Turkish festival in Chicago area draws 15,000 visitors

The third annual Turkish Festival was held Aug. 1–2 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, located near Chicago, drawing approximately 15,000 visitors from across the United States, organizers said.

The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye's Chicago Consul General Tahir Bora Atatanir, along with academics, civil society representatives and visitors.

Atatanir said in his remarks that events of this kind help strengthen cultural ties between Türkiye and the United States.

Halil Demir, chair of the Turkish Festival Cultural Heritage Congress Committee, said the festival has grown each year and aims to introduce Turkish culture, history and values to American audiences.

Chicago mayor declares Turkish Heritage Month

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sent a video message to the event, officially declaring August as Turkish Heritage Month in the city. In the message, Johnson pointed to the contributions made by the Turkish-American community to Chicago's cultural, social, and economic life, thanking Turkish Americans for their vital role.

Abdulhadi Turus, head of Türkiye's Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), also sent a video message, highlighting the role such organizations play in promoting Turkish culture internationally.

Cenk Uygur, founder of the political commentary platform The Young Turks, attended the festival as well. Uygur said it was his first time attending a Turkish festival and that he was glad to spend time with the Turkish community.

Academic panels and conferences held throughout the festival addressed Türkiye's history, culture, education, and current affairs, drawing sizable audiences.

A video message from Abdulhadi Turus, head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), was also presented during the opening ceremony. Turus emphasised the importance of promoting Turkish culture abroad and praised the festival’s contribution to cultural diplomacy.

In addition to cultural performances, the festival featured a series of academic panels and discussions where scholars addressed topics related to Turkish history, culture, education, and current affairs, making the event both a cultural and intellectual gathering.

Türkiye's cuisine draws long queues

Food stalls at the festival offered dishes including hand-rolled gozleme, doner cooked over an open flame, baklava and Turkish coffee prepared in heated sand, with several stalls drawing long lines throughout the event.

The program also included folk dance performances, concerts, Karagoz-Hacivat shadow puppet shows, whirling dervish performances, children's activities and cultural exhibits.

About 10,000 people attended on the first day. The second day continued with concerts, cultural activities and panels drawing thousands more visitors.