On June 2nd 2012, Pacifica Institute has opened its 13th branch in San Fernando Valley,California.
It was received with great interest and enthusiasm by both local Turkish community and other members of the society, as Pacifica has become the household name bringing people of different faiths and ethnicities together.
It was a beautiful sunny day, with over 300 people in attendance , a jubilant crowd filled the new center enjoying the delicious authentic Turkish food and live music. Small booths were set inside the building, each one representing the richness of the Turkish history , art and culture.
Visitors were able to see some of the most intricate samples of Turkish handcraft , beautiful Ebru( water marbling)and Turkish calligraphy.
An opening ceremony was also held, with some of the VIP gave speeches , all congratulating for the new branch and praising the Pacifica members for their efforts and service to the community.
Ibrahim Barlas, the president of Pacifica welcomed the guests and gave a brief history about the organization and its activities. He particularly mentioned that the new branch would intend to collaborate with Cal-State Northridge as part of Pacifica`s Lecture Series.
Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield was also among the guests congratulated the community for the new center .He emphasized the importance of US-Turkey relationship and called Turkey a strong democracy in the region.
As one of the participant of Turkey trips, Father Alexei Smith talked about the dialogue efforts of the Gulen Movement and its contributions to the society.
Following the ribbon cutting, the VIP members toured the new center and received information from Pacifica directors.
