Turk States Cultural Festival captivates Japan

The Turk States Cultural Festival held at Tokyo Mosque in Japan garnered significant attention, offering participants a deep dive into Turkish culture and an opportunity to savor its unique culinary delights.

Hosted by the Tokyo Mosque and the Diyanet Turkish Cultural Center, the event showcased traditional clothing and artifacts from Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, attracting a large turnout, particularly from Japanese attendees.

Many guests enjoyed taking photographs in traditional outfits from different countries, while others relished traditional cuisine in the mosque’s courtyard.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan, the Sufi Film Festival also kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Tokyo Mosque’s conference hall.

The ceremony featured a Quran recitation by the Turkish Embassy’s Social Affairs Counselor Muhammed Rasit Alas followed by a Sufi music concert, which was met with applause. On the festival’s first day, the film “Abdurresid Ibrahim and the Tokyo Mosque”, written and directed by Kursat Kizbaz, was screened.

‘Tokyo Mosque brings Muslim communities together’

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Japan Korkut Gungen emphasized the vital role of Tokyo Mosque in uniting not only Turkish citizens but also Muslims from various communities through its religious services.

“Tokyo Mosque also hosts highly valuable cultural events. Today, we’re witnessing a wonderful event from the Turk states. Additionally, the Sufi Film Festival is underway,” Gungen said.

‘I came to taste Turkish cuisine’

Shinnosuke Yamada, a visitor who learned about the festival from Tokyo Mosque’s social media, attended the event with his roommate. “I spent time in Central Asia last year, so I’m not unfamiliar with these cultures,” Yamada shared, adding that meeting Central Asians in Japan can be challenging.

“That’s why I thought it would be interesting to meet Central Asian people at this festival.” Another attendee, Maki Shimitsu, who also found out about the event through social media, stated, “I came here to taste Turkish food. I also had the chance to try on traditional Turkish clothing.”

The Turk States Cultural Festival in Tokyo not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye and other Central Asian nations but also highlighted the enduring diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Japan.

With traditional performances, cuisine, and films, the event brought diverse communities together, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of these shared cultures.

As Türkiye and Japan mark 100 years of diplomatic relations, such festivals play a key role in strengthening cultural exchange and deepening the bond between the two nations.