The International Izmir Sephardic Culture Festival keeps alive and shares the Sephardi culture that has been part of Izmir since the sixteenth century. Through exhibitions, concerts, talks and film screenings, it brings local and international artists and researchers together around the music, cuisine, language and traditions of Sephardi Izmir.
- When: around Hanukkah, in December
- Organiser: İzmir Sephardic Culture Collective
- Founding director: Nesim Bencoya
- Support: Konak Municipality; Jewish Community Foundation
When it happens
The festival is held around Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Events begin shortly before Hanukkah and continue until the last candle is lit, usually in December. The programme for each edition is announced in the autumn.
Who runs it
The festival was founded under the direction of Nesim Bencoya. It is now organised by the İzmir Sephardic Culture Collective, with support from the Konak Municipality and the Jewish Community Foundation of Izmir. Current programmes are published on the festival’s own website.