Dear students, teachers and parents,

The Turkish community in Houston, Texas, congregated at the Turquoise Center for the Sacrifice Bayram (Eid ul-Adha) celebrations hosted by Houston Blue Mosque and Raindrop Turkish House. The guests of Turquoise Center included but were not limited to natives of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, The Kyrgyz Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Karadag, and the Ahiskan Turks. More than a thousand people in their best clothes gathered early in the morning for the special Bayram prayer, which started with the recitation of Koran and chanting of hymns. Adults greeted and embraced one another wholeheartedly; kids and adolescents honored the hand-kissing custom (kissing an adult's right hand and placing it on one's forehead), while wishing their elders Bayram greetings and being awarded by a Bayram tip in return. The food offered included the indispensible kavurma (braised meat) and desserts such as baklava and Turkish delight. 
Raindrop Turkish House contributed to festivities by making it more fun for the kids, the real joys of Bayram. The kids cherished the gift toys wrapped by the organization committee. At the playground of the Turkish House, a number of activities and events played out throughout the day. The elation of the kids and the gratitude of their parents were at their peak.

  Raindrop Turkish Coffee Night series continued with a marvelous program. Over three years, Raindrop Turkish House Oklahoma branch offers Coffee Nights for ladies once a month. Ladies not only enjoy henna parties, delicious food and fun surprises, but they also discuss timely issues that touch upon women's lives. Through discussions on these important issues, Raindrop provides a free platform on which women can express themselves and enrich their minds. (November 6, 2009, Oklahoma City, OK) 

  “I wouldn’t get to see, watch and taste this much all in one day, even if I visited Turkey. The festival was so educational, entertaining and delicious, for me, my husband, and my kids…” An attendee of Turkic Fest 2009

Raindrop Foundation and Houston Istanbul Sister City Association presented an authentic Turkic weekend which pleased the whole family’s eyes, ears and palates. This year, the festival drew over 25,000 participants of all ages. Among the festival’s distinguished guests were Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Houston mayoral race contender Gene Locke, Houston’s First Lady Andrea White and Consul General of Turkey, Akil Öktem.

Watch Videos from Turkic Fest 2009 on YouTube 

View pictures from Turkic Fest 2009 on Flickr!

Help us improve the festival next year by taking a survey.