Director: Aleksandar Mojsoski With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on I “International BOSPHORUS Folk Dance and Music festival” 27 – 31 October 2020 Istanbul, Turkey. This festival is the perfect occasion for different groups from various countries to gather together so that they could express their culture and nation through dances, music and interesting national costumes. Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics. Istanbul is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. While the majority of the population are Muslims, it's a mix of cultures and backgrounds fused together in one city. It has a mix of Jewish, Greek and Armenian populations. Istanbul has an ancient and diverse history as a meeting point between East and West, Asia and Europe. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, it became the city of Byzantium after Greek settlement in the 7th century BCE. Renamed Constantinople in 330 CE, it was successively the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Ankara became the capital of Turkey, but Istanbul remains at the centre of Turkish economic and cultural life. Today Istanbul is a megacity, with over 14 million residents, and is soon to become Europe’s most populous metropolitan area. Its population has grown explosively since the middle of the twentieth century, when it had less than 1 million residents. Most of this growth has been driven by internal migration from rural areas. Istanbul has benefited from Turkey’s vibrant economy, one of the fastest growing in Europe. One of its major challenges is dealing with the consequences of that growth, developing the infrastructure to accommodate its new residents while retaining access to green space, water resources and a high quality of life. Istanbul has numerous shopping centers, from the historic to the modern. The Grand Bazaar, in operation since 1461, is among the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Istanbul has active nightlife and historic taverns, a signature characteristic of the city for centuries if not millennia. Along İstiklal Avenue is the Çiçek Pasajı, now home to winehouses (known as meyhanes), pubs, and restaurants. All this beauties in Turkish Metropolitan city and lot of fun is waiting for you on our festival. Come and join the best festival experience ever. Travel and dance with us in Istanbul, Turkey… Festival program: 27 October 2020 14.00 Arriving in Istanbul, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time 18.00 – 20.00 Dinner in hotel 21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups 28 October 2020 7.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 15.00 Istanbul sightseeing with organized local tour guides and Bosphorus boat tour (15euro per person) 17.30 – 18.30 Dinner in hotel 19.30 Ensemble parade 20.00 Official festival evening Welcome Speech Open air performance Singing and dancing together 29 October 2020 7.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 18.00 Visiting Galata Tower, Taksim Square and Uskudar – Maiden’s Tower (with own busses) 17.30 – 18.30 Dinner in hotel 20.0 Second festival evening 30 October 2020 7.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.30 – 12.00 Excursion to Kadikoy, on the way back visiting Mall of Istanbul.. 19.00 – 20.00 Dinner in hotel 21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival, party with all groups, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles… 31 October 2020 7.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 12.00 Departure General rules for participation: In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs and music bands from all over the world. Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands festival. Ensemble should have prepared at least 2-3 dances, 12-15 minutes each with USB or orchestra. Folklore groups should take a flag of their country and minimum 4 gifts for the municipality visits and organizers. Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. All filled in and signed applications will mean acceptance of the terms laid by the present regulation. The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country). Groups have to send us short CV and min.6 photos of the group by e-mail. Until 20th of September 2020 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number. Folklore groups should have there own transport for arrival and departure. For the groups arriving by plane the festival committee will arrange their airport and festival transfers free of charge. Participation fee: 89 Euro for 3 HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day) 119 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day) It covers hotel accommodation with 2 meals per day in 4* Reis Inn HOTEL, Sarrisa Hotel 4* or similira 4* hotels in Beylikduzu or another municipalities in Istanbul Turkey Addition day can be booked for 30 euro/person/day with half board service Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge! Participation fee includes: Participation in the festival concerts, Professional sound, stage and light equipment. Accommodation in 4* Hotels (3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5€/person/day, supplement for single room is 10€/person/day), Half Board hotel accommodation Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups Souvenir and gift for each group Certificate for attendance Drinks during the performance Participation fee does not include: Transport (for arrival and departure) Optional Boat Tour Program Insurance What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes” Invitation letter will be provided if needed. 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.