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

Turkey Leading Tolerance in Education

Last week, İstanbul has hosted some of the most significant figures involved in promoting tolerance and dialogue in education. Their meeting in İstanbul, a city comprising a mosaic of various cultures and religions, was noteworthy in this sense.

The Pedagogical Club of European Capitals gathered high-profile officials from educational institutions from 25 Asian and European countries in a conference entitled "Tolerance and Dialogue in Education" on Sept. 27-28 in İstanbul. Positive messages regarding tolerance in education were made throughout the conference. The delegates were provided with a comprehensive tour of İstanbul both before and after the conference leaving them with a lasting impression of the city.

The Dialogue Eurasia Platform (DEP) together with the İstanbul Municipal Education Administration and the İstanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency launched the conference in İstanbul on Monday under the title of "Tolerance and Dialogue in Education" and concluded on Sept. 29 with policy recommendations for various institutions and governments from the participating countries. Speaking at the conference's opening ceremony, head of İstanbul Education Department Muammer Yıldız stressed the importance of education and communication.

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Speaking at the conference, head of the Pedagogical Club of European Capitals, Boris Zhebrovski, said Turkey is a country leading in tolerance in education. "There are three key words in accomplishing major works: education, tolerance and understanding," Zhebrovski argued.

Pointing out the global threats in today's world, DEP co-Chair Harun Tokak said: "Global issues threaten us. There are dangers to our children like drugs, gambling, terror and war. These all alarm us. It is our responsibility to hold similar conferences." Adding to his points about global threats, he claimed that poverty is also one of the biggest problems the world is facing today. "Only education can help tackle these problems," Tokak said.

Co-chair of the DEP and honorary chair of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oriental Studies, Rostislav Rybakov delivered important messages to institute tolerance and dialogue in education thus paving the way for peace in the world. "The spiritual crisis is far more important than the deep economic recession, today," Rybakov stated, noting the tremendous danger children face with respect to problems associated with spirituality. "Only after tackling the spiritual crisis can mankind address the problems of the economic crisis," Rybakov said.

It was decided to send the outcomes of the conference and final policy recommendations released on Sept. 29 to the education ministries of participating countries, UNESCO and the UN.

To read the full article, please visit: http://en.fgulen.com/press-room/news/3465-zhebrovski-turkey-a-leader-in-tolerance-in-education

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/