Mersin International Music Festival

The Mersin International Music Festival, affectionately known as "Merfest" is an annual celebration of music held in the vibrant city of Mersin, Turkey. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has showcased an eclectic mix of artists from Turkey and around the globe, including Spain, Italy, the United States, Hungary, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, and Korea.

Initially organized by the Mersin Cultural Society, the festival management was taken over by the Mersin Art Activities Society in 2008. A significant milestone was achieved in 2007 when the festival joined the prestigious European Festivals Association (EFA).

The festival's concerts are staged at a variety of venues across the city, such as the Mersin Cultural Center, the Congress and Exhibition Center, Uğur Oral Cultural Center, and the Amphitheater at Mersin University. In addition to these urban settings, special outdoor performances are held at unique locations like St. Paulus Church in Tarsus and the ancient ruins of Kanlıdivane, offering a blend of history and music. Tarsus is located 27 km east of Mersin, while Kanlıdivane is 55 km to the west.

The 2010 lineup was particularly memorable, featuring renowned artists such as İdil Biret, Group Lock Out, Group Turkuaz, Trio Libero, Yıldız İbrahimova, Satoko Tanaka, Jozsef Lendvay, Denyce Graves, Ilya Gringolts, Jass A Turca Quartet, Jassing Flamenco, and The Ahn Trio.

With its diverse and captivating performances, the Mersin International Music Festival continues to draw music lovers from all corners of the world, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about music.