Main areas of work related to the Convention:

ACTIVITIES The Folklore Institution Association carries out various projects with the aim of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and, through these projects, fosters cultural interactions at both national and international levels. The association strengthens cultural dialogue by collaborating with traditional art communities and conducts comprehensive studies in this process. Advisory committees, academicians, experts, and legal entities are established to guide the association's projects, contributing to their direction from an academic and professional perspective. Carrying out a range of activities aimed at preserving and promoting Turkish culture, the Folklore Institution Association engages a wide audience through events, educational programs, and social responsibility projects. These efforts are designed to sustain cultural heritage, encouraging participation from individuals of all age groups. PROJECTS Cultural Heritage Identification and Preservation Project: Projects aimed at researching, compiling, and preserving values related to Turkish folk culture. Traditional Handicrafts Workshop: Projects that organize traditional handicrafts workshops, bringing together masters and apprentices. Folklore Education and Awareness: Projects that provide folklore education to students and the public, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage. WORKSHOP VISITS Local Handicrafts Workshops: Visits organized to see traditional handicrafts in person and work alongside the masters. Practical Demonstration of Folk Arts: Performances where folk dances and performing arts are showcased through practical demonstrations by amateur and professional artists. Promotion: On the institution's social media page, which is one of the most important promotional tools of today, current news and promotions for each of our members are shared, and careful efforts are made to raise awareness and promote our folklore TRAININGS 1. Folklore and Cultural Heritage Seminars The Folklore Institution Association organizes seminars and educational programs aimed at preserving and promoting Turkish folk culture. These events encourage the sharing of knowledge in the field of folklore studies and contribute to the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations. 2. Social Responsibility Trainings Social responsibility trainings, organized for various segments of society, focus on the social impact and significance of folklore. These programs aim to help individuals recognize cultural values and take ownership of them. 3. eacher Training Programs The Folklore Institution Association offers specialized training programs for teachers to integrate folklore into the school curriculum. These programs assist educators in incorporating folkloric elements into their lesson plans, helping students become more familiar with cultural heritage. 4. Practical Handicrafts Courses The practical handicrafts courses organized by the association aim to preserve traditional handicrafts and pass them on to new generations. These courses provide participants with practical skills, ensuring the continuity of cultural production. 5. Folk Dance and Folk Music Training The Folklore Institution Association organizes training programs in folk dance and folk music, preserving and promoting the authenticity of these art forms. Participants have the opportunity to learn and perform traditional repertoires under the guidance of expert instructors. 6. Folk Theater Training Folk theater courses are organized to promote and sustain traditional theater forms. These trainings provide participants with the opportunity to learn staging techniques and bring traditional stories to life. 7. Compilation and Archiving Studies The association offers training programs on compiling and archiving folkloric elements, helping participants develop research and documentation skills. These efforts are of great importance for the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage. 8. Folk Studies Journal Additionally, the "Folklore/Folk Studies Journal," published by the association, is one of the most established and respected periodicals in the field of folk studies in Turkey. It is widely used as a reference source by the academic community and researchers. This journal makes a significant contribution to the documentation, archiving, and interpretation of folk culture using scientific methods. EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS The association organizes national and international festivals and fairs. By participating in these events, it represents folk dances, folk music, traditional handicrafts, and traditional folk theater, while also taking on active roles in the organization of these events. International Relations Aiming to be a recognized executive body in the field of traditional arts and crafts internationally, the association develops projects in collaboration with national and international organizations. It cooperates with institutions such as CID {International Dance Council), FIDAF {International Dance Festivals Federation), and CIOFF {International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals). The association has been actively involved in the International Bi.iyi.ik~ekmece Culture and Art Festival for 26 years. Cultural Exchange Programs: Organizing cultural exchange programs in collaboration with folkloric institutions abroad. International Conferences and Seminars: Conferences and seminars attended at the international level for the preservation and promotion of folklore. Participation in International Events: Participating in international festivals and cultural organizations to promote Turkish folklore. Awards; "Respect to Masters" nights organized under the slogan "Respect to Masters" to honour folklorists and masters who have been recognized for their work in the field, with over 40 years of experience, in line with the association's mission and vision. National and International Awards: Awards won by the Folklor Association in the field of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Cultural Heritage Preservation Awards: Awards given to individuals who contribute to the preservation of folk culture. INVENTORIES Folk Art Inventory: An inventory of works such as oral traditions, stories, fairy tales, and songs belonging to Turkish folk culture. Handicrafts Inventory: An inventory of traditional handicrafts and handmade products. Rituals and Social Practices Inventory: An inventory documenting social rituals such as birth, weddings, and death, as well as traditional practices and beliefs. Photo and Video Archives: Archives that collect visual documents of folkloric performances, festivals, and cultural events.