Great Neck Woman Helping to Spread Persian Culture and Cuisine

A Great Neck woman has turned her grand vision for sharing Persian culture and cuisine with the world into a reality.

Thanks to Melanie Shurka, Shurka Bazaar will transform Madison Avenue alongside Madison Square Park in Manhattan into an urban oasis to honor the Persian Parade's 10-year anniversary on Sunday.

Together with Mona Kayhan, the founder of the Persian Arts Festival, Shurka says her idea has evolved into a "fantastical experience" through a cultural immersion to ancient times. 

As the name Shurka, originating from the Farsi word Sherā-kāt, meaning partnership, connotes, the pair have partnered to bring this incredible project to fruition.

Shurka Bazaar will run from 12-5 p.m. on Madison Avenue between 25-26th Street adjacent to Madison Square Park, featuring a variety of booths featuring a variety of offerings including food, art and other wares.

Shurka, with Iranian and Israeli roots, and Kayhan of Muslim descent, put together the bazaar to display their unexplainable nostalgia for Iran — a place where they have never been.

"This is going to be a fun event and an opportunity for people of all walks of life to enjoy and celebrate a distant culture all together," said Mathew Shurka, Melanie's brother Mathew, who helped with the event.

Founded in 2005, the Persian Arts Festival is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the magnificence and diversity of Persian art and culture through its voices, artists and visionaries. The festival gives audiences of all ages and traditions the chance to discover new Persian voices and celebrate established ones. Areas represented at previous events have included fine art, music, film, comedy, family activities and literary.  

The Persian Parade begins at 12 p.m. on Madison Avenue and 39th Street and marches down to 26th Street.   

Shurka Baazar vendors include:

• Ravagh, Persian Grill presenting classic Persian food 
• Heirloom handwoven rugs
• Bita Pourtavoosi showcasing her handmade jewelry designs
• Aelfie Antique & Vintage Rugs 
• Paramount Classic Furniture
• Melt's Delicious Ice Cream Sandwiches  
• FC Perspolis' Iranian Tee-Shirts  
• Taste of Persia's Persian (Ash) soups  
• Mage Publishers of Persian Literature & Culture 
• Chelsea Miller Artisanal Knives
• Shiraz Glatt Kosher Restaurant from Great Neck
• Kuzeh Pottery
• Sakina Home Décor Designs
• Orientalist Home Furnishings
• Stonecutter Art & Literary Journal
• Pop Karma presenting Zatar flavored popcorn