Pacifica Institute Announces Second Anatolian Festival

LOS ANGELES, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is returning to capture California's hearts, minds and taste buds.

Hosted by the Pacifica Institute (www.pacificainstitute.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering multi-cultural dialogue, the festival celebrates the diverse history, food and music of this vibrant region in Turkey. The event is now in its second year and will run May 6 to May 9, 2010 at its new venue at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.

"This year we have made many exciting new additions," said Atilla Kahveci, vice president of Pacifica. "We think people will especially enjoy getting a bird's eye view of everything from our hot air balloon."

Other new attractions include a replica of Istanbul's historic Topkapi Palace, a traditional coffee house and an arch featuring the statues of Nemrut Mountain. There will also be 120 stands with authentic foods and goods in an area inspired by the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

The 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, birthplace of the Sufi poet Rumi.

The festival will again immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of Anatolia, old and new.  At each set, craftsmen will demonstrate ancient arts such as weaving, calligraphy and carving and there will be performances of regional music, dance and theatre. The Whirling Dervishes and the Ottoman Marching Band will also return with their awe-inspiring performances throughout the day and a line-up of world-class singers and musical virtuosos will perform each night.

The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is sponsored by the LA-based Pacifica Institute along with the California Turkish American Chamber of Commerce (CATA) and the Organization of Istanbul Armenians (OIA). For more information go to www.anatolianfestival.org, email [email protected] or call (310) 208 7290.

SOURCE Pacifica Institute

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