Virgin Mary Commemoration 2026 will be held in August at Arsuz's historic church. As every year, thousands from different faith groups will gather with a message of peace and tolerance.
Ceremony Program
- Special service and prayer ceremony at the church
- Peace walk from city center to the church
- Interfaith dialogue panel
- Traditional Hatay refreshments and socializing
- Guided tours of the historic church and surroundings
Tradition of Tolerance
Hatay has been a region where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities have lived in peace for centuries. The Virgin Mary Commemoration is one of the most meaningful expressions of this unique tolerance tradition. Every year, visitors from Turkey and around the world participate in this meaningful ceremony, experiencing the beauty of coexistence.