The 3rd Annual Turkish Festival officially opened in Tinley Park, Illinois, drawing an estimated 10,000 visitors on its first day. The two-day event will continue on Sunday with a rich programme celebrating Turkish culture, history, cuisine, and arts.
The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General in Chicago Tahir Bora Atatanir, community leaders, academics, representatives of nonprofit organisations, and thousands of visitors.
Festival Founder Halil Demir welcomed guests, emphasising that the festival continues to grow every year and aims to introduce the richness of Turkish culture and heritage to the American public.
Consul General Tahir Bora Atatanir highlighted the importance of unity within the Turkish-American community, noting that events like the festival help strengthen cultural ties between Türkiye and the United States.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sent a special video message congratulating the organisers and participants.
In his message, he also announced the proclamation of August as Turkish Heritage Month in Chicago, recognising the contributions of the Turkish community to the city.
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.
Visitors also enjoyed a wide variety of traditional Turkish cuisine. Handmade gozleme prepared fresh on-site, authentic Turkish doner, baklava, and Turkish coffee brewed in hot sand were among the festival’s most popular attractions, with long lines throughout the day.
Whirling dervish performances, folk dances, concerts, Karagoz and Hacivat shadow theatre, children’s activities, and hundreds of cultural exhibits added to the vibrant atmosphere.
After welcoming approximately 10,000 visitors on Saturday, organisers expect thousands more to attend on Sunday for the festival’s final day.
