By ANDRAS GAL
Observer Staff
Oct. 18, 2007

On Sunday, Washington hosted the fifth annual Turkish Festival, offering a wide range of cultural events. The festival featured contemporary and traditional Turkish folk and belly dance music representing the different regions of the country. Highlights were the performances of the Turkish Folkdance Troupe and “Hannah Night” by the Kardelen Turkish Dance Ensemble.

Photos By Andras Gal and Eva Bese
Slideshow By Shaheryar Mirza

The Culture Tent gave visitors an insight into Turkey’s seven regions, showcasing works of art and items of each region. Documentaries such as Biblical Treasures of Turkey, by Robin Williams, not the actor, and the works of artists such as Zeki Findikoglu and Nihal Kececi were shown.

An on-stage recreation showed the public a slice of Ottoman military history. It featured the exhibition of the Janissaries, non-Turkish war captive youths recruited by the Sultan that formed the backbone of the Ottoman army.

Offering the taste of the famous Istanbul bazaar culture, the Turkish Bazaar gave visitors the opportunity to buy traditional Turkish items such as jewelry, pottery, traditional clothes and carpets.

Throughout the day, the crowd enjoyed popular dishes such as Lahmacun, Kebap, Cacik, Borek (cheese or meat pastry) or Dolma, as well as renowned Turkish coffee.