The American Turkish Association of Washington D.C. (ATA-DC) is proud to announce the 2nd Turkish Cultural Heritage Month taking place this September in Washington D.C in partnership with the Meridian International Center, the Goethe Institute and Cultural Tourism DC. The month-long celebration will highlight the rich Turkish culture, arts, world-famous cuisine and the shared history with the American people. The Turkish Heritage Month has been also officially recognized by Mayor Vincent Gray and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley.
The Turkish Cultural Heritage Month will culminate in the 11th Annual Turkish Festival which will bring together more than 100 artists and 20,000 visitors to create new friendships and explore the wonders of Turkey in Washington D.C. The Turkish Festival has become a staple of Washington's fall calendar. In 2012, readers of the Washington City Paper named the Turkish Festival "Best Cultural Festival" in Washington D.C.
"Our team of volunteers is working round the clock to make sure that this year's festivities are the best yet. We are building on years of effort to promote the Turkish American community in Washington D.C. and this year we are excited to add a month of celebration to our annual Turkish festival," said Patsy Jones, the festival chair.
"2nd Turkish Cultural Heritage Month" events will include:
* September 9:Opening Reception at the U.S. Congress
* September 5/12/16/26: Turkish Movie Screenings - International Student House (5th), Goethe Institute (12th), Italian Cultural Institute (16th) and Turkish House (26th)
* September 13-23: Turkish Restaurant and Cuisine Week
* September 17-29: Turkish Coffee Truck touring the DC area
* September 15/22: Fortune Telling Workshops with Turkish Coffee Ladies at Divan Café
* September 23-29: Turkish Youth Jazz Ensemble concerts in partnership with the Meridian International Center
* September 29: The 11th Annual Turkish Festival at Freedom Plaza
"We bring the fascinating Turkish heritage to our city. Our goal is to share our culture with Americans and build new friendships." said Gizem Salcigil White, President of ATA-DC.
Today, over 500,000 Turkish Americans make the U.S. their home. Turkish Cultural Heritage Month seeks to build bridges and friendship between Turkish and American people and while recognizing the contributions of Turkish Americans to the American society.
For information, please visit www.turkishfestival.org or www.facebook.com/washingtondcturkishfestival
