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Goussainville, a suburb of Paris, is currently hosting the ninth Traditional Turkish Festival, offering an immersive cultural experience with over 70 stalls showcasing Turkish cuisine and arts. From baklava and doner to the intricate crafts of glass blowing, ebru, and calligraphy, visitors are treated to a journey into the heart of Anatolian heritage.
Launched on May 29, the festival is held in a specially built complex and continues until June 1. Organized by the Goussainville Grand Mosque Association under the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), the festival is open to everyone interested in exploring Turkish traditions.
Both Turkish and French attendees are given the opportunity to witness traditional Anatolian arts up close. Cultural demonstrations include tile-making, hat (Islamic calligraphy), and ebru (marbling), drawing visitors from across France and Europe.
Saime Yucel, an artist representing the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, traveled from Ankara to present her expertise in ebru art. Having showcased her craft in 17 countries, Yucel emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Türkiye’s traditional arts.
"Ebru has been practiced since the 16th century and traveled from Central Asia to Anatolia via the Silk Road," said Yucel. “It’s our responsibility to carry traditional arts into the future while remaining faithful to their roots.”
She noted that ebru was once used for therapeutic purposes in Ottoman hospitals and highlighted the symbolic significance of the tulip motif, which represents the name of God.
The festival not only highlights Turkish arts and flavors but also fosters intercultural dialogue. A procession featuring Turkish citizens and a traditional mehter band is scheduled for June 1, celebrating both French and Turkish unity with flags held high.
Mustafa Celebi, Vice head of DITIB France and President of the Goussainville Sports and Culture Turkish Association (ACSTG), said: “We are trying to share all the beauties of Türkiye with those living here. The turnout is great, and the enthusiasm even greater.”
Celebi underlined that the festival draws not only Turkish and French citizens but also other nationalities, and includes artists from both Türkiye and Europe.
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