HaliçFest’26 Brought Festival Spirit to Campus

HaliçFest’26, which lasted three days at our university, brought students together through art, sports, gastronomy, cinema, music and cultural events.

The festival began on its first day with the “International Day” event. At stands set up across the campus, international students shared cultural elements, traditional foods, and aspects of daily life from their home countries with students. The event gave students the opportunity to present their own cultures and learn more about different countries. In the international fashion show, students took the stage in traditional outfits, while dance and music performances created a festival atmosphere. DJ performances and cultural presentations added color to the event.

Within the festival program, the Altınboynuz Short Film Festival brought together students interested in cinema. Short film screenings, jury evaluations and acting workshops attracted strong interest from students. The day continued with an open-air cinema screening.

On the second day of HaliçFest’26, leading figures from the gastronomy world met with students. At GastroFest’26, organized by the Gastronomy Club, talks, workshops and tasting events were held. In sessions titled “Gastronomy Everywhere” “Following the Taste with Chefs” and “From Production to Consumption” industry representatives shared their experiences. The “Dessert Plating Workshop” led by Chef Volkan Aslan attracted strong interest. Throughout the event, hands-on activities and tastings were closely followed by students.

One of the highlights of the second day was the “Contrast Transformation Fashion Show” organized by the Department of Textile and Fashion Design, Faculty of Fine Arts. The students’ designs were highly appreciated for their creative approaches and original interpretations. The play titled “Yalan” performed by the Performing Arts Club and a creative drama workshop also took place within the festival program.

The third day of the festival began with an opening parade. Students participated in the campus walk in high numbers. Stands set up by student clubs contributed to the festival atmosphere. Throughout the day, workshops, sports activities, VR experience areas and various events were carried out with active student participation.

The festival concluded with a concert by Güneş, who met with students and brought the festival atmosphere to its peak with her performance. Students sang along throughout the concert, and the campus turned into a vibrant festival space filled with music and energy. At the end of the performance, Güneş was presented with a plaque by our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. N. Öykü İyigün.