Welcome to the 29th Boston Turkish Festival:"Colors of Anatolia"
October 29 - December 15, 2024
Boston Turkish Festival, which was founded in 1996, is a unique festival which lasts more than a month and it is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. The festival theme since 2006, “Colors of Anatolia”, reflects the cultural diversity and richness, ranging from fine arts, dance, music, film to culinary arts. We are proud to present to you another high caliber festival once again this year. FOLLOW US:
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COLORS AND LINES OF İZMİR by ERAY ÖZBEK On View NOVEMBER 1 - (extended until) MARCH 1, 2025 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION
Colors and Lines of İzmir is a heartfelt tribute to the city that has shaped Eray Özbek's life and art. Through his whimsical cartoons, filled with warmth and humor, Özbek invites viewers on a visual journey through the streets and soul of İzmir. This exhibition showcases his deep love for the city and its people, offering a unique and personal perspective. Join us for Colors and Lines of İzmir and experience the city through the eyes of one of its most celebrated artists. VISIT THE ONLINE EXHIBITION NOW! |
Beyond Borders: A Musical Odyssey HYUN SOOK TEKİN, piano
Experience a captivating recital featuring renowned pianist and Head of the Music Department at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Hyun Sook Tekin. This extraordinary concert will showcase a diverse repertoire, spanning centuries and continents, including a special highlight, “Anadolu’dan (From Anatolia) Op.25” by Ahmet Adnan Saygun. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2024 | 5:30 pm |
Aramızdan Ayrılışının 86’ncı Yıldönümünde
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Virtuosity Unbound: A Classical Journey JÜLİDE YALÇIN, violin
Join us for a mesmerizing evening of classical music featuring world-renowned violinist Jülide Yalçın, the first female concertmaster of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra founded by Atatürk, and currently the concertmaster of the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra. Accompanied by eminent pianists, Eunyoung Kim from Korea and Bahar Soyöz from Türkiye, and cellist, Hyun-Ji Kwon also from Korea, Yalçın will perform a program of classical masterpieces by Muammer Sun, Ludwig van Beethoven, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Gabriel Fauré. This concert promises to be a musical journey filled with passion, emotion, and technical brilliance. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024 | 7:30 pm Free admission. Limited Seating. < GET YOUR TICKET NOW >Co-presented with Boston University Turkish Student Association READ MORE... |
FLAVORS OF ANATOLIA with Chef Ana Sortun
Experience an evening of exquisite Turkish cuisine accompanied by the distinctive wines of Anatolia’s Kavaklidere Winery. James Beard award winning Chef Ana Sortun, owner of Oleana restaurant and co-owner of Sofra Bakery & Café, and Sarma restaurant will share flavorful and enticing Turkish dishes that provide a culinary backdrop to the region. Joining Chef Sortun, Pastry Chef of Oleana, Nik Mastalerz, will be providing the dessert for the evening. Nik was recently named to the 2024 Rising Star Chefs. One of BTF's signature events, Flavors of Anatolia is celebrating its 19th year, which had its inaugural event with chef Ana Sortun in 2006. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 | 6:00 pm THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. Co-presented with Boston University Food & Wine Program Special thanks to Kavaklıdere Winery READ MORE...
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with Ahmet Lüleci
Come and join us as we celebrate rich and diverse heritage of Anatolian culture and folk dances through this workshop by Ahmet Lüleci, internationally acclaimed choreographer, performer, and dance teacher. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024 | 4:30 pm Free admission but advance registration required. < CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >Co-presented with Boston University Turkish Student Association READ MORE... |
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 6, 2024
Enjoy this rare opportunity to view films of the competition, the first of its kind organized in North America. Celebrating its 19th year, the competition has already transformed to a great tradition where film enthusiasts are able to explore works of the emerging filmmakers first hand. Our Documentary and Short Film Competition, the first of its kind in North America, celebrating its 19th anniversary this year, opens on November 23rd at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) with the international premiere of “Tears of Cem Karaca”, a biopic by veteran director Yüksel Aksu on the life of legendary musician Cem Karaca. On November 24th at MFA, internationally acclaimed filmmaker Fatih Akın’s remastered documentary, “Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul,” will transport viewers to the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant music scene. Finalist documentaries and short films will be available to watch online between November 25 - December 6. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPETITION WINNERS & FINALISTS |
Directed by Yüksel Aksu
"Tears of Cem Karaca" is a moving exploration of the life and legacy of Cem Karaca (1945-2004), the Anatolian rock legend whose music often carried powerful political messages and was a soundtrack to political and social change. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality made him an icon of his time, and his legacy continues to inspire generations today. This biopic delves into the lesser-known facets of his life, exploring the triumphs, challenges, and passions that fueled his career. From the heights of fame to the depths of exile, Cem Karaca's story is one of resilience and passion. Watch TrailerSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024 | 2:00 pm Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Co-presented with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston Film Program READ MORE... |
Directed by Fatih Akın
Transcending cultural borders and genres, Istanbul’s vibrant music scene takes the spotlight in Fatih Akın’s sonically immersive time capsule, "Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul." Now remastered in 4K, this groundbreaking documentary, originally released in 2005, offers a unique perspective on the city through the lens of its diverse musical genres. Thumping with an infectious energy, this movable feast celebrates the bonding power of art over political and generational divides, transporting viewers to the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant music scene in stunning detail. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024 | 2:30 pm Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Co-presented with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston Film Program READ MORE... |
FROM HISTORY TO STORYTELLING: "RESCUING CRITIQUE" IN DEFNE SUMAN'S NOVELS A Conversation with Author DEFNE SUMAN Moderated by Ülker Gökberk, Professor Emerita of German and Humanities at Reed College
In this conversation We will explore the main themes and techniques through which Suman conjures vanishing moments of the recent past. Most notably among these are collective forgetting and remembering, trauma, the repression and uncovering of truth at the personal and social levels, questions pertaining to identity, such as, the connection between language and identity, covert identities, and the malleability of identity. A prominent voice among contemporary Turkish novelists, Suman sheds light on thee buried layers, akin to Walter Benjamin’s “rescuing critique,” just as they are about to disappear from reminiscence. Moreover, Suman’s novels examine the conflict between a pluralistic notion of selfhood and a monolithically constructed national identity. The paradigms of exile and displacement, of speaking from minority positions, are intertwined with the above-mentioned themes. Altogether, these premises establish a narrative network of signification, through which the philosophical core of Suman’s work can be discerned. By way of reading her novels, such as, At the Breakfast Table (Kahvaltı Sofrası), The Silence of Scheherazade (Emanet Zaman) and Summer Heat (Yaz Sıcağı) in this context, we can reveal the central subject-matter of these narratives as a critical investigation of violence and oppression. By conjuring up injustices, buried under the debris of a recent past, the author opens up a cathartic space for her characters. Her latest novel, Çember Apartmanı, is another forceful example. Thus, Suman offers a rich literary resource for memory studies, in particular for studies in collective memory. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 | 2:00 pm (EST) | Online |
IZE TRIO: TALES OF ANATOLIA Ize Trio and Vocalist Heiraza to perform their unique takes on Turkish classics and Global Jazz Chase Morrin, piano
World renowned musicians, Chase Morrin (Piano), George Lernis (Percussion), and Naseem Alatrash (Cello), present a unique collaboration with virtuoso vocalist Heiraza. They will perform legendary songs like Fesüphanallah, Gül Pembe, and Gönül in their own unique way. New England Music Awards (NEMA) 2024 Jazz Act of the Year Nominee and Boston Music Awards Jazz Artist of the Year nominee Ize Trio will also perform original multi-cultural jazz selections from their new acclaimed album “The Global Suites”. Come witness their spectacular live performance. They are experts in their fields, and trailblazing musicians in the world contemporary music. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 | 7:30 pm |
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Service Mark Advisory: Boston Turkish FestivalSM , Turkish FestivalSM ,
and Turkish American FestivalSM are
registered
service marks of the
Boston Turkish Festival.
