E- Newsletter
January 9, 2011 / Issue 11 
In This Issue
Joint Statement on Defeat of H.Res 252
ATAA, TAA-AZ Host Congratulations Dinner for Turkish US Nike Soccer Champions
President Evinch: "Join ATAA, Join Success"
ATAA Holds TABAN Grassroots Reception in Philadelphia
Turkish American Friendship Society of US - TAFSUS
Second Annual Ataturk Symposium
ATAA in the News
Upcoming Events
The ATAA serves as an information resource center for its members and component associations throughout the United States, while working locally and nationwide to develop an informed and effective Turkish American citizenry.  The ATAA is a major resource for experts, policy makers, and media who seek a deeper and broader understanding of U.S.-Turkish relations.  The ATAA is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed under the laws of the District of Columbia. To learn more about ATAA, please visit us at www.ataa.org. 

President's Message

Dear Fellow Turkish Americans and Friends of Türkiye:

 
Thanks to you, we completed 2010 with huge victories for Turkish American solidarity and empowerment.
 
Last month's decision of Speaker Nancy Pelosi not to bring H.Res. 252 to a floor vote  was largely due to your strong grassroots activism, as more and more Members of Congress realized that the events of 1915 constitute a historical and legal controversy beyond their expertise and purview, and that for a legislature to sit in the seat of the judiciary and prejudice people of Turkish and Muslim heritage based on Armenian ethnic politics would damage US-Turkish relations and Turkish - Armenian reconciliation. 
 
After the 111th Congress closed, Congresswoman Virginia Fox, TCA President Lincoln McCurdy, and I went up to the Speaker's balcony to watch a beautiful sunset over Washington Mall.  Later that night, I received a warm call from Turkish Ambassador Namık Tan, who asked that I convey his commendations to you, the Turkish American community, for your effective support of US-Turkish relations.  The next day, I received a letter from the Turkish Grand National Assembly United States Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Council Chairman Suat Kınıklıoğlu, conveying the Council's deep appreciation. 
 
On the lighter side, in December you also successfully supported NBA star Kobe Bryant against ultra-nationalist Armenian ethnic bullying arising from Kobe's promotional ad for Turkish Airlines.  Also in December, ATAA and the Turkish American Association of Arizona (TAA-AZ) welcomed and hosted the Turkish U19 Soccer Team, which won the Nike Championships in a game with the US Nationals on national TV.
 
Just as we thought Santa was finished, on December 29 President Barack Obama announced the appointment of Francis Ricciardone and Matthew Bryza as ambassadors to Türkiye and Azerbaijan, respectively.  These two extremely competent diplomats hold high promise for US interests in a critical part of the world.  
 
Indeed, for  Turkish Americans and Friends of Türkiye, even better days waiting in 2011!
 
First, on February 26, Ambassador Namık Tan and Madame Figen Tan will open the spectacular and historic Turkish Embassy Residence to an ATAA Winterfest Fundraiser.  The ATAA conveys its deepest appreciation to Ambassador Tan and Madame Tan for their leadership and strong support for the Turkish American solidarity.
 
2011 will be a year unprecedented in Turkish American history, as the main Turkish American umbrella organizations will formally increase cooperation in areas of common interest to empower Turkish Americans and strengthen the Turkish American voice in government, the private sector and media.  In March there will be a Turkish American National Leadership Conference in Washington DC which will bring together Turkish Americans from all walks of life for the common cause of grassroots advocacy.  You will be receiving more information regarding this historical event.
 
There is a Turkish saying, "Protect the children, Respect the elders."  Accordingly, I would like for us to remember and show our respects to three men who passed away in December, Congressman Stephen Solarz and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, two important friends of Turkiye, and a Turkish Gazi and veteran of the Korean War, Mustafa Koçyiğit, who spent his post war years as a police chief.  We should all be so fortunate to be remembered as servants of peace and progress, as these gentlemen.
 
Thanking you for your good support, and wishing you and your families good health, happiness and prosperity in 2011.
 
Respectfully yours,
 
Gunay Evinch (Övünç)
President
Assembly of Turkish American Associations

ATAA-FTAA Joint Statement on Defeat of H.Res 252 
 
As Presidents of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) and Federation of Turkish American Associations (FTAA), we thank the Turkish American community for a tremendous grassroots effort to defeat H.Res. 252, aka the Armenian Resolution.
 
You, the New Turkish American;
  • sent in thousands of emails and faxes to your Congressional Members
    and called them to make sure they heard the voice of reason;
  • defended the dignity of your heritage and the truth of history; 
  • ensured peace, happiness and prosperity for all; and, 
  • made sure that the door of peaceful and honest resolution stayed open.
We express special thanks to the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA), lead by President Lincoln McCurdy, who helped empower ATAA's and FTAA's grassroots program, including over 250 local Turkish American organizations nationwide and thousands of activists.  We thank the Turkish and Turkish American press for accurate reporting and getting the word out.
 
Since 1915, there have been twelve U.S. legislative measures.  Six have succeeded, as they did not levy the charge of genocide.  H.Res. 252 was the sixth to fail.  Last March's 23-22 vote in House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), and the votes of prior HVACs on the Armenian Resolution, demonstrate an awakening conscious in America that the events of 1915 constitute a historical controversy and that a legislature is not the proper place to resolve what is in essence a historical and legal question.
 
There are many lawsuits against Turkey, Turkish institutions and companies that did business in the Ottoman Empire.  They rely on the laws of California.  But the laws of California conflict with federal law, which is the supreme law of the land.  Therefore, we expect that these lawsuits will fail for this and other reasons, eventually.  The decision of the 111th Congress not to voice an opinion on the Armenian matter, preserved the integrity of the policy of the Executive Branch not to characterize the events of 1915 as genocide.
 
The years ahead will be a challenge, as it is not easy being a Turk.  It is a passion!
We are confident in the Turkish American community.  You, Turkish Americans, are wise souls, hard workers, fast learners, and born leaders.  It is an honor to work with you and to serve you.
 
Sevgi ve saygılarımızla,
 
Gunay Evinch                         Kaya Boztepe
President                               President
ATAA                                    FTAA
Washington DC                       New York
 

ATAA, TAA-AZ Host Congratulations Dinner for
Turkish US Nike Soccer Champions

On December 5, 2010, The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) and Turkish American Association of Arizona (TAA-AZ) welcomed the Turkish U17 Soccer Team during the week-long Nike International Friendlies Soccer Tournament, including greeting them at the airport, cheering them on at the matches, and hosting them for a congratulations dinner following their US Nike Championships win. In the final, Türkiye beat USA 2-0, with goals from Ahmet Çalık and Enver Şahin in the 17th and 71st minutes. The game was broadcast live nationally by Fox Soccer Channel.  During the tournament, the Turkish U17s defeated South Korea 2-1 and drew 0-0 with Brazil, to place first, followed by Brazil, USA and South Korea.

The Turkish Youth Team enjoyed Mexican cuisine following their USA match.  TFF Delegation Chief, Sami Çölgeçen, thanked ATAA and TAA-AZ for taking ownership of their heritage and reaching out to Turkish youth.  He presented a gift to TAA-AZ President Haluk Balkan, as well as gifts to be forwarded to ATAA President Gunay Evinch, President-Elect Ergün Kırlıkovalı, and VP Sibel Pakdemirli.

Hedo Turkoglu expressed, "The tournament has been outstanding, the TFF and Turkish Nationals are top ambassadors of our heritage, and I congratulate the Turkish American community, ATAA and TAA-AZ for their good work here."
 
TAA-AZ President Haluk Balkan, "It is wonderful to have our young talents compete here in Phoenix, Arizona. We wish them all the best. We hope Turkish American hospitality, great Arizona weather, and this well organized tournament will boost the Turkish youths' chances in the European Championships. The Turkish American community is having a blast, enjoying the outdoors and cheering our future stars."
 
TFF Delegation Leader and External Relations Director Sami Çölgeçen expressed: "It is with great pleasure that the Turkish U-17 National Team is visiting Phoenix, Arizona, for a soccer tournament by Nike. Our young men are absolutely jubilant to be in the U.S.A. where they have been warmly welcomed by the US Soccer Federation, ATAA and TAA-AZ."
 
ATAA President Günay Evinch stated, "ATAA is proud to work with the TFF and US Soccer. We took part in the World Cup Send-Off match between USA and Türkiye last May in Philadelphia. The Phoenix Nike tournament has been a great success. And we look forward to bringing Turkish Women's soccer to America next spring. ATAA believes in the power of sports exchange, and thanks its local groups, like TAA-AZ, for making this possible."
ATAA ve TAA-AZ, Türk U-17 takımı`nı ağırladı
 
Türk Amerikan Dernekleri Kurulu (ATAA)  ve Arizona Türk Amerikan Derneği (TAA-AZ), Türk futbol takımının ABD-Nike Futbol şampiyonluğunu büyük bir yemekle kutladılar. ATAA ve Arizona Türk Amerikan Derneği bir hafta suren ABD-Nike Futbol şampiyonası için Arizona'ya gelen Türk U-17 Futbol takımını hava alanında karşıladı, bütün maçlarında destek verdi ve şampiyonluğu kazanan Türk takımını büyük bir yemekle ağırladı. Final maçında Türk takımı ABD takımını 2-0 yendi. Golleri 17.dakikada  Ahmet Çalık ve 71. dakikada Enver şahin attılar. Final maçı canı olarak bütün Amerika'da Fox Futbol kanalından yayınlandı. Turnuvada Türk U-17 takımı Güney Koreyi 2-1 yendi, Brezilya ile berabere kaldı. Türk takımının birinciliğinden sonra  Brezilya, ABD ve Güney Kore sıralandılar.
 
Maçtan sonra Meksika lokantasında yer alan yemekte TFF Delegasyon başkanı Sami Çölgeçen ATAA'ya ve Arizona Türk Amerikan derneğine  Türkiye'nin miraslarını kıymetlendirdikleri ve Türk gençlerine sahip çıktıkları için teşekkür etti. Çölgeçen, Arizona derneği Başkanı Haluk Balkana, ATAA Başkanı Günay Evinch'e, ATAA Gelecek Dönem Başkanı Ergün Kırlıkovalı'ya ve ATAA Güney Batı Bölgesi Başkan Yardımcısı Sibel Pakdemirli'ye hediyeler takdim etti.
 
ATAA Başkanı Günay Evinch:  "ATAA TFF ve ABD Futbol organizasyonu (U.S. Soccer)  ile beraber olmaktan çok gurur duyuyor. Geçen Mayıs ta Philadelphia'da  Türkiye ve ABD arasındaki Dünya Kupası "uğurlama" maçında hazır bulunduk. Phoenix Nike turnuvası çok başarılı oldu. Gelecek bahar Amerika'ya Türk kadın futbol takımını getirmeyi planlıyoruz.  ATAA spor faaliyetlerine çok önem ve destek veriyor. Bu tip faaliyetleri Arizona Türk Amerikan Derneği gibi başarıyla yapmış olan bölgesel ATAA derneklerine teşekkürlerini sunuyor."
President Evinch: "Join ATAA, Join Success"
 
Amerika'da yaşayan Türkler'in ve Türkiye'nin tanıtılması, seslerinin duyurulması konusunda en aktif şekilde çalışan iki derneğin başkanları Türk-Amerikan Televizyonu (TATV)'nda biraraya geldiler. ATAA  başkanı Günay Evinch ile ATAA başkan yardımcısı ve ATA-DC bakanı Demet Cabbar TATV stüdyosuna konuk olarak faaliyetleri hakkındaki soruları yanıtladılar. Programını izlemek için buraya tıklayınız.
ATAA Holds TABAN Grassroots Reception in Philadelphia
 
On December 4, 2010, Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) held a networking and grassroots reception panel in cooperation with Turkish American Friendship Society of US (TAFSUS). The reception, which was held at the Drexel University, brought members of various organizations together to share tips and information on important issues. ATAA Regional VP, and TAFSUS President Ibrahim Onaral, New York Consul, Umit Alparslan Kilic, New York Consul Education Attaché Ibrahim Demirer, Acar Law Firm Attorney, Cigdem Acar, ATAA Civic Engagement Director, Yenal Kucuker, Federation of Turkish American Associations Grassroots Director, Can Kaplan, Drexel University Turkish Student Association President, Utku Kursat Ercan, University of Pennsylvania Turkish Student Association President, Necati Terayagoglu, and Temple University Turkish Student Association President, Izzet Darendeli were the participants of the panel. ATAA Civic Engagement Director introduced and emphasized ATAA's vision and mission to activate Turkish Americans and provided a brief summary of TABAN activities to date. Panel participants urged the audience to support both national and regional organizations in their grassroots efforts. 
Philadelphia'da ATAA TABAN Resepsiyonu
 
Türk Amerikan Dernekleri Kurulu (ATAA), Türk Amerikan Dostluk Derneği (TAFSUS) ile birlikte 4 Aralık 2010 tarihinde bir TABAN resepsiyon paneli düzenledi. Drexel Üniversitesinde düzenlenen resepsiyon çeŞitli organizasyonların mensuplarını biraraya getirerek, Türk Amerikan toplumunu ilgilendiren önemli konular hakkında katılımcıları bilgilendirdi. ATAA Bölge Temsilcisi ve TAFSUS BaŞkanı İbrahim Onaral, New York Konsolosluğu, Muavin Konsolosu Ümit Alparslan Kılıç,  New York Konsolosluğu, Eğitim AteŞesi İbrahim Demirer, Acar Avukatlık Bürosundan Çiğdem Acar, ATAA TABAN Direktörü Yenal Küçüker, Türk Amerikan Dernekleri Federasyonu Grassroots Direktörü Can Kaplan, Drexel Üniversitesi Türk Öğrenci Derneği BaŞkanı Utku KürŞat Ercan, Pennsylvania Üniversitesi Türk Öğrenci Derneği BaŞkanı Necati Tereyağoğlu, ve Temple Üniversitesi Türk Öğrenci Derneği BaŞkanı İzzet Darendeli panelin katılımcılarındandı. ATAA TABAN DirektörüYenal Küçüker, ATAA'nın ABD çapında Türk Amerikalıları aktif  bir konuma getirmesi ve bunu gerçekleŞtirmek için planladığı misyonu ve vizyonu ile ilgili bilgivermenin yanısıra bir yıl içerisinde yapılan TABAN faaliyetlerini özetleyerek bu faaliyetler üzerine değerlendirmede bulundu. Panel katılımcıları, resepsiyona katılanları yerel ve ulusal organizasyonların TABAN faaliyetlerine destek verip, bu faaliyetlerde aktif bir rol almaları konusunda çağrıda bulundular.  

ATAA Component Association Spotlight
Turkish American Friendship Society of US - TAFSUS

Turkish American Friendship Society of US (TAFSUS) is a non-profit organization established in 1966 to promote better understanding and friendship between the Turkish and the American communities through educational, cultural and social activities. TAFSUS is an association, which serves the Turkish, the Turkish-American and the American communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and South New Jersey.  TAFSUS is one of the oldest, best-organized and most effective local Turkish -American organization in the nation. Through your support, TAFSUS administers numerous projects.
 
 
Among TAFSUS' main activities are:
 
  • Teachers Workshops and Sponsorships of Teachers Traveling to Turkey in the summer months.
  • Library Services by collection and distribution of informative literature on Turkey to school and public libraries including curriculum guides for teachers.
  • Speakers Bureau help by providing slides aand speakers on Turkey upon request.
  • Festivals and Cultural Events participation in Philadelphia on various platforms.
  • Charity Work by donations for disaster relief such as earthquakes.
  • Newsletter as means of communication and dissemination of information twice a year.
  • E-mail and print mailings on all events aaand news.
  • Social events such as the annual Republic Day Dinner, Annual Picnic, and Various Holidays.
  • Media Watch and Response to provide correct and balanced information on Turkey and US-Turkish Relations in the US media and also in the state and federal congress.
 
Contact Information:

Turkish American Friendship Society of United States
President: Hasan Ayaz
3 N. Columbus Blvd 103
Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.tafsus.net

 
News From ATAA Component Associations
Second Annual Atatürk Symposium
 
On December 7, 2010, The Second Annual Atatürk Symposium, "Atatürk: Leader of a Nation" program took place at the United Nations in New York, under the auspices by Ambassador E. Atakan. The program was organized by  Ms. Mehves Sonmez, former president of Istanbul University Alumni Association of U.S.A.
 
The panelists were Prof. Arnold Reisman, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Ambassador Robert P. Finn, Former United States Ambassador to Afghanistan and Prof. Heath W. Lowry, Princeton University.The symposium was moderated by Prof. Umut Uzer, University of Utah.
 
Ambassador Apakan opened his speech emphasizing there would be no Turkish state to day without Atatürk's achievements.
 
The first panelist Prof. Arnold Reisman, concentrated on the achievements of Atatürk such as introducing a new Turkish alphabet and building  an education system, which is co-educational, secular, and free. Prof. Reisman emphasized that according to a New York Times article dated April 30th, 1928, it was the first time that any country changed its alphabet.  One of the very important facts Prof. Reisman stated that there are more women  professors in Turkey than there are in the United States.
 
The next panelist,  Ambassador Robert P. Finn  extensively focused on "Atatürk's World Vision", stating that  his ideas do not belong only to Turkey and the young people of Turkey but to the world as a whole.
 
Prof. Heath Lowry presented an illustrated speech on Clarence K. Streit's visit to Ankara and his meetings with Mustafa Kemal Pasa in the 1920s. During his speech Prof. Lowry showed photos from Streit's book called Snapshots of Life in Anatolia (1921) which included photos from Streit's visit with Mustafa Kemal.
 
Ms. Sonmez thanked to the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF), Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), Fenerbahce USA, Tulumba.com, Eko Printing and Young Turks Cultural Aid Society and Istanbul University Alumni Association of U.S.A  for  supporting the Symposium.
Opportunities to Advertise in the ATAA E-Newsletter
 
The ATAA e-Newsletter reaches approximately 16,000 individuals throughout the United States, Canada and Turkey. The ATAA is now accepting banner ads from businesses that wish to reach the Turkish-American community.  For advertising rates and options or other advertising related inquiries, please e-mail to advertising@ataa.org
ATAA in the News
Upcoming Events
 
Macedonian-Turkish Friendship Happy Hour
Friday, January 21, 2011
ATAA Turk Evi, 1526 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036
RSVP:events@umdiaspora.org
 
An Evening in Ephesus
Monday, January 31, 2011
Organized by AFOT and The Crisler Library of Ephesus
Co-sponsored by ATAA and ATA-DC.
The Westchester Dining Room
4000 Cathedral Ave. NW, Washington, DC
 
ATAA Winterfest Fundraiser
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Turkish Embassy Residence
405 E 42nd St. NY, NY 10017
Registration From 

INTERTURK - Turkish American National Leadership Conference
Empowering Turkish Americans
March 16-19, 2011
Washington, DC
By becoming a member you will be part of a network of Turkish-Americans and friends of Turkey who care about the historic relationship between the two countries and who are aware of the crucial role each one of us plays in strengthening the relationship and promoting an accurate and fair picture of Turkey and Turks. Please visit www.ataa.org for more information.