The Priene Festival, to be held in Güllübahçe, near Didim, will feature culture, art and entertainment over two days from May 9-10.

The festival, to be held at the foot of the ancient city of Priene, is expected to include concerts, folk dance performances, local product stalls, and various other events.

Preparations are proceeding at full speed in Güllübahçe, which is getting ready to welcome both the local people and visitors from surrounding provinces.

The festival, which brings the historical atmosphere of the ancient city of Priene to the present day, has continued intermittently for many years. At the festival held in 2025, the renowned artist Ayla Algan’s theatrical play “Anatolian Gods” left a lasting impression.

Furthermore, the Temple of Athena Polias in the ancient city of Priene was illuminated by Söke Municipality, offering visitors a unique and breathtaking view.

From fashion shows featuring ancient costumes to concerts, from cooking competitions by housewives to dance performances, the festival is expected to be just as exciting and packed with activities in 2026. In addition to sporting and artistic events, guests will also have the opportunity to shop, especially for local products.

The Söke Municipality Band’s presence throughout the events ensures a joyful atmosphere at the festival.

Yusuf Çam, the head of Güllübahçe neighborhood, invited all the people of Aydın to the festival, emphasizing that the event would strengthen unity and solidarity. He said, “We are expecting all our citizens at our Priene Festival, which is of great importance for the promotion of our Güllübahçe. We have prepared a full program for two days on May 9-10. We will meet with our fellow citizens in a beautiful atmosphere. I invite everyone to share in this enthusiasm.”

Efforts to ensure Priene receives the international recognition it deserves continue unabated. Significant steps are being taken towards its inclusion in the UNESCO World Permanent Heritage List, and site management efforts are being strengthened in this process.

The Priene Ancient City Site Management Advisory Board, established within this framework, held its first meeting in Söke. The meeting addressed topics such as the preservation of the site, the sustainability of scientific studies, and its integration into cultural tourism, with experts exchanging views.

During the first part of the two-day program, committee members conducted inspections at the ancient city, while the second day’s meetings focused on a roadmap for the future of Priene. In a presentation given by the excavation director, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakan Mert, detailed information was shared regarding past excavation work and future plans.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakan Mert was also elected as the Chairman of the Advisory Board, and the individuals who will undertake important roles in the field management process were also determined.

Metin Sakalar, President of the Söke Chamber of Commerce, also drew attention to the historical and cultural value of the ancient city of Priene, emphasizing the importance of recent promotional efforts.

Recalling that Priene was one of the nine major cities of Ionia, Sakalar stated that this value had not been sufficiently highlighted until now, but significant steps have been taken recently.

He added that they contribute to the ongoing excavation work, emphasizing that this process is of great importance in revealing the cultural identity of the region.

Local residents and tourism representatives agree that Priene’s inclusion in the UNESCO list would be a significant opportunity for Söke and Güllübahçe. Local producers state that this development will boost the region’s promotion and provide economic benefits, while tourism professionals point out that Priene could move beyond being just a “transit point” and become a main destination.

The ancient city of Priene is known as one of the most important cities of ancient Ionia. Founded in the 4th century BC with a planned urban development concept, Priene stands out as one of the most remarkable settlements of its time, especially with its architectural order and city planning.

The city contains many important structures, including the Temple of Athena Polias, as well as the theater, agora and assembly building.

Priene, founded by the Ionians in ancient times and which maintained its existence as an important port city for many years, had a highly developed trade and cultural life. The city, which is known to have received support from Alexander the Great, gradually lost its former importance as it moved away from the sea due to the alluvial deposits carried by the Büyük Menderes River.