Austin Raindrop Turkish house sponsored 4th Food and Craft fair to benefit reforestation efforts in Bastrop County. Other sponsors included the Austin and Antalya Sister City Association and the Turkish American Women Association (TAWA).

The fair included activities, food, live music and craft items for all ages: moonwalks and Turkish cotton candy for children; demonstrations of the Turkish art of water marbling; unique Turkish handicrafts-- Oriental rugs, ceramics, pottery, bags, traditional jewelry, clothing, decorative pillows, throws, towels, woven textile products, and more.

And food! Visitors to the festival enjoyed culinary treats from Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo, including kabobs, doner, vegetable and meat dishes, salads, borek, baklava, Turkish delight, as well as Turkish coffee.

Talha Erer, who sang and played the Baglama—a traditional Turkish instrument--entertained throughout the day.

The president of TAWA, Suzan Saltik, said this year’s attendance at the food and craft fair was twice as great as last year. Mrs. Saltik added, “This year we saw new faces from different cultures, backgrounds, and nations—people from Hispanic countries, the Balkans, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, and Asia.” 

One of the volunteers, Margot Marshall, commented on the atmosphere of the fair.  “It was such a happy, fun event—from the outdoor eating area under the trees to the coffee house feel inside where the great live music was performed—everyone was enjoying themselves.”

Laura Evans, another volunteer, was especially interested in the crafts areas.  “I felt like I was at a true Turkish bazaar—lots of unique merchandise and friendly ‘shopkeepers.’”  She also had a special interest in the water marbling.  “I took a water marbling, ebru, class here last spring, so I spent time watching my teacher, Nazli Cizmeci, demonstrate the art.  I loved how she was able to hold the attention of everyone who stopped by—from young children to adults—with her friendly manner and skill.”