The Turkish Cultural Club at the University of California at Los Angeles, established by Keli Aylin Arslancan, organized its Second Annual Turkish Culture Night at the Ackerman Grand Ballroom of UCLA, on Friday, April 6th at 7-10pm.
Keli and her friends like Gilda Maral Djabarzade, Selen Alper, and many others, worked real hard to put together an exquisite night filled with fantastic Turkish food featuring Adana Kebap, Tavuk Şiş, Sehriyeli Pilav, Çoban Salad, Pide, Baklava and, of course, Turkish Delight; Turkish Music featuring Dr. Ilhan Ozulu, and an incredible line up of entertainment featuring enthusiastic performing groups and individuals, many of whom are UCLA students themselves, showcasing Turkish & Near Eastern music and dances.
The event, free for all, was in support of raising awareness of Autism in Turkey through Tohum Autism Foundation and Turkish Philanthropy Funds and the Turkish American community in Southern California lovingly took advantage of it.
Among the 300 or so attendants were the president of the Washington umbrella organization ATAA, Ergun Kirlikovali; the president of the Azerbaijani-American Council, Dr. Javid Huseynov; member of the board ATASC, Burcu Tansu; and many other community leaders and activists. The raffle organized in support of Autism Awareness was successful, raising much needed funds for a good cause.
The Turkish student culture nights are already get better with each year and it seems like the incoming president of the club for the 2012-2013 school year, Selen Alper, will continue this tradition started by Keli Aylin Arslancan. A balmy night under the swaying Palm trees, filled with live Turkish & Near Eastern music, dancing, and delicious food, was indeed a treat for the audiences.
