For Immediate Release
September 2023
For More Information Contact:
Michelle Haskin
Secretary, ATA Houston
346-212-9393
media@atahouston.org
27th ANNUAL HOUSTON TURKISH FESTIVAL DRAWS OVER 9,000 VISITORS
Houston, Texas — ATA Houston, a nonprofit organization established in 1979 to promote cultural ties between Turkey and the United States, hosted the 27th Annual Houston Turkish Festival after a four-year hiatus on September 23-24, 2023 at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou.
The festival, organized by more than 90 ATA Houston volunteers, proved to be a resounding success, hosting over 9,000 visitors and featuring a total of 20 hours of activities and 15 different performances on stage across two days. The Festival provided participants with a diverse and enriching experience from five different artists showcasing their craft in arts such as calligraphy and mosaics. The Grand Bazaar shopping area, brimming with 30 local vendors, allowed festival-goers to explore a treasure trove of unique goods. Moreover, 12 local associations, including several nonprofits, engaged attendees from their booths, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community interaction. Attendees feasted on Turkish and international delicacies from seven food vendors. Highlights of the stage program included concerts from well-known Turkish band Yeni Turku and singer Atilla Atasoy along with dance performances by Tuana.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, as the honorary Chairman of ATA Houston’s Centennial Celebration Committee, spoke alongside Turkish Consul General Ahmet Akinti and ATA Houston President Ebru Cimen Tarhan to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye.
“Like many of ATA Houston’s endeavors, The 27th Annual Houston Turkish Festival was designed to benefit both the Houston community and our friends and relatives in Turkey. We shared Turkish culture with our fellow Houstonians and donated a portion of the Festival proceeds to earthquake relief in Turkey. We also gave 100 oak trees to attendees to plant throughout Houston in commemoration of Turkey’s 100th anniversary thanks to Trees for Houston,” said Ebru Cimen Tarhan, ATA-Houston President.
“The 27th Annual Houston Turkish Festival stands as a testament to the Turkish community’s significant contribution to the rich tapestry of Houston’s multicultural landscape. The remarkable turnout of the attendees and the generosity of our donors underscores the pivotal role the Turkish community plays in the heart of Houston. I take immense pride in orchestrating this Festival alongside ATA Houston’s dedicated volunteers,” said Mustafa Tunc, Festival Director and ATA Houston Board Member.
The Festival was held in its largest venue yet and garnered support from a record nine corporate sponsors and numerous individual donors. Sponsors included Borusan Mannesmann, Texas Children’s, Cimsa Americas, and Milano Legal.
ATA Houston website: www.atahouston.org
ATA Houston Instagram: ata_houston
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ATA-Houston, founded in 1979, is a non-profit organization created to promote better understanding and friendship between the people of the United States and Turkey through social, educational, cultural and charitable activities. It also aims to provide assistance to Turkish citizens living in Houston. ATA-Houston is an IRS Section 501(C) 3 tax-exempt, charitable, educational and cultural organization.