Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival in Houston

The third annual Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival will be held on November 7th  and 8th at Hermann Square, in front of Houston’s City Hall (900 Smith St, Houston TX 77002 ) to celebrate the rich heritage of many different Turkic nations including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The festival promises an authentic weekend for the whole family members pleasing the eye, ear and tongues of all participants.

KIDS can enjoy all sorts of activities from the shadow theater, clowns, storytelling, face painting and games to Turkish cotton candy, special Turkish waffle treats, ice cream, Turkish delights, and more.

ADULTS can enjoy amazing views of traditional Ottoman and Kyrgyz Tents, live memorable performances of Turkic folk dances, authentic Turkic music, Turkish rock music, and the Ottoman Military Band, the artistic demonstrations of water marbling, calligraphy, illuminations, and ceramic art, shopping  for hand-made ceramics and pottery, oriental rugs, throws, bags, decorative pillows, traditional jewelry, and handcrafts.

AND EVERYBODY can enjoy the aromas and tastes of rich Ottoman Turkish cuisine, sample gourmet food from restaurant and grocery stands, including kabobs, doner sandwiches, vegetable and meat dishes, desserts, baklava, Turkish delight, apricots, hazelnuts, and figs and can taste some popular Turkish culinary delights, have a slice of our unique ice cream or sip a cup of Turkish coffee.

Last year, the festival drew over 16,000 Houstonians. A 35 years old mom said “I wouldn’t get to see, watch and taste this much all in one day even if I visited Turkey. It was so educational, entertaining and tasteful for me, my husband, and for my kids.” This year Raindrop Turkish House is expecting that the festival will attract over 20,000 visitors and guests.

For more information about this festival, please visit http://www.turkicfest.org

Turkish Days in New York

The “Turkish Days in New York” festival showcased the Anatolian Civilizations, Turkic & Balkan cultures and traditions, and modern Turkey to all New Yorkers last week. The festivities started on Sunday, September 27th and continued through Sunday, October 4th 2009. The festival was organized by the Turkish Cultural Center New York and supported by TABID, the Turkish-American Business Improvement & Development Council.

During the festival, New Yorkers experienced an unforgettable week of Turkish hospitality as they walked through custom-designed world famous Grand Bazaar booths and an Istanbul panorama; danced to the rhythms of the Ottoman Janissary Band; experienced the devotion of Whirling Dervishes; enjoyed the finest Turkic and Balkan Folklore performances; watched three contemporary Turkish movies; explored Turkish arts and crafts; and taste the famous Turkish & Balkan cuisines.

The Turkish Festival has become a tradition which is celebrated by Turkish-Americans, Turkic & Balkan nations together with American friends and families. Last year, more than 25,000 people-- most of whom were non-Turkish--- visited the Festival at the Central Park in Manhattan. New Yorkers tasted and enjoyed its famous Turkish cuisine. This year, the festival showcased again the best Turkish and Balkan cuisines to New Yorkers.

For more information about this great event, visit http://www.turkishdaysinny.org/