ISTANBUL
By Nilay Kar
One of Istanbul's most important historical venues of Topkapi hosted a marquee of Mehmet II, the Conqueror of Istanbul in 1453. The historical venue is now an important address of Turkic culture, which originate from a common history.
It was the "biggest dream" of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbas to establish a cultural district in that area. This dream has come true when the Turkic World Culture Houses were inaugurated in 2009.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, R.F. Tatarstan, Balkan Regions and R.F. Bashkortostan Culture are represented at these houses.
The district also houses two traditional upland tents, which are the most important items for Kazak's nomadic life. One of them is a gift of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In the houses designated for Turkish people, exhibitions symbolizing cultures and traditions of these countries are held besides language courses, and events introducing their cuisine and arts.
At the entrance of the houses, each represented with its own flag, visitors are welcomed by statues of folk heroes, galleries of bibelots showing historical and touristic spots of countries, handicrafts, traditional garments, jewels, musical instruments, photographs and architectural works.
There is also a restaurant in the Topkapi Culture Park, which has a special meaning for those, who want to know about cuisine culture of Turkic World, including Uighur, Kazakh, Kyrghz and Uzbek kitchens.
From Uzbek rice to numerous types of kebabs, which are brought from Central Asia are served in the restaurant. Visitors can also taste different types of tea like gok-cay [heavenly tea], which are widely consumed in the Central Asia, along with ethnic Turkic musics played.
"120,000 people visit the district annually. Foreigners especially Arab tourists as well as visitors from Turkic countries prefer to come here most," Salih Dogan, Administrative Affairs Manager, told Anadolu Agency (AA).
Topkapi Culture Houses also host celebrations on national days of these countries. Turkic festivals such as Sabantuy and Newroz are again celebrated every year here with colorful ceremonies.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
