Celebrating Turkish Culture at the 12th Annual Turkish Festival (photos)

The 12th Annual Turkish Festival was held in perfect weather on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., with Turkish dance and stage performances, Turkish cuisine, an authentic Turkish bazaar and special children’s activities. The well attended event was sponsored by the American Turkish Association of Washington, D.C., whose primary mission is to promote understanding between Turkish and non-Turkish communities through cultural, social and educational programs. Among the featured performers were the Yeditepe University Folklore Club, based in Istanbul, which made a return visit to the festival. There were also remarks by Turkish Ambassador Serdar K?l?ç, and British Muslim superstar Sami Yusuf, fresh from his sold-out appearance at the Strathmore. Also providing entertainment were the Kardelen Turkish Dance Ensemble, the Nomad Dancers, TarabRaqs Middle Eastern Music & Dance Ensemble, Turkish Folk Dance Children’s Group, Turku Nomads of the Silk Road, Berna Little Shimmy Belly Dance and the Ishtar Band.

Check out our photos of the Turkish Festival by clicking on the photo icons below. (All photos by Jeff Malet).