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Traces of the Calligrapher and Writing the Word of God: |
 Traces of the Calligrapher and Writing the Word of God: Calligraphy and the Qur´an
On view October 27, 2007 - February 3, 2008 at the Caroline Wiess Law Building
The Museum of Fine Arts,Houston
1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
713.639.7300
In Islamic culture, it is well known that calligraphy has retained its status as the quintessential art form, and that calligraphers have been among the most highly esteemed artists. "The first thing created by God was the pen," according to a Qur´anic dictum, and the practice of calligraphy constituted an expression of piety. Acquiring skill in beautiful writing was an exercise that expanded into another range of values: calligraphy could convey the ideas of a person, by putting them in writing, and also record his or her moral fiber for posterity. Calligraphy became a hallmark of high culture, a trace of its maker.
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Ottoman Military Band’s Visit to Houston |
 Houston’s City Hall hosted for the first time in its history the historical Ottoman Military Band (Mehter) during the weekend of September 8-9, 2007. The famous military band performed during the two day long Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival after visiting several Texas cities, e.g. Austin , Dallas , San Antonio , and College Station , since September 1st, 2007. While there were more than 7,000 spectators during their performance in Downtown-Houston, including other cities, about 11,000 Texans enjoyed watching and listening to them.
Before leaving the stage, “mehteranbasi” (the leader of the mehter) expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who organized the festival and said that “their hearts are conquered by the hospitality and respect shown to them.”(September 20,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
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Ayna : Turkish Rock in Downtown Houston |
 "I do not understand the words but the rhythm is amazing." said Carla Neil, a 17 year old high school student from Sugar Land TX, while dancing with her Turkish friends during the "Ayna" concert at Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival.
Turkish Rock/Pop band Ayna gave two concerts during the festival in Downtown- Houston in front of the City Hall. The famous band's singer Erhan Guleryuz was ecstatic over just how amazingly enthusiastic the crowd of Houstonians were during the concerts.
Houston Turkish Festival, Houston Turk Festival, Ayna houston Festival(September 20,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
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Turkic Festival: The Artists' Meeting Place |
 "Ebru, Hat, Tezhip." These words may not be that familiar to you or they just may conjure memories of the Lion King and phrases like "Hakuna matata." But for three artists like Mr. Osman Kanlioglu, Mr. Ozkhan Alagoz, and Mr. Mehmet Gursoy from Turkey, they capture the imagination of old world artistry mixed with an eastern traditional element. The Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival gave the gentlemen the opportunity of a life time - an unforgettable opportunity to share their skills with the throngs of people who curiously stopped by to gaze upon the formation of surreal artistry.
"It is unbelievable what he does," exclaimed Mr. Robert Hekimian of Austin TX as he looked on Mr. Alagoz's talent. "I wish I could do that too"
Houston Turkish Festival art, Turkish Festival in houston.(September 20,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
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2 free trips to Turkey from the festival in Houston |
 One of the busiest booths during the Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival was Ebru TV. Ebru TV which defines its mission as "to continually educate, inspire and entertain viewers of all ages through original first-rate programming in the sciences, sporting events, fine arts and every aspect of culture." sent two persons to Turkey for free.
"We are proud to see thousands of Texans had shown their support by petitioning to put EbruTV, an up and coming network, on local cable networks." said Mr. Nalcaci, the producer of TV program "Reflections" at Ebru TV .
About Ebru TV
Ebru TV strive to foster understanding among all people through intercultural dialogue and mutual respect, thus promoting peace and diversity with our neighbors here and throughout the world.
www.ebru.tv(September 20,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
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Hidden Heroes of Turkicfest : Volunteers |
 Over 7000 people participated in the Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival last weekend and enjoyed the great tastes, arts and music of the Turkic world as well as contributions of Turkic-Americans of Texas. This wonderful event would not be possible without the altruistic spirit and warm hearted work of over 200 volunteers from Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and other cities in an around Texas. People of various professions, students, teachers, especially ladies have spent their several weekends and sometimes week day evenings to prepare for the event.(September 20,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
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Azerbaijanies actively participated in Turkic Cultures and Children's festival |
 The weekend of September 8 and 9, 2007 became memorable for Houston, America's fourth largest city and home to more than 4 million people for an outstanding festival of joint Turkic people. The multiparty celebration was made possible by the Turkish Raindrop Foundation, a non-profit organization established in Houston with a mission to build bridges between different cultures through educational and cultural exchange. As co-sponsors of the event, the Houston-Baku Sister Cities Association (HBSCA) actively participated in this festivity of Turkic Cultures and Children's festival representing Azerbaijan.
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The Raindrop Foundation hosted a multi-cultural festival |
 The Raindrop Foundation hosted a multi-cultural festival this past weekend, Sept 8 and 9th, that showcased the kaleidoscope of varying peoples falling under the category of Turkic Peoples. Representative bodies and communities from as far as Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, The Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan celebrated the rich mosaic of variant cultures and heritages with the help of both local and international sponsors. Not only an educational accomplishment for those mesmerized by the amazing sights or for those involved, the Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival was an entertaining extravaganza that joined together international communities.
Houston Multicultural Turkish Festival
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Kiraathane: The Ottoman Coffee house evolves |
 As socialization was a very important aspect of Turkish culture, the coffee shops served as meeting grounds where a plethora of peoples gathered and exchanged news. Coffee and teas was just an excuse to hear the latest tidbits of the day.
But like anything else, Coffee houses did have its beginnings. The first coffee house was opened in Istanbul in 1473. With the rapid expansion of the Ottoman empire into much of Europe and the Middle East, coffee houses evolved into a place of assembly where locals could appreciate not only the fresh aroma of exotic coffees or sip on finely brewed tea, but also to listen to music, read books, play chess or other games like tavla and backgammon, or to merely listen to recitations of the latest works from Antar or Shahnameh.
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The Best of Turkic Handcrafts |
 Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival featured handcraft pieces that were carefully produced with the representation of the cultures their makers belong to. Hundreds of hand made clothing, carpets, scarves and souvenirs were on display for thousands of visitors that rushed to get their hands on some of the many pieces of such fine artwork. This entire collection ofhandiwork presented and sold during the festival benefited the charitable events through the non-profit organizations of the Turkic communities of Houston.
Houston turkish Festival Handcraft, turkish festival in houston
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Turkish Homemade Food: The Taste of Turkey on the Bayou |
 While there wasn't any chili cook off or tail-gating here, Houstonians were able to chow down on some mighty good cooking thanks in part to the efforts of young ladies volunteering their time and effort at the Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival. With a variety of food running nearly from tent to tent, no one left empty stomached.
"I am afraid I gained some weight here. But, all of them are delicious, what can I do?" said Mrs. Johnson from Kingwood.
Homemade preparations of nearly two dozen different Turkish desserts, 19 various vegetarian meals, 17 meat-based meals, and a handful assortment of Turkish pastries (Borek, pogaca etc) gave this festival a chance to mightily showcase Turkish cuisine and culture in an almost bigger than Texas way.
Moreover, the "gozleme tent" was very busy during the festival where Turkish ladies prepared fresh gozleme, a famous Turkish pastry variety. Think quesadillas - Texas sized.
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Historical Ottoman Military Band (Mehter) is performing in HOUSTON |
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 Come witness the procession of the Majestic sounds of the historical Ottoman Military Band - Mehter. Renowned the world over for its powerfully dynamic quality, the Mehter Ottoman Military Band having traveled far and wide making stops in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, now journeys into Houston for an explosive set of performances. Be captivated by the sound, the power, and the assemblage of the mighty Mehter Ottoman Military Band.
1. September 7'th Friday, 12:00 -01:00 pm at Rice University, Ray Courtyard, Ley Student center (37).
2. September 7'th Friday ,07:30 -09:00 pm at Downtown Aquarium
Houston Turkish Festival
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