Turkish village Faymonville hosts colorful carnival in Belgium
The traditional carnival organized by the residents of Faymonville village, who have defined themselves as "Turks" for centuries, take place in Liege, Belgium, March 3, 2025. (AA Photo)
The traditional carnival organized in Faymonville, a village in Belgium that has defined itself as “Turkish” for centuries, took place in Liege on Monday. The village was adorned in red and white, with a vibrant procession featuring Turkish flags and a band leading the parade through the streets.
The event, held in the cultural center with its distinctive red and white sign, brought together a large crowd preparing for the festivities. Locals from Faymonville, as well as visitors from neighboring villages, joined the parade, dancing in colorful costumes and showering onlookers with confetti and sweets.
A village with a unique ‘Turkish’ heritage
The residents of Faymonville attribute their “Turkish” nickname to their ancestors’ refusal to pay church taxes centuries ago. This unique heritage is celebrated every year during the carnival, with villagers donning creative costumes and immersing themselves in the festive spirit.
The residents of Faymonville attribute their “Turkish” nickname to their ancestors’ refusal to pay church taxes centuries ago. This unique heritage is celebrated every year during the carnival, with villagers donning creative costumes and immersing themselves in the festive spirit.
Faymonville, a village in the Walloon region of Belgium’s Liege province under the Waimes district, stands out with its Turkish identity. Despite having no Turkish residents, this identity holds a proud and unifying meaning for both the villagers and Turkish residents settled across Europe, palpable in every corner of the village.
Situated amid mountainous and dense forests, the captivating nature of Faymonville hosts a small population of 925 residents. While strolling through the village, one can see crescent star symbols and the word “Turk” inscribed everywhere.
A concrete Turkish flag is embedded in the entrance floor of the old town hall, and the wind vane on its roof also displays the same flag. The cultural center in the village square and the emblem of the football club “R.F.C. Turkania” also feature the crescent star.
Voices from carnival: Pride and joy
Nesime Osten, who traveled with her family from Brussels, expressed her excitement, telling Anadolu Agency, “I’ve dreamed of coming to Faymonville for years. It is such an honor to see the Turkish flag here.”
Her husband, Kemal Osten, shared the sentiment, saying, “I am proud to see the Turkish flag waving in Faymonville.”
Koksal Oldogan, a visitor from Cologne, Germany, joined the event for the first time. “Being part of a carnival with Turkish flags and a Turkish name in Belgium, the capital of Europe, made me proud. We must fly our flag everywhere,” he said.
Eray Temiz, who came from Gent, Belgium, learned about the “Turkish village” and its carnival online. “Traveling 230 kilometers was worth it. It’s a lively and fun carnival, and we plan to come every year. It felt like being in Türkiye—some even call it a ‘Little Türkiye’,” he remarked.
Legends about Faymonville’s Turkish origins
There are three common legends associated with Faymonville. The first involves refusing to send soldiers for the Crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries. The second legend dates back to the 16th century when the village began to be referred to as “Turks” by neighboring villages for not wanting to pay taxes to the church, which was collecting money to fight against the Ottoman Empire. The third legend attributes the village’s survival from German occupation to its Turkish identity, which further strengthened its identity.
Faymonville holds a unique place in Europe with its Turkish identity. This small village stands out as a beautiful example of friendship and cooperation established between Turks and Belgians throughout history. The village’s carnival and cultural heritage continue to celebrate this culture of friendship and coexistence.
The Faymonville carnival, with its unique blend of cultural pride and vibrant festivities, continues to attract visitors from near and far, celebrating a centuries-old tradition in the heart of Belgium.
