American Filmmaker Engages Audiences of All Ages

Documentary filmmaker Geeta Patel and cinema specialist Sandra Ruch screened Geeta's film, "Project Kashmir," at Adana's Altin Koza Film Festival and for students at Tarsus Amerikan Koleji June 8 and 9.  Project Kashmir explores the human and emotional impact of the decades-long conflict on all of the inhabitants in that region.  After the screenings, Geeta and Sandra answered questions about the making of the film, the issues it raised, and the future of Kashmir.  Geeta and Sandra's visit was made possible by the American Documentary Showcase, a U.S. State Department program that promotes intercultural understanding by sharing documentary films around the world and giving audiences opportunities to hear insights from those who make them.

Ambassador Verveer with Ms.   Nebahat Akkoc

Ambassador-At-Large Verveer in Diyarbakir

During a June 4 visit to Diyarbakir, Ambassador-at-large for International Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer met with government officials and prominent NGO activists.  Nebahat Akkoc, Chairman of the Women’s Center, KAMER, hosted Ambassador Verveer for lunch at KAMER’s café in a 400-year-old building in the historic city center.  Ambassador Verveer later met with KAMER leaders from throughout the region to discuss their efforts to assist women suffering from domestic violence and to educate all women about their civil rights.  Ambassador Verveer also met with Ozlem Ozturk, who leads an NGO that works to prevent landmine incidents and to help victims.

Brian Horton Quartet - Hatay

Summer Jazz in Southern Anatolia

Consulate Adana sponsored three concerts featuring the Brian Horton Quartet May 30-June 1.  In Adana, the jazz group played on the terrace of the Hilton hotel framed by a crescent moon, a 2000-year-old Roman bridge and Adana’s magnificent Sabanci mosque.  In Antakya, the group played to an enthusiastic crowd of 500 in a century-old cultural center that was recently renovated.  The band's final stop was in Kahramanmaras, where they performed for 250 guests under the stars on the beautiful grounds of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry complex. The Quartet members expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome offered by their Turkish hosts and said they hoped to have an opportunity to return to Turkey soon.