Speaking at the opening of the festival, the general director of the center, Tarık Çelik, underlined the growing interest in the festival and admitted that he did not expect the large turnout.Touching on this year's guest of honor, Turkey's southeastern city of Mardin, Çelik said Mardin gave the festival a magic touch. “A chorus singing Assyrian hymns and songs chanted by a music group from Mardin in several languages mesmerized both Turkish and American festival attendees. Mardin is famous for being home to people of different ethnic backgrounds and religions living in peace and tolerance."
Also present at the event was Gönül Şahkullubey, a deputy from Mardin for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), who said Mardin constitutes an important example of an alliance of civilizations. “Mardin is a city that attaches great importance to dialogue, peace and love. Events such as this festival create a platform for dialogue which strengthens the basis of fraternity and peace,” the deputy said.
Mardin Governor Hasan Duruer highlighted the place of Mardin in history. “Before the discovery of America, Mardin had been home to more than 70 civilizations. It is not enough speak of Mardin to introduce it. Mardin should be visited to be understood. I invite you all to visit Mardin.”
The festival also featured a Mehter takımı (Ottoman military band). The band's performance was followed by a Mardin musical group performing Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish and Assyrian songs. Famous musician Ömer Faruk Tekbilek graced the festival with his presence as well.
