Director: Mr. Ibrahim Damar We would like to invite your folk dance group to participate in the Troia International Folk Dance Festival which will be held in Çanakkale Turkey between the dates June 28 and July 1 , 2018. One of the main aims of our festival is to provide an opportunity for the participating groups to learn about each other’s cultures. The purpose of the organizers is to make bridge between the cultures and contribute to Word peace. Every year we are hosting different countries in our festivals. Festivals, that focus on cultural or specifically ethnic topics also seek to inform members of their traditions and the involvement of community elders sharing stories and experience provides a means for unity among families. We have a big honour with meeting new friends. The participants will have good opportunity to learn about the culture and folklore of Turkish and enjoy summer time in Çanakkale and also get chance to visit Troia and Assos Ancient Cities and to see Troy Horse. Looking forward to welcoming you in our country, learning as much as possible about your culture, and developing lifelong friendship relations. Çanakkale, is a town and seaport in Turkey, in Çanakkale Province, on the southern (Asian) coast of the Dardanelles (or Hellespont) at their narrowest point. Çanakkale Province, like Istanbul Province, has territory in both Europe and Asia. Ferries cross here to the northern (European) side of the strait. Çanakkale is the nearest major town to the site of ancient Troia. The "wooden horse" from the 2004 movie “Troy” is exhibited on the seafront. Troia in Mythology: In mythology, the hill on which the city was founded , is the place the goddess Athena thrown down from Olympus by Zeus. The founder of Troy named Ilios who is the son of Tros from descandant of Dardanos dynasty. Tros won a competition held by the King of Phrygiaand was given a black bull as a reward. When the bull stopped where he decided to build a city.For that reason the city was known as Troia because of its founder. Trojan horse - legend: Paris, son of king Priam, fell in love for Helen, a beautiful wife of Menelaus and misssed her to Troy with force. In response of this event, Menelaus taking the allies declared war on Troy. The Trojans with their Anatolian alliens began defending Troy and the war took years and years. The soldiers in both sides were tired and bored. Odysseus, the famous hero of Greek troops, thought he would be making a wooden horse is the ideal way with the armed troops hidden inside to capture Troy. A giant wooden horse was made and soldiers with waepons left in the city gate of Troy. Trojans thought that the Greek forces have gone and they have opened the Gates and have began to celebrate their victory. At the night time, armed soldiers who were hidden in the wooden horse came out and took over the city from drunken Trojans in a short time. It has been a great legend and has been known as Trojan horse all over the world later. Assos: Assos (Greek: Άσσος), also known as Behramkale or for short Behram, is a small historically rich town in the Ayvacık district of the Çanakkale Province, Turkey. After leaving the Platonic Academy in Athens, Aristotle went to Assos, where he was welcomed by King Hermias, and opened an Academy in this city. Aristotle also married Pythias, the adopted daughter of Hermias. In the Academy of Assos, Aristotle became a chief to a group of philosophers, and together with them, he made innovative observations onzoology and biology. When theattacked Assos, King Hermias was caught and put to death. Aristotle fled to, which was ruled by his friend King Philip II of Macedon. There, he tutored Philip's son, Alexander the Great. There is a modern statue of Aristotle at the town entrance. Assos was also visited by St. Paul.Today, Assos is an Aegean-coast seaside retreat amid ancient ruins. Participation fee: 80 Euro per person - 3 nights accommodation on base Halfboard Each 25th participant - free of charge. (24 paying + 1 free) Participation fee includes: 3 days accommodation (Hald Board); An English - speaking guide; Gifts for each person, certificates of participation; Organizational expenses; Entrance the Troia and Assos Ancient Cities Free parking Tourist guides for ancient cities Certificate for attendance Program: 28 June 2018 18.30 - Group Leaders Meeting. 19.00 - Dinner. 29 June 2018 09.00 - Breakfast. 10.00 - Ancient Troia City Tour. 18.00 - Dinner. 19.00 - Cortege. 20.30 - Dance Performance (festival 1) at Çanakkale. 30 June 2018 09.00 - Breakfast. 10.00- Assos Tour (Visit Assos Ancient City and Free time, beach, sea). 18.00 - Dinner. 19.00 - Cortege. 20.30 - Gala Performance at Çan Amphi Theatre (festival 2). * After the show live music band and DJ performance. 1 July 2018 09.00 - Breakfast. Departure. Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.