The 30th International Golden Karagöz Folk Dance Competition was held in July on stages throughout Bursa. Internationally renowned, the competitive festival aims to promote intercultural friendship through folk dance. This year’s event drew dance ensembles from 23 countries scattered throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. The 30th Golden Karagöz award went to the troupe from Serpay Folklore Ethnographic Studio in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

The cultures, colors, sounds, and dances displayed at such an internationally flavored competition are a sight to behold. Local photographer Özgür Altınkaynak spent some time at the festival capturing many of the dance groups on film. Here are a few of his photos from this year’s competition.

Bafochi Folkloric Ballet of Chile, Santiago, Chile

Artistic Ensemble of Songs and Dances, Mitrovica, Kosovo

Tunisian National Popular Art Troupe, Tunis, Tunisia

Esimde, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Merani, Tblisi, Georgia

Le Pount Djibouti Folk Dance Ensemble, Djibouti

State Republican Korean Theater of Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan

The winning ensemble: Serpay Folklore Ethnographic Studio, Asbgabat, Turkmenistan

Cultures, colors, and international friendship through folk dance

Please see Özgür’s other contributions to The Best of Bursa: Village Scenes, Natural Bursa, and Muradiye from Two Perspectives.