Organized by the Turkish World Research Foundation, the Turkish World Children’s Festival, which is currently in its sixteenth year, started with one minute of silence and the Turkish National Anthem.Some prominent figures such as İstanbul’s new Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, Turkish World Research Foundation President Turan Yazgan attended the event.
Speaking at the event, Yazgan said that Turkish people do not follow a discrimination based on ethnicity, race, color, language, gender, religion, belief or political views against foreign countries. “Turkey is a rich country in terms of history and culture. For this reason, Turkey cannot separate with foreign countries. The children who have come to Turkey from various countries are the biggest indicator that they are custodians of peace and friendship throughout the world,” pointed out Yazgan.
President Abdullah Gül sent a written message as he could not have any opportunity to attend the event. Stating that programs performed within the concept of the Turkish World Children’s Festival plays an important role for Turkey, Gül noted that friendly relations will be developed between the world countries thanks to this kinds of programs.
As part of the festival, folk dances were performed by a group of world children wearing traditional costumes. In addition, a number of children from industrial vocational high school in İstanbul’s Bayrampaşa district showed various performances at the stadium.
Various activities will be continued until June 15 within the concept of the 16th Turkish World Children’s Festival.
