Lawmakers paid homage to the country of Turkey at the state capital today. The event included traditional Turkish fare and cultural performances. The annual Turkish-American day highlights the growing economic relationship between Turkey and Georgia.

Following a welcome address from Governor Nathan Deal and while sampling Turkish delicacies like Baklava the topics of business, education, and trade took the forefront of this year’s Turkish-American day celebrations. Since the event started three years ago, organizers who include the Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce and the Istanbul Center, say trade volume has increased three times and more Turkish students than ever before are attending Georgia colleges and universities. Jessica Winslow is with the Istanbul Center.

“Just in the work that we've done since we founded the Turkish-American chamber, our sister organization we've increased trade from $300 million to over $1 billion dollars,” Winslow said.

The House announced a resolution honoring the work of both the Istanbul Center and Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce. Both organizations received acknowledgment by Governor Nathan Deal, who said their work was instrumental in helping to create a more global Georgia and southeastern United States.

“Istanbul is a city of the world, and if you look at where Turkey is Geo-politically, we really need to do a lot of business with them because they are the key if you look one to two hours you have Africa, Europe.Turkey is the future," added Winslow.

There are more than 500 Turkish-American business owners in Atlanta alone, nearly 8,000 Turkish residents call the city home.