Turkish-American Hour Episode 95
11th Turkish Festival in the Heart of DC!
The Annual Washington DC Turkish Festival brought thousands in downtown DC to celebrate Turkish culture, heritage and friendship between Turkish and American people. Festival goers enjoyed the folk dances, live music performances, a traditional bazaar, Turkish coffee fortune telling, arts & crafts for children and other cultural exhibits all day long. The sunny weather made the day so joyful for all the visitors, people were dancing on the streets! The Turkish Festival emphasized Turkey’s rich culture and unique ties with the Balkans, the Caucuses, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the Middle East. Patricia Elwood, Director of Protocal and International Affairs from the Washington DC Mayor’s office, Meridian International Center CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Turkish Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Tugay Tuncer and Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office Murat Karakus and ATA-DC President Gizem Salcigil White gave a warm welcome to the festival visitors. A surprise performance took place this year: the Turkish Youth Jazz Ensemble gave a joint concert with Blues Alley Youth Orchestra!