreddin Hodja Humor Path Activities, and events at the Republic Square and Akşehir Cultural Center, preparing a beautiful festival worthy of Akşehir and Nasreddin Hodja.