Turkish Heritage Day

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Presented by Florida Turkish American Association at Florida Turkish American Association

Flyer: Represents Turkish heritage that includes Art of Ebru (water marbling), Turkish Cuisine, Belly Dance Performance, Turkish Coffee with fortune-telling, Folk Dance, Traditional Shadow Puppet Play "Hacivat & Karagöz", and Art of Ceramic & Tile and Blue Mask with background picture of Bosphorus-Istanbul.
TurkishHeritageDay

Turkish Heritage Day aims to create an immersive experience through a variety of interactive booths, live performances, workshops, and culinary tastings.The festival will feature the elements of Turkish cultural heritage including traditional live Turkish music (by the chorus) and dance performance (by a belly dancer), include live instrumental shows (saz and kemenche accompanied by a soloist), folk dance (by our dance group and “Sarı Zeybek” by a male dancer), mini workshops (by two chefs on Turkish cuisine with taste testing, ebru, water marbling, ceramic and tile), that invite audience participation. In addition, the program will feature live traditional shadow puppet play “Hacivat & Karagöz” as well as Turkish coffee service followed by a fortune-telling session for those interested.

Also, local vendors will offer their merchandize to the participants. Thus, visitors will have an opportunity to explore cultural booths highlighting Turkish cuisine, handicrafts, and artisanal products, supported by immigrant artisans and local entrepreneurs in a friendly, joyous atmosphere.

Admission & Contact Details

Free Admission

Attendance Type: In-Person Virtual

More Information

Dates & Times

Sat, September 27, 2025

→ 7h

Sun, September 28, 2025

→ 8h 30m

1.DAY: September 27, 2025, Saturday

Venue Access Time: 11:00 AM
Preparation Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Setup Schedule by Task

11:00 AM – Venue Opens

Setup team arrival and check-in.
Site walk-through with lead coordinator and station leaders.
Confirm final vendor placements and safety protocols.

12: PM–4:PM | Decorations

Team: 4–6 volunteers + 1 visual coordinator
Tasks:

Hang Turkish flags, banners, evil eye charms, lamps and cultural fabric.
Place Turkish rugs, cushions, and ceramic displays at booths.
Set up lanterns and string lights (indoors/outdoors).
Place Atatürk portraits and signage near the welcome area.
Add directional signs for restrooms, stage, food, etc.

11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Music & Sound System Setup

Team: Audio-visual team (2–3 techs)
Tasks:

Install speakers, mixers, microphones, monitors.
Test main stage sound and vendor zone background music setup.
Set up mics for emcee and chorus.
Test cue music and playlist transitions for folk dance shows.

 1:00 PM–2:00 PM | Stage Setup

Team: Stage manager + 2 crew
Tasks:

Final placement of risers, backdrops, and Turkish-themed stage decor.
Set up podium for speakers.
Place instruments for chorus and dancers' props nearby.
Confirm backstage area for performers.

2:00 PM–4:00PM | Chorus & Folk Dance Team Soundcheck

Team: Performers + AV team
Tasks:

Chorus: mic test, formation check, entrance/exit cues.
Folk dance team: floor spacing, sound cues, and warm-up.
Performer of Traditional Turkish Zeybek Folk Dance
Traditional Turkish Instrument "Kemençe"
Traditional Turkish Instrument "Saz"
Performance of Turkish Belly Dance
Emcee rehearses welcome remarks on stage mic.

4:00 PM–5:00PM | Other artists stage and sound check

Team: Performers + AV team
Tasks:

Traditional Turkish "Hacivat and Karagöz" Shadow Puppet Theater
Tile - Ceramic Workshop
Ebru, Art of Water Marbling
Gastronomy Experts

2:00 PM–4:00 PM | Vendor Booth Setup

Team: Vendor coordinator + 1 volunteer per 2 vendors
Tasks:

Assist vendors with booth assignments and power/water needs.
Set up tables, tents, and signage if needed.
Help with small decor to match event theme.
Ensure food vendors pass health & fire inspections if applicable.

5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Final Touches and meeting

Quick sweep of the venue for trash or misaligned signage.
Meeting with performers and vendors
Questions and Concerns

2.DAY: September 28, 2025, Sunday

Venue Access Time: 10:00 AM

11:00 am- 12 PM: Exposing the venue and Turkish Foods

Main Event: 12PM-4PM

Post-Event Reception Plan

Title: “Turkish Connections: Celebration & Collaboration "

Date & Time: Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Immediately after the main program concludes

Location:
Main event hall will be switched to reception room by 4 volunteers

Objectives:

Cultural Engagement: Foster a deeper understanding of Turkish traditions, values, and hospitality.
Business Outreach: Connect local Turkish and non-Turkish businesses with community leaders and audiences.
Fundraising: Create direct and indirect pathways for financial support to FTAA.

 Reception Timeline:

Time
Activity
Purpose

4:30 – 4:45 PM
Welcoming Guests, Turkish Tea & Appetizers
Soft entry, casual mingling

4:45 – 5:00 PM
Remarks by FTAA President
Express gratitude, present mission

5:00 – 5:15 PM
Testimonial Video & Slide Show
Visual storytelling of FTAA’s impact

5:15 – 5:30 PM
Business Spotlight (local sponsors speak for 5 mins each)
Build B2B trust & sponsorship visibility

5:30 – 5:40 PM
Turkish Folk Music Duo (Live)
Cultural connection & entertainment

5:40 – 6:00 PM
Interactive Mini-Workshop Stations:

·         Ceramic-tile painting

·         Ebru, Art of Water Marbling

·         FTAA Paint Club

·         Gastronomy Experts
Hands-on Turkish cultural immersion

6:00 – 6:30 PM
Donation Appeal + Membership Invitation
Encourage ongoing support

6:30 – 7:00 PM
Questions and Answers
Cultural connection

7:00 – 7:30 PM
Networking & Vendor Browsing
Close with mingling and community-building

* Check with the presenting organization or venue to confirm times and durations.

Location

Florida Turkish American Association
3020 NE 32nd Ave No 123
Fort Lauderdale , FL 33308

Accessibility

Event Accessibility

Accessibility Information – FTAA

FTAA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all guests, including those with disabilities. Below are the details to ensure comfort and ease of access during our events:

Wheelchair Accessibility

Entrances & Exits: The main entrance at [3020 NE 32nd Ave] is fully wheelchair accessible with ramp access. A secondary accessible entrance is located on the east side of the building for easier drop-off.
Elevator Access: FTAA is located on a single-story level.
Restrooms: All restrooms are ADA-compliant and include wheelchair-accessible stalls.

 Accessible Parking

Designated ADA parking spots are available directly in front of the venue. We recommend arriving early, as these spots are limited.
Drop-off zones are available near the accessible entrance.

Performances for Patrons with Disabilities

Sign Language Interpreted Events: Selected performances and speeches will include ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation.
Priority Seating: Spaces for wheelchair users and companions are available at all performances. Please contact us ahead of time to reserve accessible seating.

Assistance

Volunteers and staff will be available to guide and assist guests with special needs throughout the event days.
Service animals are welcome throughout the venue.