Turkey & Azerbaijan National Week 2015-2016

Turkish-Azerbaijani National Week has been held between February 29th and March 6th 2016 at College of Europe, Bruges Campus. The whole week was organized as a “Marathon”, where students were encouraged to collect points by participating various events. The winner with the highest average, Roland SCARLETT, won two round-trip tickets to Turkey thanks to Turkish Airlines sponsorship.  The events are as following:

Monday February 29th, “Turkic Dances & Rakı and Azeri Wine Tasting”

The first event of the week started with an introduction into Turkic Dances, a demonstration of belly dancing and a pre-wedding henna night ritual was displayed by participation of students. It was followed by Rakı and Azeri wine tasting. Rakı, anise-flavored Turkish alcoholic drink was served along with traditional “meze”. Additionally, high-quality Azeri wine from the heart of Caucases, Savalan Valley was served. There was a wide range as Chardonnay, Traminer, Riesling for white wine lovers, and Cabernet-Merlot, Merlot and a limited edition for red wine lovers.

Wednesday March 2nd, “Tea House and Language Café”

As a part of both Azeri and Turkish culture, a tea house has been created where freshly brewed tea was served in special “armudu”/”ince belli” glasses. The aim was to create a cozy atmosphere where people can have a talk, play backgammon(Nard or Tavla) while enjoying their tea and traditional sweets. As Azeri sweets “shekerbura” and “bakhlava” was offered along with other tastes presented on a traditional Nowruz tray-“Khoncha”. Turkish coffee and baklava, and börek were also part of the festive table. A basic and comparative Turkish and Azerbaijani language course was also held.

Thursday March 3rd, “National Lunch and Turkic Karaoke Contest”

As the beginner; Azerbaijani “Düşbərə”, “Çoban salatası” salad, as the main course; eggplant kebab along with bulgur pilaf were served. The dessert was “İrmik Helvası”(Semolina Halva) served with vanilla ice cream.

During the evening, a Turkic Karaoke Contest has been held, where the participants sang Azerbaijani or Turkish songs in order to win a fancy dinner for two at a très chic restaurant.

Friday March 4th, Conference: “Global Trends, Europe and Turkey” by Bahadır KALEAGASI

Dr. Bahadır KALEAĞASI, Ph.D., International Coordinator & EU Representative of Turkish Industry and Business Association and Chairman of the Brussels Energy Club gave a presentation on Turkey-EU Relations in a business and globalization framework.

Sunday March 6th, “Movie Screening: Winter Sleep”

In collaboration with CinéClub, the 2014 Palme d’Or winner film of Nuri Bilge Ceylan was screened.