Anatolia in Los Angeles

Ergun Babahan
Ergun Babahan


Date posted: October 9, 2011

Ergun Babahan. Friday 07 October, 2011

The Gülen movement continues to successfully bring Turkey to every corner of the world. We are in Los Angeles for this year’s 3rd Anatolian Cultures and Foods Festival. There are hundreds of people here from Turkey as well as from various other countries in Europe.

This festival, which features exhibitions, foods, handicrafts, dances and live music, plays an important role in introducing Anatolia’s rich culture to Americans. When you look at it in this way, you see that in fact the Gülen movement is Turkey’s most outward looking organization.

Members of this movement are actively working across a wide region these days, an arena that stretches from Africa to Asia and from Europe to America.

The movement, whose name has become synonymous with education, has really set out to promote Turkey’s rich culture and history throughout the world.

It is an undertaking on a broad scale as we are talking about the participation of a variety of people, ranging from scientists to the housewives who cook the food that is consumed at the festival.

The festival has “Anatolia” in its title because it opens doors to the various ancient cultures that originate from Anatolia, such as the Hittites, the Trojans, the Urartians, the Phrygians, the Lydians, the Ionians, the Byzantines, the Selçuks and finally the Ottomans.

The festival examines the past not through the perspective of Turkishness or Islam but rather through the perspective of humanity and a cultural mosaic.

The interest shown in this festival, which has a cover charge, is incredibly high. Adults pay $12 whereas students benefit from a student discount and pay $6. Once inside, visitors can see scale models of the Turkish cities of İstanbul, Konya, Antalya, Mardin and Van, all while savoring the 99 different kinds of food here.

Despite its own development and cultural richness, America is actually a country with quite a limited interest in the outside world. And, of course, the high numbers of Americans who have never in their lives had a passport is somewhat rooted in the dimensions of the country itself. Which is why, if one wants Americans to learn more about Turkey, and to grasp the differences between Turkey and Arab countries such as Iraq, Egypt and Syria, one must make an effort.

And actually, festivals such as these are services not unlike opening schools in Africa or Asia, since informing the public correctly is not a small educational task. The Gülen movement, which has undertaken this effort using its own resources, has, with this festival, signed off on an event that goes way beyond any sort of “Turkish March.” One very notable aspect of this Anatolia-themed festival, which is taking place in a region heavily populated by the later generations of the victims of the events of 1915, is the special effort it makes not to display peoples or cultures as the “other.” This festival is basically a clear example of the great role played by solidarity, resolute stances and sacrifices in creating intercultural dialogue and closeness.

What’s more, the people of Los Angeles are aware of all this as they show great interest in the festival. Another important point to consider here is that you can now step on a Turkish Airlines (THY) flight from İstanbul and set foot in Los Angeles 13 hours later. The city is now much closer to Turkey than it was before, which is why the importance of the correct introduction of Anatolia and its cultures to the people here is greater than ever.

We can build better tomorrows by not discounting historical truths, and instead face these truths and reconcile with them when necessary. While doing so, we can of course pay the tribute necessary to the cultures and the peoples that have helped us arrive at this point. This festival accomplishes exactly these things. If you happen to find yourself in Los Angeles these days, I urge you not to miss out on this event.

Source: Today’s Zaman http://www.todayszaman.com/columnist-259202-anatolia-in-los-angeles.html


Related News

Brooklyn Amity School crowned karate champion

Brooklyn Amity School has been crowned champion receiving 30 medals in 2013 Asckhar’s Kyodai Invitational Karate Championship held in New York. 320 competitors in total from four different countries participated the sport event. Brooklyn Amity School distinguished itself winning 13 golden, 5 silver and 12 bronze medals and thus ranking first in the total number […]

Brookings: Takvim’s news on Hizmet movement incorrect, totally ignorant

Commenting on the Takvim news piece, Ömer Taşpınar, a Middle East expert at Brookings, said the news does not reflect the truth and that pro-government dailies publish news supporting conspiracies against the movement.

NBA star Enes Kanter on faith, basketball and political activism

My faith is important to me. It helps me see the world in a clear way. My faith gives me a target and goal for my life. Because of my faith, I want to help others and it keeps me motivated. I know without faith I would be very different.

President Obama sends message to Gulen-inspired international cultural festival

US President Obama sends a message to Gulen-inspired “The International Festival of Language and Culture” that took place in Washington D.C. He said, “Festivals like this one allow us to bear witness to the ways hope and beauty stem from songs of inclusion.”

White House denies remarks about Gülen attributed to Obama

In an unusual statement, the White House has accused Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of misrepresenting the content of his phone conversation with US President Barack Obama on Feb. 19 regarding the extradition of Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who lives in Pennsylvania.

Carino: Interfaith Thanksgiving service a good reminder

The annual gathering of Christians, Jews and Muslims took on added poignancy in light of today’s polarized climate.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Fethullah Gulen: Bridge Between Islam And The West

Borough President Adams Celebrates Eid with Food Donation

Kimse Yok Mu distributes aid to Mongolian orphans

Was prime minister able to convince the EU?

Pacifica Institute San Diego holds its Dialogue and Friendship Dinner

Turkey confiscates $billions worth more than 200 companies in operations targeting Gülen

Journalist reveals MGK decision to fight against all religious groups

Copyright 2024 Hizmet News