THE TURKISH THAT DELIGHTS! FUN FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS

HOUSTONIANS: Don’t miss out this annual cultural event, Turkic Cultures & Children’s Festival, to fill your weekend with lots of joy and taste of delicious Turkish cuisine.

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 November 6th and 7th, 2010 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. at Hermann Square, in front of Houston City Hall to celebrate the rich heritage of many different Turkic nations like Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Turkic Fest 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, coloring, face painting and games to Turkish cotton candy, special Turkish waffle treats, ice cream, 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 Army 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 handicrafts. 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 22,000 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 Turkic Fest is expecting that the festival will attract up to over 30,000 visitors and guests.

Raindrop Turkish House is a non-profit educational, charitable, social and cultural organization founded by Turkish-Americans in Houston in 2000 and now it operates in six states: Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The mission of Raindrop is to introduce Turkish culture into American society and cultivate friendship and promote the understanding of diverse cultures through its unique services to the community, through dialog and cooperation.

TCAE is a non-government, not-for-profit organization established under the 501(c) 3 laws within the United States with the mere purpose of bringing people together with interest in the American and Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian cultures. TCAE is a leading, independent and an umbrella organization committed to advancing the interaction among American and Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian people to promote and encourage continuing good relationship and understanding through its affiliate organizations regardless of their ethnic origin, religion and other preferences. TCAE brings people together by hosting public programs and private events featuring leaders and experts with diverse views on a wide range of global and regional topics through task forces, executive forums, luncheons, conferences, studies, and leadership dialogue. 

Houston-Istanbul Sister Cities Association (HISCA) is an association that strives to connect the Houston metropolitan area and the city of Istanbul through cooperation in business, culture and education.  HISCA seeks to promote Istanbul heritage and traditions and Turkish culture through extensive community outreach, broad assistance to people in need and intercultural exchange.

If you’d like more information about this topic you may visit our website at www.turkicfest.org.