Thousands turn out for Turkish festival in Chicago

Industry Minister Nihat Ergun over the weekend attended the Chicago Turkish World Festival 2009, joining thousands of Americans and Turks alike, with Turkish Consul-General in Chicago Kenan Ipek, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Kayseri deputy Mustafa Elitas, AK Party Bolu deputy Fatih Metin, AK Party Corum deputy Agah Kafkas, and Topkapi Palace Museum President Ilber Ortayli also in attendance. Coordinated by the Turkish American Society of Chicago (TASC), it began with whirling dervish ceremonies and ended with fireworks. In his speech opening the two-day festival, Ergun applauded the TASC's move to organize this and similar events to promote intercultural understanding. Afterwards, Ergun and his wife visited the stands set up for the festival and also chatted with Turks there, posing for pictures and accepting gifts that some presented. Other Turkish dignitaries in attendance included at the festival.