By Jorge G. Zavala | Photography by Jorge G. Zavala
On September 4th, Chicago welcomed the Chicago Turkish Festival, one of the most prominent and lively showcases of Turkish culture in the Midwest, with the annual outdoor Gala, which took place at Pioneer Court in downtown Chicago. The gala, which boasted notable figures like Consul General Fatih Yildiz, the prominent head behind Chicago's Turkish Consulate, and several members of the diplomatic community. The event, which began at 7pm, reflected a diversity of culture from Turkey that consisted of ornate garments, savory Turkish-style coffee, orchid-flavored ice cream, delicious regional cuisine, and some of the most hospitable international figures all in one place.
On September 4th, Chicago welcomed the Chicago Turkish Festival, one of the most prominent and lively showcases of Turkish culture in the Midwest, with the annual outdoor Gala, which took place at Pioneer Court in downtown Chicago. The gala, which boasted notable figures like Consul General Fatih Yildiz, the prominent head behind Chicago's Turkish Consulate, and several members of the diplomatic community. The event, which began at 7pm, reflected a diversity of culture from Turkey that consisted of ornate garments, savory Turkish-style coffee, orchid-flavored ice cream, delicious regional cuisine, and some of the most hospitable international figures all in one place.
The weekend-long festival was a celebration of what it means to be Turkish not only for Turks and Turkish-Americans, but also for Chicagoans as a whole. "(This festival) means so much to us and to Chicago because it is what and who we are," stated Consul General Yildiz. "Chicago, in my opinion, is the most American of American cities...Chicago has welcomed us and we open our hearts to sharing Turkish culture."
Consul General Fatih Yildiz is no stranger to business and culture on an international scale. "Think of this festival as Turkey in a microcosm: mini-concert performances, festive folk dancers, Whirling Dervishes, local fashion, and an Ottoman Army Marching Band, which reflects so much of our history as a people. Chicago is a business city, and so is Ankara, Turkey's capital. In Ankara, we are known for the hospitality, great dining, and plentiful opportunities for doing business...similar to Chicago."
This year's festival was a farewell to the sophisticated yet compassionate Consul General, who left Chicago soon after and has returned Ankara for a new position as head of human resources at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, taking with him his wife and 16-year-old daughter. However, before parting ways PdM asked him to describe his four years in Chicago.
“The Turkish community in Chicago is one of the most interesting in this country,” stated Consul General Yildiz. “My position allowed me to oversee several states in the Midwest, which positioned me to learn about the vibrant and unique manner Turks live in the United States. We have doctors, lawyers, actors, businessmen, even reporters.”
Yildiz, who joined the foreign service in 1994, held various diplomatic roles in other parts of the world, including Sarajevo, Vienna and Washington, D.C., before being appointed Chicago consul general in 2010.
When asked what he would miss most about Chicago, Consul General Yildiz had a few things to discuss. “I will miss Chicago, period. Chicago is a beautiful city to live and work: I will miss the people, the gastronomy, and the hard-working attitude that has built such a city. I have had the pleasure of meeting young Americans who are interested in Turkey for both travel and work, and this is very good because it means we can grow as an international community together. I am also pleased to say that I've met some young Turkish Americans in Chicago and beyond that have so much potential for international relations, and this is exciting. For Chicagoans who have not been to Turkey, I recommend going now as we have some of the best tourism opportunities in the world."
This year's festival was a farewell to the sophisticated yet compassionate Consul General, who left Chicago soon after and has returned Ankara for a new position as head of human resources at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, taking with him his wife and 16-year-old daughter. However, before parting ways PdM asked him to describe his four years in Chicago.
“The Turkish community in Chicago is one of the most interesting in this country,” stated Consul General Yildiz. “My position allowed me to oversee several states in the Midwest, which positioned me to learn about the vibrant and unique manner Turks live in the United States. We have doctors, lawyers, actors, businessmen, even reporters.”
Yildiz, who joined the foreign service in 1994, held various diplomatic roles in other parts of the world, including Sarajevo, Vienna and Washington, D.C., before being appointed Chicago consul general in 2010.
When asked what he would miss most about Chicago, Consul General Yildiz had a few things to discuss. “I will miss Chicago, period. Chicago is a beautiful city to live and work: I will miss the people, the gastronomy, and the hard-working attitude that has built such a city. I have had the pleasure of meeting young Americans who are interested in Turkey for both travel and work, and this is very good because it means we can grow as an international community together. I am also pleased to say that I've met some young Turkish Americans in Chicago and beyond that have so much potential for international relations, and this is exciting. For Chicagoans who have not been to Turkey, I recommend going now as we have some of the best tourism opportunities in the world."
Turkish culture and cuisine are largely recognized as one of the richest and most diverse in the world. The Chicago Turkish Festival was a unique opportunity for Chicagoans to experience it without leaving town but also an opportunity to engage with diverse businesses. Katharina Ozcan of Zermat Outerwear came to Chicago from Washington D.C. to display her unique and colorful scarves and winter apparel. "We like to say that if it's good enough for Chicago it's good enough for the Swiss cold," Ozcan joked.
In addition to cultural dances, a delicious buffet reflecting the diversity of Turkish cuisine and history, and a very warm reception of business insiders, a fashion showcase of some of Turkey's most notable rising fashionistas took place. The garments, both opulent and nouveau chic, reflect a prominent blend of Eastern cut with European elegance.
The Chicago Turkish Festival's opening gala was a wonderful intermixing of gastronomy, dance, style, international diplomacy, and business elegance wrapped in a blanket of Chicago Midwestern charm. While we will truly miss Consul General Yildiz, we are optimistic that the next generation of Turkish diplomats to Chicago will continue the tradition of bridging communities, both local and international, through such delightful gatherings. We look forward to next year's festivities,
Güzel bir olay Tebrikler!
The Chicago Turkish Festival's opening gala was a wonderful intermixing of gastronomy, dance, style, international diplomacy, and business elegance wrapped in a blanket of Chicago Midwestern charm. While we will truly miss Consul General Yildiz, we are optimistic that the next generation of Turkish diplomats to Chicago will continue the tradition of bridging communities, both local and international, through such delightful gatherings. We look forward to next year's festivities,
Güzel bir olay Tebrikler!
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