The 61st Tradesmen’s Festival and the 38th Akhism Week celebrations began with great enthusiasm in Kırşehir, the capital of Akhism. The opening ceremony, held on September 22, 2025, started with a ceremonial cannon shot from Kırşehir Castle, followed by a wreath-laying at the Atatürk Monument in Cacabey Square. The festivities continued with a visit to the tomb at the Ahi Evran-ı Veli Complex and a cortege procession along the city’s main streets.The opening ceremony of the week-long celebrations was attended by Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, Kırşehir Members of parliament Necmettin Erkan and Dr. Metin İlhan, Kırşehir Mayor Selahattin Ekicioğlu, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, along with other local officials, institutional representatives, tradespeople, and citizens.

The celebration program began with an opening ceremony at Cacabey Square, followed by the serving of traditional Ahi Pilaf, halva, and sherbet with the participation of our university’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil. Emphasizing the significance of Akhism culture, Rector Karahocagil stated that Akhism was born in Kırşehir and spread from here to the entire world. He also highlighted the important role played by Kırşehir Ahi Evran University—named after Ahi Evran-ı Veli—in promoting and preserving the Akhism tradition. “As Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, we have inherited the culture of Akhism in the education of our youth, who represent our future,” said Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil.

As part of the week-long Akhism Week celebrations, our city and university will host a wide range of events. Among these, the 8th International Akhism Symposium on “Futuwwa and Futuwwatnames” will be held on September 26, 2025, at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University.

Click here for the 38th Akhism Week Event Program.