We, the majority of Turkish community members in Calgary with signatures below, do not support, attend or take part in this Festival as funds raised during this festival in the past are allegedly transferred to a fundamentalist religious group based in USA which has alleged ties to those attempted a military coup in Turkey on July 15th, 2016.

The timing of this festival also brings more sadness to Turkish Canadians as it coincides with the anniversary date in which the coup attempt took place back in July 15th, 2016.

The festivities performed in this event will not reflect the cultural heritage of Turkish people at the time of mourning. Therefore, we do not condone this group to include "Turkish" in the title of this festival.

Turkish Canadian Cultural Association Of Calgary is the first and oldest Turkish community in our beloved city of Calgary therefore any activity or organization bearing the title "Turkish" must seek approval from Turkish Canadian Cultural Association of Calgary.

We urge City of Calgary to respect the wishes of majority of the Turkish Community, and help us ease the pain of 248 dead and 2196 wounded Turkish Citizens as a result of the coup attempt allegedly supported by this group in July 15th, 2016.