The event is the country’s largest international tourism platform with delegates from every Turkish city showing off what makes them unique in a bid to attract visitors. One of the booths that drew the biggest crowds was that of Diyarbakir, the largest Kurdish-populated city in Turkey's southeast, where loud Kurdish music was played and traditional Kurdish dance was performed.
"Izmir is Diyarbakir of the west and Diyarbakir is Izmir of the east. Therefore, there is a very strong connection between Diyarbakir and Izmir," Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer told Rudaw. "There is both a cultural connection and a social connection. Therefore, we will continue to maintain those links."
Many Kurds who live in Izmir visited the Diyarbakir booth.
"We see our culture and art here, in the Kurdish language... We are very happy with our Kurdish food, and Kurdish lifestyle," said visitor Aziz Dayan.
"We see our city, our country, our customs and are very happy," said Jalal Tatar, another Kurdish resident of Izmir.
Turks and foreigners were also amazed by the beauty of Diyarbakir's tourist attractions and its unique history, tradition, and culture.
"I am in love with their Kurdishness, their music, and everything they do," said Selma Canca, a resident of Izmir.
Izmir is a popular tourist spot on the Aegean Sea.
