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Thousands gathered on Sunday in Washington, DC, for the annual Turkish Festival, filling Pennsylvania Avenue near the Capitol with music, dance, crafts, and food that reflected Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors watched traditional folk dancing and live music, while food stalls served popular Turkish flavors.
Organizers said the daylong program aimed to present a broad snapshot of everyday cultural practices alongside stage performances, helping newcomers take in the basics and regulars reconnect with familiar traditions.
Festival booths featured hand-woven Turkish carpets, traditional Ottoman garments and food.
The display brought together textile craftsmanship and costume styles identified with the Ottoman era, alongside dishes that many attendees already associate with Turkish street fairs.
Organized by the Turkish-American Association of Washington, DC (ATA-DC), the event drew members of the Turkish American community as well as visitors from other countries.
Americans, in particular, showed strong interest in the cultural experience, spending time at both the performance area and the artisan booths.
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