Afyonkarahisar, often overlooked as a mere stopover, is a city of rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance in Türkiye. The 23rd Afyonkarahisar Jazz Music Festival celebrated Turkish and Czech jazz, featuring performances and school activities. Historical landmarks include the first dervish lodge in Anatolia, the Afyonkarahisar Castle, and the Phrygian Valley with its ancient dwellings and the city of Midas. The thermal waters of Afyon are renowned for their therapeutic properties, offering stress relief and health benefits. The NG Afyon Hotel enhances this experience with its spa area. Afyon also boasts a rich gastronomy, highlighted by local dishes and unique treats like Florentinç, served at the NG Afyon Hotel.

The German Consulate in Istanbul commemorated International Women's Day by hosting the 'Art for Women' exhibition, curated by Tanja Regenbrecht. The event included a screening of 'Dying to Divorce' by Chloe Fairweather and a concert featuring Consul General Johannes Regenbrecht. The exhibition, curated by Gülin Hayat Topdemir, showcased paintings by female artists and pledged proceeds to Mor Çatı, a women's shelter. Among the artworks, Tanja Regenbrecht's 'Pray for Ukraine' was highlighted.

Van, a city in eastern Anatolia, Turkey, is celebrated for its historical significance and deep-rooted myths. The region is home to the Urartian Van Castle, the Menua Irrigation Canal, and the Tariria project, which aims to preserve and promote Van's heritage through culture, art, and gastronomy. The Holy Cross Church on Akdamar Island is a medieval Armenian architectural marvel, and local legends such as the Lake Van Monster add to the area's mystique. Initiatives like the Tariria project, led by Homage Hospitality, seek to create employment and education opportunities while preserving local species and gastronomic values. The article also recounts the efforts of Turkish writer Yaşar Kemal in preserving the Akdamar Church.

Luis Garcia Montero, director general of the Cervantes Institute, visited Istanbul to mark a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Türkiye and the Spanish-speaking world. He highlighted the increasing popularity of the Spanish language among the younger generations in Türkiye. The Istanbul branch of the Cervantes Institute, led by Fernando Martinez-Vara de Rey, has been actively promoting Spanish culture. Montero also announced plans to open a Cervantes Institute presence in Ankara. Spanish and Turkish cultures share a closeness with historical interactions and common values. Turkish TV series have gained popularity in Spain, with high demand noted by Jose Antonio Anton, vice president of Atresmedia Group.

Chilean illustrator Catalina V. Hulsbus has unveiled her exhibition 'Ibero-American Myths and Legends' at the Chilean Embassy in Ankara, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy. The exhibition features 16 drawings that vividly depict various myths, aiming to map Chile's geography through these stories. Hulsbus highlights the importance of preserving oral traditions and has created a 'myth dictionary' with geographical markers. She plans to expand the exhibition to Istanbul with 24 illustrations.

Colombian author Laura Restrepo, known for her impactful storytelling, participated in an event in Istanbul commemorating the 100th death anniversary of Colombian writer Alvaro Mutis. Restrepo shared insights on Mutis' literary legacy and her recent experiences in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by its people and the broader global implications. She emphasized the urgency of addressing Gaza's situation, drawing parallels with global issues like forced migrations. Restrepo's reflections on Mutis' work, particularly his character Maqroll, underscore themes of adventure and the human condition amid societal upheavals.

The review of 'Wonka' highlights the film as an entertaining yet somewhat shallow reimagining of Roald Dahl's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' Timothee Chalamet's portrayal of a young Willy Wonka is seen as charming but not as impactful as previous versions by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. Directed by Paul King, the film is praised for its humor and clever nuances but criticized for not fully capturing the mysterious transformation of Wonka. The narrative touches on themes of the American dream and perseverance, with the protagonist overcoming obstacles to achieve his dream of opening a chocolate factory. Despite its shortcomings, the film leaves viewers with a strong craving for chocolate.

Spanish guitarist Igor Gayarre performed a flamenco fusion concert in Istanbul, blending Spanish musical heritage with Sufi influences. The event, organized by the Embassy of Spain and the Cervantes Institute, took place at the historic Yeldeğirmeni Sanat Merkezi. Gayarre, inspired by his spiritual experiences in Istanbul and a life-altering accident, delivered a performance that included improvisations and a tribute to Paco de Lucia. The concert highlighted Gayarre's deep connection to Istanbul's culture and his appreciation for its rich and diverse environment.

Roman Nedilsky, the Ukrainian Consul General in Istanbul, reflects on his diplomatic mission in Turkey, highlighting the strong humanitarian bond between Ukraine and Turkey, especially in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The consulate has been pivotal in channeling aid from Turkey to Ukraine, with over 150 trucks of supplies sent. Nedilsky and his family have embraced Turkish culture, enjoying local music, cuisine, and customs. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, the consul general expresses gratitude for the support from Turkey and shares personal anecdotes about adapting to life in Istanbul.

In 2023, Türkiye's centenary of its republic and the Treaty of Lausanne was celebrated with a musical composition by François Lindemann, blending Turkish and Swiss cultures. The world premiere took place in Ankara, followed by a performance in Istanbul's CRR Concert Hall, conducted by Murat Cem Orhan. The event featured insights from Swiss Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch, Lindemann, Orhan, and percussionist Okay Temiz, emphasizing the cultural and diplomatic significance. The concert included Lindemann's compositions and other pieces, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Türkiye and Switzerland.