Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival April 2, 2009

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In this festival, the format of activities is Witness-Learn-Participate.
Everyone is invited to WITNESS Anatolia as it comes alive in California. In a vivid and realistic way, visitors will be immersed in Anatolian cultural, ethnic and religious diversity, harmony and interaction, beginning 10,000 years ago.
Anatolian Cultural values that have contributed to world civilizations foreground this project. Visual effects, bilingual (Turkish and English) informational kiosks and knowledgeable staff will help visitors LEARN about Anatolian cultures. Anatolia has opened its gates to many different peoples without differentiating between them. In the spirit of Anatolian hospitality, the festival welcomes visitors of all nations, races and beliefs to PARTICIPATION in its cultural mosaic.
Visitors will be entertained while experiencing the board spectrum of Anatolian cultures. All the attractions- visual presentations, exhibits, animations, music and shows- are interactive.
The festival is a creative blend of ancient history and modern technology. Health, safety and information booths will meet the needs of all visitors. A fully equipped press center and free parking will be available. Information booths in various locations will provide festival brochures of scheduled activities.
Upon entering the main entrance, visitors will begin their walk through Anatolian history. The path leading into the festival grounds will pass under a series of 11 arches, each representing a civilization that resided in Anatolia. Informative signs and panels next to each arch will guide visitors along the Path of Anatolia. Upon crossing the final arch, visitors will step into contemporary Turkey.
At the end of their walk through the Anatolian history, once they reach the last door, contemporary Turkey, they would have already discovered the building blocks of the Turkish culture.
The festival is designed to please all age groups. There is a special area for children, hosting Turkeys best, traditional childrens theatre and folk dances. Children will also have the opportunity to learn many unique, Turkish games. They will meet famous characters of Turkish culture and take pictures.
Visitors will delight in a feast of 99 different Turkish foods. Shoppers will not only find authentic Turkish products, like traditional handcrafts, but also the leading brands of the world. For the first time outside of Istanbul, visitors will enjoy the experience of shopping at vendors modeled after the famous Grand Bazaar.
In the past, on special days, fruit juices streamed from Anatolian fountains. The festival will revive this tradition and juices, lemonade, and ayran (a traditional yogurt drink) will flow from the taps of the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III.
Attending the festival is like stepping off a plane in Turkey. Five different cities with their landmarks, food and culture are replicated. Visitors will enjoy beautiful historical and natural artwork, and photography exhibitions. During the festival, artisans will be at work using many different media-such as ceramics, filigree, weaving, jewelry making, vein art, water marbling, calligraphy, and more- offering visitors a chance to participate in these activities.



Organized by Pacifica Institute


1019 Gayley Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone: (310) 208 7290

Fax: (310) 824 0979

Web: www.pacificainstitute.org

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Official Website: http://anatolianfestival-upcoming.eventbrite.com