Turkic Fest | Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival

Houston’s City Hall hosted the first ever Turkic Festival in Texas

September 8-9, 2007, Houston’s City Hall hosted the first ever Turkic Festival in Texas with participation over 7,000 spectators. The event’s major sponsor was Raindrop Turkevi, a Turkish non-profit organization that promotes Turkic cultures and heritage throughout their several branches within Texas.
The Festival received a number of dignitaries, which included councilmen, Texas state representatives, and consul generals. Texas House of Representatives was represented by Representative Hon. Dr. Alma Allen who expressed her gratitude and excitement to be at a festival that featured many cultures forming the wonderful mosaic of Texas. City of Houston Mayor Bill White was represented by Councilman MJ Khan who appreciated the participation and the variety of the Turkic cultures which enrich the City of Houston.
(Houston | September 8-9, 2007)
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Kiraathane: The Ottoman Coffee house evolves

As socialization was a very important aspect of Turkish culture, the coffee shops served as meeting grounds where a plethora of peoples gathered and exchanged news. Coffee and teas was just an excuse to hear the latest tidbits of the day.
But like anything else, Coffee houses did have its beginnings. The first coffee house was opened in Istanbul in 1473. With the rapid expansion of the Ottoman empire into much of Europe and the Middle East, coffee houses evolved into a place of assembly where locals could appreciate not only the fresh aroma of exotic coffees or sip on finely brewed tea, but also to listen to music, read books, play chess or other games like tavla and backgammon, or to merely listen to recitations of the latest works from Antar or Shahnameh.
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The Best of Turkic Handcrafts

Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival featured handcraft pieces that were carefully produced with the representation of the cultures their makers belong to. Hundreds of hand made clothing, carpets, scarves and souvenirs were on display for thousands of visitors that rushed to get their hands on some of the many pieces of such fine artwork. This entire collection ofhandiwork presented and sold during the festival benefited the charitable events through the non-profit organizations of the Turkic communities of Houston.
Houston Turkish Festival Turkish-American TX Texas Raindrop Turkevi Turkish cultural center

The Raindrop Foundation hosted a multi-cultural festival

The Raindrop Foundation hosted a multi-cultural festival this past weekend, Sept 8 and 9th, that showcased the kaleidoscope of varying peoples falling under the category of Turkic Peoples. Representative bodies and communities from as far as Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, The Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan celebrated the rich mosaic of variant cultures and heritages with the help of both local and international sponsors. Not only an educational accomplishment for those mesmerized by the amazing sights or for those involved, the Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival was an entertaining extravaganza that joined together international communities.
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2 free trips to Turkey from the festival in Houston

One of the busiest booths during the Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival was Ebru TV. Ebru TV which defines its mission as "to continually educate, inspire and entertain viewers of all ages through original first-rate programming in the sciences, sporting events, fine arts and every aspect of culture." sent two persons to Turkey for free.
"We are proud to see thousands of Texans had shown their support by petitioning to put EbruTV, an up and coming network, on local cable networks." said Mr. Nalcaci, the producer of TV program "Reflections" at Ebru TV .
About Ebru TV
Ebru TV strive to foster understanding among all people through intercultural dialogue and mutual respect, thus promoting peace and diversity with our neighbors here and throughout the world.
www.ebru.tv

Houston Turkish Festival Turkish-American TX Texas Raindrop Turkevi Turkish cultural center

Turkish Homemade Food: The Taste of Turkey on the Bayou

While there wasn't any chili cook off or tail-gating here, Houstonians were able to chow down on some mighty good cooking thanks in part to the efforts of young ladies volunteering their time and effort at the Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival. With a variety of food running nearly from tent to tent, no one left empty stomached.
"I am afraid I gained some weight here. But, all of them are delicious, what can I do?" said Mrs. Johnson from Kingwood.
Homemade preparations of nearly two dozen different Turkish desserts, 19 various vegetarian meals, 17 meat-based meals, and a handful assortment of Turkish pastries (Borek, pogaca etc) gave this festival a chance to mightily showcase Turkish cuisine and culture in an almost bigger than Texas way.
Moreover, the "gozleme tent" was very busy during the festival where Turkish ladies prepared fresh gozleme, a famous Turkish pastry variety. Think quesadillas - Texas sized.
Houston Turkish Festival Turkish-American TX Texas Raindrop Turkevi Turkish cultural center

Welcome to Turkic Fest

The Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival will be held in Houston, America's fourth largest city - home to more than 4 million people and a major trading hub for international business and commerce. Because of an always present need to celebrate and honour the richness of our heritage, and through a worthwhile project pulling together the many facets of Houston's population, we bring to Houston for the first time a festival of various programs highlighting the many different heritages shared by Turkic peoples - stretching from as far west as Bosnia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to as far east as Kazakhstan, The Kyrygyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The festival will allow Turkic Americans, not only from Houston, but also from other Texas cities, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico to live and feel their native country. Children will learn more about the Turkic cultures and understand how Turkic-Americans have created a blend of the various cultures.

15,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event. Meanwhile, senators, representatives, mayors, college professors, community leaders, art advocates, musicians, college students, elementary and secondary school students are expected.
Houston Turkish Festival Turkish-American TX Texas Raindrop Turkevi Turkish cultural center

Ottoman Military Band to visit Texas cities

Ottoman Military Band, “mehter (mahtar)”, visits and performs not only in Houston during the Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival but also in some other Texas cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, College Station and Austin.

Raindrop Turkevi , Turkish Cultural Center, is proud to bring this important historic band to Texas and would like to share with you the following performance program of the Ottoman Military Band:

Dallas , September 1, 2007 |6-8:00 pm White Rock Lake Stone Tables,
San Antonio , September 2, 2007 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm The Alamo Plaza Gazebo
San Antonio, September 3, 2007 | 1:00 - 3:30 pm The Alamo Plaza Gazebo 4.00 - 6.00 pm Arneson River Theatre
Austin September 4, 2007 | 12:30 pm South Steps of Capital Building, 6:00 pm University of Texas at Austin
College Station September 6, 2007 | 11:00am – 1:0 pm TAMU - Rudder Tower
Houston, September 7, 2007 | 12:00 -01:00 pm at Rice University, Ray Courtyard, Ley Student center (37).
Houston, September 7, 2007 | 07:30 -09:00 pm at Downtown Aquarium