Everyone loves a taste of Turkish delight. Lucky for Fort Lauderdale locals, they’ll enjoy a feast for the senses when the inaugural Turkish Heritage Festival debuts Sunday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Florida Turkish Center.
The goal of the event is to showcase the various elements of fine and performing arts, as well as Turkish cuisine.
“The event is very important because it offers a vibrant and immersive way to share Turkey’s rich cultural legacy with the broader community,” says Dr. Hatice Hasman, president of the Florida Turkish American Association (FTAA).
Attendees can expect a variety of activities celebrating the arts, including folk dances, classical music and artistic crafts — with an immigrant artisan focus — that keep the centuries-old customs alive.
“Experiencing the rhythm of traditional music, the colors of costumes with amazing folk dance performance and the symbolism in art helps attendees connect emotionally and intellectually with Turkish heritage,” says Dr. Hasman. “Cultural expression transcends language, bringing together Turkish Americans, other diaspora communities and non-Turkish attendees in a shared celebration.”
Unique to the celebration are two traditional artisan workshops. Ebru (water marbling), an ancient art form where colored pigments are floated on water, manipulated into patterns and then transferred to paper or fabric invites participants to experiment with brushes and pigments to create unique patterns as a form of artistic self-expression.
“Demonstrators will explain the historical significance of Ebru in the Ottoman manuscripts and Turkish design,” says workshop curator and vice president of FTAA, Sabri Tosunoglu. “This art encourages curiosity and interaction, and draws people to watch, ask questions and try it themselves.”
A ceramics workshop will honor Turkish ceramics, renowned for their intricate patterns and showstopping glazes, particularly from regions like Iznik. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate small ceramic items, like tiles, plates or coasters, with traditional motifs while facilitators share the history of Iznik tiles in mosques and palaces.
“Guests will learn how to outline, fill and balance colors on ceramics, providing a tactile appreciation for Turkish artisanship,” shares Tosunoglu.
Additionally, a slew of performers will enrich the day. Unique to Turkish tradition is “Karagöz and Hacivat,” live Turkish classical shadow puppet theater. “This art form has been around since the Ottoman period and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of Turkish folk entertainment,” shares puppet theater performer Albert Yalman.
“Karagöz and Hacivat are the main characters; Karagöz is the outspoken, witty and often mischievous figure, while Hacivat is educated, polite and more reserved,” explains Yalman, who says the performances are typically comedic, satirical and sometimes even political by offering commentary on society, daily life and human behavior.
The puppets themselves are usually flat figures made of camel or water buffalo hide, and are manipulated behind a white screen with a light source to cast shadows. The puppet theater is complemented by live, traditional Turkish instruments, which add rhythm and atmosphere to the performance.
Yalman will also participate in the festival by offering traditional Turkish coffee service paired with fortune-telling.
Traditional Turkish dance is another main focus of the event, and will include both folk dancing and belly dancing.
“Each region of Turkey has its own folk dances, reflecting local customs, history, and daily life, and the movements, costumes and music tell stories about agriculture, love, social rituals or historical events,” says Aslı Şekeroğlu Yeniyol, head of the FTAA Folk Dance Club. By presenting various folk dances, Yeniyol says attendees will experience the diversity within Turkish culture, rather than seeing it as a single, uniform tradition.
Belly dancing will bring a dynamic and energetic style characterized by lively steps, strong facial expressions and the use of finger cymbals. “Known for its fluid, expressive movements,”“it highlights artistic creativity, music interpretation and performance culture in Turkey, and will allow visitors to connect with the aesthetic and emotional side of Turkish heritage — not just the historical or regional side,” says Yeniyol.
Complementing both the puppet theater and dance mediums will be Turkish folk and classical music that blends regional melodies with rich patterns. “The connection between music and movement is a hallmark of Turkish cultural performances,” notes Jennifer Beyhan Ermis, soloist and head of FTAA Atatürk Chorus.
Two traditional Turkish instruments that will be highlighted through live music are the saz, played by Sinan Taşan, and the kemenche, played by Ferhat Hasan Koçhan — both performers have deep expertise in Turkish traditional music and have graced prestigious stages both in Turkey and internationally.
“The saz is the heart of Anatolian folk music, known for its warm, resonant tone and its ability to express a wide range of emotions,” explains Ermis. “The kemenche, often associated with the Black Sea region, brings a lyrical and soulful quality that beautifully complements the saz. Together, they create an authentic soundscape that reflects the depth and diversity of Turkish musical heritage.”
Vocally, soloists will treat guests to captivating artistry, while the chorus will deliver harmonic depth and a communal energy. “This blend allows for dynamic changes in mood and intensity throughout the performance,” says Ermis.
“We hope that Turkish Heritage Day will become more than just a celebration — it will be a bridge,” she explains. “A bridge that unites our community across generations and regions, where elders pass down traditions and youth embrace them with pride. A day that shines a light on our artisans, entrepreneurs and storytellers, giving them the stage they deserve. A moment each year when our culture steps into the heart of the city, inviting our neighbors to share in its beauty and warmth. We dream of an annual tradition that strengthens our bonds, amplifies our voice and leaves a legacy of unity, pride and friendship that continues long after the music fades.”
WHAT: Inaugural Turkish Heritage Day
WHERE: Florida Turkish Center, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28
Tickets: Free Admission
INFORMATION: 860-575-4126 or ftaa.com/event/
