Honor the 100th year of the Turkish Republic Oct 14 and 15
By Jayme Stocker
SEATTLE – Seattle Center Festál will host Turkfest in partnership with the Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington (TACAWA), a free family-friendly event, on Saturday, October 14th, and Sunday, October 15th from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Armory Food & Event Hall at Seattle Center. Guests can come to celebrate the 100th year of the Turkish Republic at the annual cultural festival highlighting the diversity and richness of Turkish culture and Turkish-speaking countries.
Guests will be able to experience traditional and modern music, and dance performances from Eurasia Virtual Academy, ATAWA Turkish Children’s Choir, Karavans Dance Troupe, singer Ahmet Serkan, and the Sehri Seattle Band, all on the Armory stage. For the first time this year, visitors can participate in yogurt, baklava, and bourek eating contests to win prizes from festival vendors, all while tasting authentic Turkish wines.
“Our One Seattle vision looks to forge connections among the diverse communities within our city and celebrate their cultural traditions,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Turkfest is a wonderful opportunity for our city to come together and experience the richness of Turkish culture through food, music, and art.”
Vendors offering goods related to Turkish culture such as Turkish gifts and Turkish sweets will be in attendance. Community booths include Koza Turkish Grocery, Shirvan Rug Gallery, and more. Turkish food and coffee will also be available for purchase to eat and drink on site.
“I am delighted to welcome all to Turkfest. Seattle Center has long been a vibrant hub for celebrating the rich cultures of our community, and Turkfest is an example of our commitment to fostering cultural unity through our Festál series,” said Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster. “We invite you to join us in embracing the beauty and diversity of Turkish culture right here on our campus.”
This celebration of Turkish culture has grown annually since its inception in 2001, boasting an increasing variety of traditional and contemporary performances, art and textile exhibitions, documentaries, youth activities, cuisine, workshops, and genuine Turkish products vendors. The festival takes place in October every year as a part of Turkish Heritage Month celebrations as proclaimed by the Washington State Governor and covers the celebration of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye on October 29, the Seattle Turkish Film Festival, and commemoration of the founding father of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Each year, Turkfest invites dancers, musicians, and artists from around the country and Türkiye to share their artistic forms of expression with local audiences. TACAWA is proud to organize a free cultural event for the enjoyment of the diverse communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
For a full schedule of festival activities, visit the Seattle Center website.
About Turkfest and Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington
Turkfest is organized by the Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington, a 501c-3 non-profit organization and its group of committed volunteers from the Turkish-American community. Since its inception in 2001, Turkfest has grown to boast an increasing variety of traditional and contemporary performances, art and textile exhibitions, documentaries, youth activities, cuisine, workshops, and genuine Turkish product vendors.
More information on the festival is available at seattlecenter.com and turkfest.org.
Jayme Stocker is the Sr. Communications Strategic Advisor/Public Information Officer Seattle Center Marketing, Technology & Business Integration Division
