The Event

 

 

Canadian & Turkish Women’s Association of Ottawa

is proud to present

a Special UNESCO Award Winning Documentary

THE LIGHT OF ANATOLIA

"Each faith has found a safe haven in Anatolia

Each faith finds its history here."

VENUE: Library and Archives Canada – Auditorium, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON

DATE & TIME: Sunday, February 26, 2006, 2:00 PM

 

 

Dear CATWAO members,

The screening of the documentary “The Light of Anatolia” on Sunday, February 26^th at Library and Archives Canada received rave reviews, and we have requests for a repeat showing which we shall definitely consider.  We had a really good turnout in spite of the bitter cold and our guests also enjoyed the hot drinks and CATWAO member Emel Avunca’s delicious baklava after the film.

Many people commented on the “timing” of the screening which brought to light the very important aspects of Anatolia not so widely known:  the understanding and tolerance of different faiths which have survived together throughout centuries on the same land and still do. 

The film takes the viewers on a tour from the fast paced city of the grand metropolis of Istanbul to the more serene landscape of Anatolia where churches, synagogues, monasteries of beautiful architecture and historical significance still stand, open to their worshippers.

It also talks about Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great Anatolian philosopher, poet and the father of the Mevlevi Sufi order who “…invites all human beings, regardless of creed, ethnic background, social status, or nationality, to his shrine:

 Come, come again, whoever, whatever you may be, come:

Heathen, fire-worshipper, sinner of idolatry, come.

Come even if you broke your penitence a hundred times,

Ours is not the portal of despair or misery, come.”*

We thank all our members who joined us for this interesting film and look forward to seeing you again soon,

CATWAO Executive Committee

* Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and The Whirling Dervishes by Talat Sait Halman/Metin And

2006-03-03