Sand sculptures on display in Antalya

The 9th International Sand Sculpture Festival has opened in the southern province of Antalya's Lara beach. This year the festival was organized around the theme of the Seven Wonders of the World and mythology.

The festival has been joined by 22 sculptors from nine countries and more than 10 tons of sand was used for the hundreds of giant sculptures. The official opening ceremony of the festival will be organized on June 13. 

The seven wonders of the ancient world, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis, have been presented in the festival. The Great Pyramid of Giza has drawn the highest interest. 

Created by Latvian Karlis and Maija Puncule in 10 days, nearly 1000 tons of sand was used for the Pyramid of Giza. "People's interest is great. We bring them to a travel to ancient Egypt," festival director Cem Karaca said. 

He said the festival opened after a one-month delay because of a change of the display area, adding they expected a record number of visitors this year. 

Also, the cine-vision screenings in the festival area show visitors the production phase of the sculptures. The festival will be open at the Lara Birlik Public Beach between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. every day through the end of November.