Annual Turkish Cultural Day in NH State House

Governor John Lynch, Speaker of the House William O`Brien, Deputy Mayor of Pendik Rustem Kabil, the president of Turkish Cultural Center Eyup Sener, a delegation from IVIAD (Istanbul Efficiency Businessmen Association of Istanbul), NH state senators, and representatives were among those who attended the first Turkish Cultural Day in NH State House.

The event included a keynote speech by speaker of the house, remarks given by senators and representatives, presentation about Turkey, live Ebru-art (marbling) demonstration, Sema (Whirling Dervish) performance, Qanun recital by Taha Calisir and display of Turkish art and photos.

“We would like to improve our cultural, economic and educational relations with Turkey,” said Governor Lynch. “I am pleased to see Turkish businessmen visiting NH.”

At the Turkish Cultural Day, Governor Lynch declared April 25, 2012 as Turkish Cultural Day in NH with a Proclamation. Erdogan Biyik Secretery of General of IVIAD gave remarks on behalf of IVIAD Businessmen Association. Mr. Biyik said “We are pleased to visit this beautiful state and meet with great people of NH. In addition to this pleasant cultural exchange, we have come here to investigate future business and investment opportunities.” Mr. Biyik said that we would be holding meetings with Chamber of Commerce, Department of Resources and Economic Development and Division of Economic Development as part of our feasibility study in the area with regards to our business objectives.

“I would like to thank Turkish Cultural Center NH for organizing this great event, said House Speaker O`Brien. Ebru (marbling) artist Humeyra Ozcan demonstrated her mastery in marbling and gave away her masterpieces as souvenirs to the senators and representatives. “It is a great pleasure to be able to introduce and promote our country and culture in such a wonderful venue,” said Mrs. Ozcan.

The event also included speeches by TCCNH president Eyup Sener. “One of the aims of this program is to further increase, with Turkey and the State of NH. The purpose of Turkish Cultural Day is to strengthen ties between America and Turkey and celebrate the rich heritage of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, to give Senators and Representatives a chance to meet members of the Turkic American Community. This event will introduce Turkic American Community to their state political process, and also an opportunity to speaking directly with their elected legislators”.

“It is very enlightening to see all of the leaders from the State of NH involved in supporting the Turkish-American people at this Turkish Cultural Day. I want to thank the State of NH again for your warm welcome and great hospitality for making this event happen. Global efforts towards peace and reconciliation can only succeed with a collective approach that is built on trust, dialogue and collaboration”.

Guests enjoyed conversations with local members of Turkish- American community along with some Turkish delicacies such as Turkish food, Baklava and Borek.