Syracuse Turkish community celebrates their heritage with a Children’s Festival
The Syracuse Turkish community and representatives of the Turkish Cultural Center celebrated their National Sovereignty and Children's Day at Syracuse City Hall on Thursday April 23, 2015 with a Children's Festival. Members of the local Turkish community and their friends pose for a group photo.
Date posted: April 25, 2015
STEPHEN D. CANNERELLI
The Syracuse Turkish community and representatives of the Turkish Cultural Center celebrated their National Sovereignty and Children’s Day at Syracuse City Hall on Thursday April 23, 2015 with a Children’s Festival.
April 23rd marks the inaugural session of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and is celebrated by the Turkish community as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner proclaimed April 23, 2015 as “Turkish Heritage Day” with a proclamation presented to TCCS Director Tim Saka by Syracuse Common Council President Van Robinson. Havva Karakas of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School was the master of ceremonies. One of the speakers was Fatma Zehra Sula, a Weekend School student from TCCS.
There was Turkish music, dance and food. Students from The Turkish Cultural Center of Syracuse, under the direction of Ayla Turgay, performed a Turkish Wedding dance. The celebration concluded with the raising of the Turkish National flag on the steps of City Hall.
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A mother, Vera Stamova from Moldova, expressed similar feelings. “My two children study in Turkey. My younger daughter studied in Turkish schools [in Moldova]. She received a quality education. I love Turkey and I have great confidence in Turkish people. If I had another child, I would also send her to Turkey. I miss them a lot, but they are very lucky and are taken good care of here,” she said.
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Peace Islands Institute director Ercan Tozan welcomed his guests and thanked everyone for their continued service to the community.
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