Guided Search: Arts and Culture, Turkish

TAFSUS is a non-profit organization established in 1966 to promote better understanding and friendship between the Turkish and the American communities through educational, cultural and social activities. TAFSUS is an association, which serves the Turkish, the Turkish-American and the American communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and South New Jersey.

“Evocative melodies, intricate arabesques, and sparkling cascades over the mystical-spiritual aura of the ney flute. Contemplative or rhythmic, the trio produces a unique magic.”
– Frankfurt Journal

Come and experience a taste of Lebanon, from delicious Middle Eastern food to traditional dance and music as well as a performance from St. Maron's Dabke Troop.

Ambassador Robert P. Finn will give a brief sketch of the development of the Turkish novel from its origins in the late nineteenthcentury to to the present, followed by discussion of a few of the major modern worksthat are available in English translation.

After briefly talking about alphabets and writing systems, Dr. Erika Gilson, will present the Turkic languages in history, their geographic spread, and principal linguistic markers, as well as the alphabets used for Turkic languages in history. Focusing next on the quest for a Common Alphabet, Dr. Gilson will discuss some of its historic background, namely the 1926 Baku Conference, and the 1991 International Symposium on Contemporary Turkic alphabets, and summarize the current state and discussions relating to alphabet matters amongst the Turkic peoples.

New York Times journalist, Anemona Hartocollis, has been chosen as the National Resource Centers’ Global Distinguished Lecturer for 2016. In her talk she will discuss her experience following a group of migrants and refugees from the Greek Island of Kos to Denmark. She will explore the struggles, hopes and desires of people she met along the way and ponder the unknown outcomes of this mass exodus from the Middle East and North Africa.

Join the Penn Museum and representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism as we cut the “Gordion knot” for the official public opening of this world premiere exhibition. Transport yourself to magical Turkey in a special gallery bazaar decorated by Material Culture just for the opening weekend. Turkish music, exhibition talks, tours, and crafts for kids and families round out the day. The celebration is free with admission to the Museum and special exhibition.

Exclusive World Premiere Exhibition Explores Famous Ruler and his Times, Opens February 13, 2016 at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia.