The Istanbul Cultural Center, a member organization of the Southeast Civic Platform (SECP), welcomed international young performers from the International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC) to Atlanta for a series of cultural activities culminating in the presentation of “Symphony of the Earth.”
Over several days, the young artists shared their talents and cultural traditions with the Atlanta community, participating in the 19th Atlanta Turkish Food Festival before taking the stage at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center for the main international production.
IFLC Performers at the 19th Atlanta Turkish Food Festival
On October 17–18, IFLC performers joined the 19th Atlanta Turkish Food Festival, hosted by the Istanbul Cultural Center of Georgia in Alpharetta.
The two-day festival brought together community members and visitors to enjoy Turkish cuisine, music, cultural traditions, and family-friendly activities. The IFLC performers added an international dimension to the celebration, presenting selections from their cultural performances and offering festival visitors a preview of the artistic program that would follow.
Their participation created an opportunity for festival attendees to experience the energy and diversity of IFLC firsthand, interact with young artists from different countries, and enjoy a celebration of cultures in a welcoming community setting.
Symphony of the Earth: The World on One Stage
On October 25, the Istanbul Cultural Center hosted the Atlanta presentation of “Symphony of the Earth” at Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
Presented as part of the 24th International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC), the production brought together talented young singers, dancers, and instrumentalists representing cultures from around the world.
Through music, dance, and artistic performances, the young participants shared their cultural traditions while demonstrating the power of art to connect people across languages and borders.
A Welcome from Southeast Platform
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Ibrahim Bicakci, Chair of the Southeast Civic Platform, who addressed the audience on behalf of the Platform.
In his remarks, Bicakci highlighted the importance that Fethullah Gülen placed on IFLC and intercultural interaction, underscoring the value of initiatives that bring young people from different cultures together.
His participation reflected Southeast Platform’s commitment to supporting member organizations and promoting dialogue, education, cultural exchange, and stronger community relationships throughout the southeastern United States.
Distinguished Speakers Celebrate Diversity and Unity
The event brought together public officials, community leaders, and media representatives.
Georgia State Representative Debra Bazemore and Anthony Austin, evening news anchor at First Coast News (NBC/ABC) in Jacksonville, Florida, were featured keynote speakers.
Their participation highlighted the importance of bringing together people from different backgrounds and creating opportunities for cultural understanding and community connections.
Sandy Springs Mayor Welcomes Young International Artists
As part of their visit to the Atlanta area, participating young artists had the opportunity to meet Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul.
Mayor Paul welcomed the IFLC participants and shared a message recognizing the importance of their role in building connections among people from different cultures. He encouraged the young artists to serve as ambassadors of shared values and mutual understanding.
The visit offered an opportunity for the international delegation to engage with local leadership and experience the welcoming spirit of the Sandy Springs community.
FOX 5 Atlanta Features the Event
The international cultural gathering also attracted the attention of local media. FOX 5 Atlanta featured the event, bringing the performances and the message of cultural diversity and unity to a broader audience.
The news coverage offered viewers an opportunity to experience highlights of the event and learn about the young international performers who came together in Atlanta.
Strengthening Community Connections Across the Southeast
From the Atlanta Turkish Food Festival to the main stage of Symphony of the Earth, the IFLC performers’ participation created multiple opportunities to connect with the local community and share cultural traditions.
By hosting these activities, the Istanbul Cultural Center continued its efforts to foster intercultural understanding and build bridges among diverse communities.
As a member organization of the Southeast Civic Platform, the Center’s work reflects the Platform’s broader mission of encouraging education, dialogue, cultural exchange, and community engagement throughout the region.
“Symphony of the Earth” was more than a musical performance. Together with the performers’ participation in the Atlanta Turkish Food Festival, it demonstrated how cultural exchange can extend beyond the stage and become part of everyday community life.
Through initiatives like these, SECP member organizations continue to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and cooperation, contributing to stronger, more connected, and more inclusive communities across the Southeast.
