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International Mesir Paste Festival

The Mesir Paste Festival, held annually in Manisa and celebrated during the Nevruz week (March 21-24), is one of the most important traditions of the region as a cultural and traditional event that has been going on for nearly 400 years. The festival celebrates not only the preparation of mesir paste, a healing food, but also its historical story. If you would like to participate in the International Mesir Paste Festival, click to buy your flight ticket now.


What is Mesir Paste?

The origin of mesir paste dates back to Hafsa Sultan, the mother of Suleiman the Magnificent. When the Sultan contracted a mysterious illness in Manisa, the famous physician of the period, Merkez Efendi, presented this mixture, which he prepared by combining 41 different herbs and spices, to Hafsa Sultan. Mesir paste is made with traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation and contains many different spices such as anise, saffron, ginger, and cloves. During the preparation process, the chef checks the freshness of the ingredients and also passes this tradition on to his apprentices, thus keeping the secrets of mesir paste alive.


The festival begins with the cooking of mesir paste by praying. At least three tons of the healing mixture are prepared every year and women wrap them in colored paper and scatter them to the public from the Sultan Mosque minaret. This moment turns into a colorful feast where thousands of people enthusiastically participate by trying to catch the mesir pastes in the air. The festivities continue with events such as traditional processions, folk dances, concerts and various competitions throughout the festival.


When is the International Mesir Paste Festival

The Mesir Paste Festival is an important social event that showcases Manisa's hospitality and brings together participants from all over Turkey. The Sultan Mosque and Complex, where the festival is held, is a place where this tradition is kept alive and cultural heritage is preserved and maintained, and was declared a protected area by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1988. It is held on March 21-24.


This festival, which was included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity by UNESCO in 2012, introduces Manisa's cultural richness and traditions to the world while also ensuring that local people continue to live this heritage. The festival reaches a wider audience with international photography competitions and media attention every year, becoming an important event that promotes the city and Turkey.