E-Newsletter
August 26, 2011 / Issue 16
In This Issue
President's Message
ATAA Shows Turkish Cypriot Documentary in Congress
ATAA's Evinch Appeals to Turkish Private Sector Support
Turkish Community Honors Korean War Veterans in NY
ATAA Hosts Iftar Dinner
ATAA Hosts US State Department Turkish Language Scholars in Izmir
ATAA Briefs TCA Capitol Hill Interns
Istanbul Mayor Topbas Visits ATAA
Turkish American Community Honors American Icon, Alexander Hamilton
Turkish American Cultural Association of Georgia (TACAGA)
Upcoming Events
ATAA in the News
OUTSIDE THE BOX

ATAA President-Elect Mehmet Celebi's Al Jazeera English interviews on current situation in Syria: clip1,clip2
President's Message by Ergün Kırlıkovalı

Dear Turkish Americans and Friends of Turkey: 


I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer vacation and wish the faithful a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

On August 30, 2011, we celebrate the 89th Anniversary of the Victory at Dumlupinar, which was the final battle of the Turkish War of Independence against the occupying forces of Britain, France, Italy and Greece. On behalf of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations, I commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Turkish War of Independence, commend Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's everlasting legacy, and express my gratitude to the millions of Turkish citizens who tirelessly strive and sacrifice to uphold  the universal principles upon which the Republic of Turkey was founded.

We are entering a very hectic period of cultural education, public advocacy, and international discovery, which is why we need you all well rested and eager to participate. 


Starting September, we are exploring the little known cycle of "Mortality, Migration, and Renewal" by taking our message "History Forging Turkish Identity" to the colleges and universities of this great country. Already Four colleges are lined up in the next few months. If you wish to see this thought provoking revelation, coupled with a TABAN interactive event at a college near you, you are welcome to organize it and invite us. We will happily oblige.


In October, we will visit Canada first, Turkey next. In Canada, we will attend the "North America Turkish Leadership Conference" in Kingston, during October 8-9, 2011, Organized By the Council of Turkish Canadians (CTC.) Then we will set on a spectacular journey to the enchanted land of Turkey, October 15-25. "Anatolia Beckons" is the name of this historic heritage tour where the ATAA delegation will meet the leaders in all facets of life in Turkey: politics, military, industry, trade, academia, media, sports, arts, tourism, and more. You are all invited and welcome. This trip, like all others, is participant -financed and its cost will be announced soon. [read]

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER
JOIN US NOW!


The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), established in 1979 as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization, is the largest Turkish American umbrella organization in the United States, representing regional Turkish American associations coast-to-coast, as well as member associations in Canada and Turkey. [continue]

***OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVERTISE*** 


The ATAA E-Newsletter reaches approximately 17,000 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 Shows Turkish Cypriot Documentary in Congress

 

In cooperation with the Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad (ATCA), the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) continued its educational effort on the Cyprus issue with a documentary screening in Congress prior to the 37th anniversary of the Turkish Peace Operation. Produced by ATCA, the documentary titled "Homeland" provided a vivid picture and voice of the Turkish Cypriots, who were subject to Greek Cypriot atrocities during the 1963 - 1974 period.  [read]

ATAA's Evinch Appeals to Turkish Private Sector Support

 

At the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) near the Ottoman Topkapi Palace, ATAA Past President Gunay Evinch appealed to Turkish private sector and civil society leaders for greater partnership in the empowerment of the Turkish American community and support for US-Turkish relations. The event was organized by one of ATAA's leading component organizations, the Turkish American Businessmen's Association (TABA) which is lead by Chairman Ugur Terzioglu.  [read]
Turkish Community Honors Korean War Veterans in NY

 

Members of the Women's League of America (Amerikan Kadinlar Birligi), Assembly of Turkish American Associations and Turkish American Cultural Alliance (Turk Hars Birligi) participated in the annual memorial service for the military personal who fought in the Korean War. The program was organized by the Cpl. Allen F. Kivlehan Chapter of the Korean War Veterans organization of Staten Island, New York, the very meaningful commemoration included the formal presentation of flags,  [read]

ATAA Hosts Iftar Dinner

 

The Assembly of Turkish American Association (ATAA) sponsored a Ramadan Iftar, fast-breaking dinner, with various community leaders at Brooklyn-based Fatih Camii's Northern Virginia Branch Mosque / Cultural Center on August 11. ATAA President Ergun Kirlikovali sent his greetings in a message about the importance of Ramadan, the meaning of fasting for Muslims, the diversity and the art of living together. The event also hosted many Turkish Americans from Northern Virginia. [read]

ATAA Hosts US State Department Turkish Language Scholars in Izmir

 

ATAA Past President Gunay Evinch hosted an Iftar Dinner for 20 Critical Language Scholars (CLS) sponsored by the US Department of State and assigned to Izmir. The dinner was hosted by Evinch and his wife, Senem Atalay, at their summer home overlooking Izmir Bay. Past President Evinch welcomed the scholars: "Turkey is your home away from home. Turkey has welcomed millions into its diversity and solidarity since the Turkish people established sovereignty on the Anatolian peninsula nearly 1000 years ago. [read]

ATAA Briefs TCA Capitol Hill Interns

 

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) hosted a briefing for over 20 Capitol Hill interns, mostly Turkish Americans. Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) Past President Gunay Evinch briefed the interns regarding modern Turkish American public advocacy. Evinch expressed that strong Turkish American grassroots was the main reason why the Armenian resolution did not pass in Congress last December. [read]

Istanbul Mayor Topbas Visits ATAA

 

İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas, the head of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), attended the annual meeting of U.S Conference of Mayors held in Baltimore on Friday, June17, 2011. Upon his return from the Conference, Mayor Topbas visited the newly renovated ATAA building, which was opened on June 11, 2011 by the Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan. [read]

Turkish American Community Honors American Icon, Alexander Hamilton

 

The Turkish American Cultural Alliance and Assembly of Turkish American Associations joined Bowling Green Associations Chairman Arthur Piccolo , Reverend Anne Mallonee - Vicar at Wall Streets Trinity Parish/Church, Wall Street Museum the American Finance CEO David Cowen, Candice Kimmel President of PR firm for St. Kitts & Nevis, Caribbean Community leader and Publisher of News America Felicia Persaud. In Underwriting and Placing a Wealth In Remembering An American Icon Alexander Hamilton At His Grave Site, New York Wall Street Trinity Church Cemetery.  [read]

ATAA Component Association Spotlight

Turkish American Cultural Association of Georgia (TACAGA) 

 

Turkish American Cultural Association of Georgia (TACAGA) was organized under the laws of the State of Georgia and was granted a charter on August 1, 1977 by the Georgia Secretary of State. TACAGA is a civic, domestic, 501(c)4 public benefit organization. The purpose of TACAGA is to operate as a volunteer-based organization:


1. To spread general knowledge of Turkey's language, history, culture, art, political, economic and social way of life
2. To strengthen relations between the U.S. and Turkey
3. To promote public understanding and fair treatment of issues concerning Turkish-Americans
4. To pursue the interests of Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey


TACAGA celebrates all Turkish national holidays and special cultural days in Atlanta. Annual Turkish Republic Day Ball, April 23 Children's Day, New Year's Party, and Turkish Film Festival are a few of these activities. TACAGA organizes Turkish Language classes, Turkish folkdance and music classes as well as concerts and lectures.


TACAGA works closely with Georgia Tech Turkish Student Organization (GT-TSO), Georgia Turkish Honorary Consul's Office and Georgia Turkish-American Advocacy Group.  TACAGA has been an active ATAA member since early 1980s. Current TACAGA president, Mazlum Kosma, is also serving as the ATAA Vice President for Southeastern region for 2011-2013 term.


TACAGA will celebrate upcoming August 30th Victory Day and Ramadan Bayram on Sunday, September 4, 2011 with a large picnic at the Blackburn Park. For more information, you can contact:    


T.A.C.A.G.A.
P.O. Box 190013
Atlanta, GA 31119
Email: info@tacaga.com; president@tacaga.com
Website: www.tacaga.com

Upcoming Events

Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network-TABAN
ATLANTA Grassroots - Public Outreach Program
September 10, 2011
12:00pm-2:00pm
Emory University, Goizueta Business School Room 301
1300 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 [directions]
RSVP: events@ataa.org 

 

Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network-TABAN
OHIO Grassroots - Public Outreach Program
September 17, 2011
2:00pm-4:00pm
Ohio State University, The Ohio Union Interfaith & Prayer Reflection Room
1739 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43210
RSVP: events@ataa.org

 

Organized by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA),  nationwide grassroots education campaigns made possible with the sponsorship of Turkish Coalition of America to activate and empower Turkish Americans in grassroots efforts. The seminars will focus on the importance of community advocacy, political involvement and activities of the Turkish American organizations in Washington, D.C.

  

 

Turkish American Solidarity Conference 
September 16-18, 2011
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio 45435


The conference is organized by the Ahiska Turkish American Community Center in collaboration
with the Wright State University and University of Dayton. RSVP by Friday September 2, 2011: info@ataccdayton.org.

 

 

 

North America Turkish Leadership Conference
October 8-9, 2011
11:00 am-12:00 am

Four Points by Sheraton
285 King Street East, Kingston, Ontario CANADA
 

Council of Turkish Canadians (CTC) will host the first "North America Turkish Leadership Conference, Enhancing Turkish Identity in Canada and the US" on October8-9, 2011, in Kingston, Ontario. The Turkish Leadership Conference, supported by The Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations (FCTA) and Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), is open to all ages from across Canada and the US. The conference will focus on strengthening Turkish community in North America by providing information and a forum to discuss issues of concern to the Turkish community. For more information: www.turkishcanadians.com

ATAA in the News
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.
For more information, please click here.
Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA)

 

The ATAA, representing over 60 local chapters and 500,000 Turkish Americans throughout the United States, serves locally and nationwide to develop an informed and empowered Turkish American community, and to support strong U.S.-Turkish relations. 

The ATAA is a 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. 

© 2011 Assembly of Turkish American Associations.  The ATAA™, ASSEMBLY OF TURKISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS™, and ATAA ASSEMBLY OF TURKISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS logo™  are trademarks owned by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations.  All rights reserved.