Aug. 31, 2011 By Christian Murray
The Turkish Cultural Center pitched a big white tent in Thomas P. Noonan Park last week as the group celebrated Ramadan, by holding nightly dinners on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
On Wednesday, Ramadan dinner was a low-key affair where there was little in the way of religious celebration. It was more about providing dinner for local Turks, as well for many other residents who came in off the street to join in the festivities.
About 450 people attended the event over the course of the evening. There were Sunnysiders of all ethnic persuasions—many of whom are experiencing tough economic times.
Oguzhan Turan, the vice president of the Turkish Cultural Center in Queens, said the event was more about the community getting together and having a celebration. “This night is about reaching out to all groups . Its not just about Muslims…”
Myrana Gatica, who is studying geology at college, was walking along Greenpoint Ave. (44th st.) and noticed the tent. “I read the banner on the tent and I had to check it out. I had just been to Istanbul on a school trip,” she said, adding that she stayed for a meal.
Photo: QueensPost
