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The annual Turkish Festival in the U.S. capital serves as a cultural bridge connecting people from diverse backgrounds,” said Sevtap Schreffler, president of the Turkish-American Association of Washington, DC (ATA-DC), on Tuesday.
The event, held on Sunday on Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol, drew thousands to celebrate Türkiye’s rich culture.
Organized annually by the ATA-DC, the festival is the largest Turkish cultural gathering in the region, showcasing folk dance performances, Turkish folk music, and artists from several Turkic republics.
Yet the highlight of the day was unmistakably the food. From kebabs, borek, and gozleme to baklava and Turkish coffee, the culinary offerings captivated visitors who lined up at food stalls throughout the day.
“This year, our food section was one of the biggest attractions,” Schreffler told AA (Anadolu Agency). “It turned into one of the largest open-air food courts in the country, offering regional Turkish dishes for every palate.”
Schreffler said the festival has become a cultural bridge connecting people of diverse backgrounds.
“The festival's goal is to promote Turkish culture and art while fostering cross-cultural understanding,” she said. “Visitors from all races and religions come together here, sharing the same joy and enthusiasm.”
The event, held as part of Washington’s “Turkish Heritage Month,” also featured exhibitions of Ottoman-Turkish handicrafts, including handwoven carpets, traditional garments, and ceramics that drew admiration from attendees.
According to the organizers, the annual festival continues to grow each year, serving as a vibrant celebration of Türkiye’s cultural richness in the heart of Washington.
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