Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival May 6, 2010

The Anatolian festival will showcase the great civilizations that thrived in Anatolia, dating back to the Trojans, Romans and Ottomans. The "Paths of Anatolia" ushers visitors inside through a series of 14 arches dedicated to them, with costumed models bringing it all to life.

Topkapi Palace will be displayed in the city of Istanbul, one of the five cities also featured. They include the seaside city of Antalya with its ancient ruins; Mardin and its historic stone dwellings; Van, home of the oldest Armenian church and Konya, where the Sufi poet Rumi lived in the 13th Century.

An exciting program of live music, dance and performances each day and evening at the main concert stage. Returning are last year’s showstoppers, the Whirling Dervishes, the Ottoman Marching Band and other regional dancers.

120 vendors offering authentic foods, crafts and other wares at an area styled after the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

Dozens of craftsmen demonstrating traditional crafts such as weaving, miniature painting, calligraphy and carving.

A children’s area with a variety of games and activities, including traditional puppet theater and storytelling, as well as face-painting, interactive craft tables and bouncy castles.

Last year, almost 30,000 visitors came to our festival and enjoyed a breathtaking mix of food, music and history from a magical land

Official Website: http://www.anatolianfestival.org