World Beat Festival

Since the beginning of the year, the new ORTA leadership team has been laser focused on putting together events that are directly related to our Turkish/American heritage like national holidays and spotlights on Turkish talent. These activities are a direct and positive influence in enriching the lives of our Turkish-American community, however, the impact of these events on our society at large, is generally mild. With this in mind, we ventured to “reach outside” our general circle and make a footprint beyond our members. Our participation at the World Beat Festival in Salem was the perfect opportunity to showcase our heritage and our community to a wider audience.

We had around 40 ORTA members that stopped by in support. Many of them were hands-on volunteers that helped staff the booth, and of course the wonderful dance and music show. Here are some highlights in case you missed it. And don’t forget to check out the photo gallery here.

What is the World Beat Festival?

Since 1998, the Salem Multicultural Institute (SMI) has held an annual festival with the vision to “create an environment of openness to all people”. The festival has an average attendance of 25,000 guests and this year, more than 60 nations were represented.

Türkiye @World Beat

For the first time since the festival began, Türkiye had a booth to represent our nation. Seeded in the “European Village” section, ORTA set a beautiful display of Turkish artifacts that included musical instruments, pottery, glassware and other items of cultural and historic relevance. Our fortunate corner location allowed us to decorate the internal and external part of the booth with flags, maps and other Turkish memorabilia. We even had an “Anatolian village home”-themed photo booth that became one of the most photographed spots of the festival.

ORTA @Worldbeat

Our EC and hard-working volunteers staffed the booth for two full days (under scorching sun), telling the history and story of Türkiye. From coffee and tea, to our Nation’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ottomans, and NATO membership, we shared with hundreds of guests that were eager to hear about our nation, our culture, and our heritage. The audience varied greatly; we got basic questions like “what language do they speak?”, or “is Türkiye in Asia or Europe?”; and we also had dozens of folks that had visited Türkiye many times and shared their beautiful stories. We also found a few Turkish nationals (a couple of them signed up as new ORTA members), and people from many other nations that along with the festival organization committee thanked us for expanding the cultural scope of the festival. It was truly heartening to see guests experiencing for the first time a taste of Türkiye, by listening to us, holding a tea glass, smelling coffee and some even playing tavla.

Our younger generations also contributed by marching during the festival opening parade proudly wearing Turkish t-shirts and waving Turkish flags. Thank you to all our youngsters and parents who brought them.

ORTA + TACAWA + Volunteers = Magic

Another highpoint was the collaboration with The Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington State (TACAWA), who brought their amazing dance group to perform traditional dances from different regions. Special thanks to TACAWA dance group: Kaan Ingec, Aylin Onalan, Beril Ozhan, Ayla Kol and Eren Balabanoglu for driving all the way from Seattle to deliver such a beautiful performance.

Our local volunteers also stepped up to the challenge with their talents. Pinar Kaya & Murat Kucuk delighted the audience singing Turkish pop songs  accompanied by Murat Kucuk in guitar and vocal, and Murat Yavuz in percussion. In addition, our members put together a folklore dance group with the leadership of Ferda Evans to perform traditional dances from Silifke region. Thank you to our talented dancers Aylin Bunk, Cigdem Kalyon, Deniz Karaca, Ferda Evans, Nesteren Demirag, and Burcin Yavuz. Salem got a true taste of Türkiye!

Thank you all for your dedication and commitment to our community.  You spent a lot of your personal time and resources to be there and to prepare for the event. You inspired us all. THANK YOU!

Proud Moment

The festival closed with a “flag march” around the park to honor all represented nations. It was a truly proud moment to see our red and white (carried by our young member Ali Baran Baykal) wave among so many other colors. Many nations walking peacefully and in the same direction; yet another example of what our president always reminds us, that “Together,  we are better”

The stars of the show:

As with any other event, volunteers are what make everything possible. Special thanks to Nesteren Demirag and Riza Temir for staffing the booth for long hours and sharing their knowledge and kindness with guests. Riza went the extra mile teaching tavla to kids and adults. The hard physical work of setting up the booth under scorching heat was possible by the hands of Nesteren, Riza, and Ali Baran.

Special thanks to all members that lent items for display: Sermin Oztaskin, Ferda Evans , Yusuf Surucu. 

Thanks to Ozcan Ertem for making this event memorable through his videos and photos

By the numbers

Overall, this event had a net zero-dollar impact:

• Expenses of all travelers (hotel, meals, gas, etc.) were 100% covered by each of the volunteers’ and EC’s own pocket

• With the dance/music show, the festival fees were waved

• Shirts and hats used during the event donated by Guluzar Kara

• Dresses, costumes and accessories for the Silifke show donated by Ferda Evans

• All items displayed at the booth were on loan from members. No purchases were made

Don’t forget to check out the photo gallery and if you were able to attend, share your pictures!