Turkish Festival to return to Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington DC's annual Turkish Festival will be returning to Pennsylvania Avenue this Sunday, as the Turkish community in the US capital area get ready to celebrate two decades of gatherings.

"This is what we need, especially after the pandemic. We need to share our cultural differences and common history. we have so much to share," Gizem Salcigil White, a co-chair of the festival, told The New Arab. 

Washington DC's Turkish Festival is the largest of its kind in the US. Since starting nearly 20 years ago, it has grown and has become part of the city's annual traditions, drawing Turks and non-Turks alike.

Last year, it took place in the new waterfront Wharf district, which was a scenic spot though not large enough of a venue to accommodate the festival's growing activities and attendance.

This year it will be returning to the sprawling Pennsylvania Avenue.

Annual attractions include traditional dance performances, crafts sold at booths by artists, carpet vendors, coffee fortune telling, as well as activities for children.

This year will feature Turkish ice cream, whose unusual texture is thick enough to cut.

"The Turkish American community is very excited about the Turkish festival," Demet Cabbar, a festival co-chair, told TNA. 

It is taking place in conjunction with Turkish Heritage Month in October, which includes film screenings, book events, concerts and other cultural activities throughout the month.

The festival will take place this Sunday 16 October from 11 am to 7 pm on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd street and 7th Steet.