Harmanfolk
Istanbul Harman Folklore and Youth Sport Club (Harmanfolk) would like to invite your group to  participate at the International Ida Culture Festival, which will be held between May-September of  2012.  The Festival will be organized annually and is open to all cultures of the world.  Most programs will be held in the evenings on Saturday and Sunday performances and are approximately 20 -30 minutes shows accompanied by CD's or live music.  Up to 3 or 4 countries will be invited for each period of the festival. International Ida Culture Festival is open to children, youth and adult groups who would like to participate in Folk dance, modern dance, choir singing, street theatre and Brass band & Majorette categories. 

Introduction
Our aim is not only to bring different cultures together, but also to promote our history, which has been the center of civilization for many centuries. It is worth to experience lovely beaches of Aegean Sea, learn the mythology behind IDA Mountains, and explore gorgeous waterfalls; all at the West coast of Turkey.

Specipications of the Region
Situated at one of the West provinces of Turkey, called Balikesir, the Mount Ida retains this ancient magic hidden in its delightful trails and waterfalls; its rural charm and scenic views. The mountain’s healthy climate is a haven for climbers and trekkers.
It is also home to a range of arts and crafts, including some which date back to Nomadic Turkish tribes. Today, the the crystalline volcanic mass bears the more prosaic name of Kaz Dagi, meaning Goose Mountain.. Its 1,774 metre summit – called Karats – is the highest of a series of peaks, continues to soar above archetypal firs and a uniquely preserved flora.  But, the sibyls and soothsayers are long gone, and only a more homely “Sarikiz” legend still is narrated.

Besides the coastal and mountain scenery and the villages tumbling down their slopes, the Kaz mountains are renowned for the high oxygen content of the air. 
The U-shaped Şahin Deresi (Hawk Valley) canyon, some 600m in height, 700m in breadth and 27 km in length, acts as an effective chimney, casting the pine-scented air of the highlands out over the gulf, and drawing the iodised sea air back up into the mountains.
It is an ideal climate for those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis or infections of the respiratory tract.

Most programs will be held in the evenings on Saturday and Sunday Performances are approximately 20-30 minutes with CD or live music.We will  invite 3 or 4  countries every period of the festival in 2011. International  International Ida Culture Festival, 2012 is open to the groups such ( Folklore, Modern Dance, Brass band majorette , Choir singing groups, street theatre groups,children, young and adult groups). Festival organisation committee will provide to each group an English speaking guide; also will organize tours such visiting historical and touristic places, famous waterfall, public bazaar, and museum entry with fee.