November 6-7, 2010
Hermann Square, Houston City Hall

Raindrop Turkish House, Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians and Houston-Istanbul Sister Cities Association are organizing the 4th Annual Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival on Saturday and Sunday November 6-7, 2010 between 11:00 am. and 9:00 pm. at Herman Square, in front of Houston City Hall to celebrate the rich heritage of such Turkic sister nations as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Bosnia. The Turkic Fest also invited Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico as guest countries of this year, which will add lively color of the festival.

Turkic Fest-2010 promises to present an authentic weekend which will please the whole family’s eyes, ears and tastes. The festival is organized to display all aspects of the Turkic cultures and to revive artistic and cultural traditions, hence contributing to Houston’s celebration of its cultural heritage. Moreover, the Turkic Fest is another way of celebrating and building upon universal human values shared by the Turkic and American peoples. The festival emphasizes what we have in common by fostering public appreciation and honoring of our differences as well as collaboration on mutually beneficial projects.

The highlight of the festival will be parade of the Ottoman Military Band, which is the oldest one of its kind in history. Families, who will attend this fantastic weekend event, will have the opportunity to have portraits taken in historical costumes in the exotic traditional Ottoman tent, visit the Rumi tent, listen to Sufi music and authentic Turkish music, view a model of Blue Mosque and watch memorable live performances of Turkic singers, musicians, and folk dancers.

More than 50 art displays, included Ebru-the art of water marbling, calligraphy, illuminations, hand-made ceramics and pottery, gilding, oriental rugs, throws, bags, decorative pillows, traditional jewelry, and handicrafts. Ladies will have the opportunity to attend the henna night ceremony.

The festival food stands will include the tastes and flavors of rich Turkic cuisine as well as gourmet food from local Turkish restaurants, including kebabs, doner sandwiches, vegetable and meat dishes, desserts, Turkish delight, apricots, hazelnuts, ice cream, figs, and famous culinary delights such as Turkish coffee and baklava.

Kids will enjoy the Shadow Theater, puppet show, clowns, storytelling, coloring, face painting, games, contests, swings, slides, ponies, and other fun activities, as well as special treats like waffles, ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy.

Last year festival drew over 25,000 participants of all ages. Among the festival’s distinguished guests were Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Houston first lady Andrea White, Consul General of Turkey Akil Oktem, Vice Consul General of Turkey Ali Findik, Congressman Al Green, Congressman Gene Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Council Member Melissa Noriega, Former Kemah Mayor Bill King, Consul General of Pakistan Mohammedmian Soomro.

Contact:
Mehmet Okumus, M. Ed, President
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713 974 1412 Ext. 108 office
713 517 3463 direct