Houston Students Celebrate Multicultural Friendsgiving Event at Raindrop Turkish House
Dialogue Student Association gathering brings together 120+ students from Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond to share food, culture and community in the heart of Houston
In a city as globally connected as Houston, student organizations continue to create spaces for meaningful cultural exchange. On November 15, 2025, the Dialogue Student Association-University of Houston, alongside the Bright Choice Foundation, hosted a multicultural Friendsgiving at the Turkish Center’s Ottoman Room. The event brought together more than 120 students from universities, high schools and community groups across the city, featuring Central Asian and international cuisines, live performances and reflections on cultural identity, community and belonging.
More than 120 students from across Houston gathered Friday evening for a vibrant multicultural Friendsgiving event at the Ottoman Room of the Turkish Center. The event was co-organized by the Dialogue Student Association, a Houston-based intercultural student network focused on fostering dialogue and friendship across communities, and Bright Choice Foundation, a Texas nonprofit dedicated to youth mentorship, educational support, and cultural enrichment for high school and university students.
The evening blended the warmth of a traditional Friendsgiving with the energy of an international festival. Groups from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, China, Belgium and several Middle Eastern countries set up autumn-themed tables representing their national cuisines. Dishes included Uzbek palov, Kyrgyz besh barmak and samsy, Turkish and Arabic desserts, and a variety of homemade foods that filled the room with familiar, comforting aromas.
A group of three Uzbek students presented their national table, including Ziyoviddin Maratov, a senior computer science student at North American University. “I cooked a big pot for about 50 people, and seeing everyone come back for second and third servings made me really happy. Watching the pot empty showed me how much people appreciated our food and our culture,” Maratov said.
The program featured lottery games, musical acts, cultural performances and a talent showcase that included the North American Youth Chinese Orchestra, a Houston-based nonprofit promoting traditional music and culture.
DSA member Endrit Sylejmani, from Azerbaijan, delivered a message on cultural pride and global citizenship. Sylejmani pointed to the diverse cultures represented at the event and in everyday life. “Events like this help us build meaningful connections and understand the world through people, not just through maps,” he said.
For many Central Asian students, the gathering offered both nostalgia and connection. Kyrgyz and Uzbek groups stood side by side, sharing dishes, stories and new friendships with students from across Houston.
By the end of the night, the Friendsgiving left students inspired—a reminder that culture, food and genuine conversation can make a city as large as Houston feel closer, warmer and more connected.
Read more about Central Asians and Thanksgiving here.