Historic Pavli Fair Kicks Off in Türkiye’s Northwest

The 116th edition of the historic Pavli Fair has opened in Pehlivanköy, Kırklareli, in northwestern Türkiye, attracting thousands of visitors for four days of trade, traditional food, entertainment and local culture.

Officially known as the Autumn Animal and Commodity Fair, the event runs from September 10 to 13 and remains one of the most distinctive annual traditions in the Thrace region.

A 116-year-old tradition

The fair dates back to the Ottoman era. Sultan Abdulhamid II ordered its establishment 116 years ago as a marketplace for livestock and to support animal trade in the region.

Over time, Pavli Fair evolved from a livestock market into a wider commercial and cultural gathering. Today, it brings together traders, local producers, families and visitors from across the region.

Kırklareli Governor Uğur Turan described Pavli Fair as the oldest fair in Türkiye and the only surviving one in Thrace, highlighting its importance for preserving local traditions and supporting the regional economy.

When tractor trailers become caravans

One of the fair’s most unusual traditions is the way local families turn tractor trailers into temporary homes.

In the past, visitors arrived with ox carts and used them for accommodation. Today, decorated tractor trailers serve a similar purpose. Some families bring their vehicles to Pehlivanköy weeks before the event to secure a good spot and stay throughout the fair.

For many local residents, this is much more than a weekend event. Families prepare for Pavli Fair throughout the year, with some treating it almost like a holiday that brings several generations together.

Food, trade and entertainment

The fair combines traditional commerce with entertainment. Visitors can find local delicacies, handicrafts, food stalls and amusement rides, alongside traders selling regional products.

Local residents also use the occasion to stock up for the winter, preparing and buying products such as dried soup mixtures and pickles.

Among the traders is Burhan Dişlioğlu, who has been working at the fair for 11 years and sells cheese halva and Kavala cookies.

Folk dance groups, an Ottoman-style Janissary band and a marching band were also part of the opening celebrations at Zübeyde Hanım Square.

A fair that still brings generations together

For older residents, Pavli Fair is closely connected with childhood memories. Seventy-two-year-old Fatma Bayrak said she has been attending since she was five.

Other visitors describe the fair as a family tradition passed down through generations. Some families have been bringing their tractor trailers for more than 15 years, while others arrive almost a month in advance.

The Pavli Fair will continue until September 13, 2026, once again bringing together the commercial traditions, food and everyday culture of Thrace.