Monthly Newsletter
June 3, 2010
Issue 6

Assembly of Turkish American Associations

1526 18th St., NW Washington, DC 20036
202.483.9090, 202.483.9092 fx
www.ataa.org, assembly@ataa.org

 

Save the Date

 ATAA ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATES MEETING
July 18, 2010 Washington DC

 

 

 

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 ATAA Members and
Friends of Türkiye: 

 

The year was 1997, and my wife and I and my parents-in-law were driving from Ankara to Antalya. The vehicle in front of us had a bumper sticker, "Atam İzindeyiz. " It was the first time I had read the statement, and I agreed fully: "Yes sir, Atatürk, the country needs us, but we are all on vacation." My father-in-law corrected me, "No -- it means that Atatürk is our role model."

 

The 19th of May which we all celebrated this month, symbolizes the start of the Turkish War of Independence against Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and Greece, in which the Turks prevailed. But, the national struggle did not stop there. Now that the Turks had regained their sovereignty, they needed to build a country that worked well and contributed successfully to the community of productive nations: and so, the democratic, secular, free-market Turkish Republic was formed. Still the national struggle did not stop there. Now that we had a western democracy, we needed to populate the country with men and women who were educated, trained, and happy professionals and private citizens; and so, individual rights were defined and promoted according to western legal codes.

 

But, still freedom can never be taken for granted. Sovereignty, democracy, and liberty require constant vigilance. The bottom line is that Turkish 19th of May Day is a way of life for woman and man who are free, and who use such freedom for the grander purpose of personal, community and global excellence. The ATAA, founded thirty-one years ago, works hard to preserve the freedom which we all cherish. We are a membership organization which reflects the will of the Turkish American community. We are a faith- neutral organization, which welcomes Turkish American and friends of Türkiye of all faiths, and which applies no restrictions or favoritism to any faith, and which treats faith as a strictly personal matter.

The ATAA embraces the entire Turkish American community, as we work within the principle of "solidarity within diversity" to advance the common interests of Turkish American empowerment and U.S.- Turkish relations. Finally, ATAA gives priority to inter-Turk dialogue, as within our diverse and precious community, we have questions that must be asked openly and answered honestly, for the sake of solidarity and cooperation toward our common goals.

 

ATAA continues to chart the future of the Turkish American community and cooperation. This month the ATAA leadership met with a diverse Turkish Parliamentary delegation which expressed appreciation to ATAA's constructive policies and productivity. We met with Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Çicek and Trade Minister Zafer Çağlayan, both of whom commended the active interest of the Turkish private sector in supporting ATAA. This month the ATAA and the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New York agreed to a cooperation agreement. Also this month, ATAA and the Birmingham International Center agreed to partner in teaching over 2000 teachers and their students in the American south about Turkey in the academic year 2010-11. Finally, ATAA and the Turkish Soccer Federation entered cooperation on cultural activities at the May 29 USA vs. Turkey friendly match in Philadelphia, where there was Turkish folk dancing by the Washington-based Kardelen troupe, a May 29 Turkish Day proclamation by Mayor Michael Nutter, and presentation of awards by ATAA to the TFF, US Soccer, and Mayor Nutter.

 

Finally, with a view toward keeping the Turkish American community fully informed regarding the Turkey - Armenian protocols and rapprochement, the ATAA provides electronic resources at www.ataa.org, which this month includes Ambassador Şükrü Elekdağ's legal analysis of the protocols.

 

Sevgi ve saygılarımla,
 
Günay Evinch
President
Assembly of Turkish American Associations

 

 

ATAA BOD Elections Update

The 2010 Elections cycle is in progress; ballots were mailed to all members in-good-standing the week of May 17th. Completed ballots are due to the ATAA office no later than June 17th. The candidates are;

Treasurer: Sule Akyuz or Mehmet Celebi or Esra Ugurlu
VP Mid-Central Region: Feridun Bek or Ahmet Fer
VP Northwestern Region: Sevgi Baran
VP Southwestern Region:Sibel Pakdemirli
VP Western Region: Maria Cakıraga

The ATAA Board of Directors will appoint a Tellers Committee to count the ballots, and the results will be announced at the Assembly of Delegates meeting on July 18, 2010 in Washington DC.

 

 

America Proudly Sends Off Team USA on ATAA "Turkish American Friendship Day"

 

ATAA teamed up with the Turkish Soccer Federation (TFF) and US Soccer Federation to send off Team USA to the World Cup in South Africa.  The May 29 USA vs. Turkey "send off" match was Team USA's final preparation before the World Cup tournament.  Also, the May 29 match, attended by over 55,000 spectators at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field Stadium, broke US Soccer's match attendance record.
 
ATAA presented a pre-game show of Turkish folk dancing by the Washington DC Kardelen Troupe in the stadium plaza.  At half-time, the ATAA hosted Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter for a presentation of awards at the Turkish Football Federation suite.  Mayor Nutter proclaimed May 29, 2010, as "Turkish American Friendship Day", and presented the proclamation to Turkish Football Federation Board Member Levent Kızıl, Turkish Ambassador Namık Tan, and ATAA President Günay Evinch.
 
Mayor Nutter expressed, "Turkish soccer is a leader in the world.  Turkey is a leading US partner.  Turkish Americans of Philadelphia are leading citizens", as he handed the proclamations.  Mayor Nutter also handed a Liberty Bell trophy to Ambassador Tan to celebrate US-Turkish friendship.  Ambassador Tan expressed deep appreciation to Mayor Nutter for his warm hospitality.  TFF Board Member Kızıl handed Mayor Nutter a TFF trophy of appreciation, while TFF Deputy Secretary General handed a gift to ATAA President Evinch.
 
ATAA reciprocated by presenting Plaques of Appreciation to the Philadelphia Mayor, Turkish Football Federation, and US Soccer Federation.  The ATAA plaques expressed appreciation on behalf of "the Turkish American community nationwide" for "contributions to US-Turkish Friendship and Turkish American solidarity".  President Evinch, speaking before the Mayor and the two soccer federations, stated, "Today, millions of Americans are watching this great match.  Tens of thousands of spectators are wearing the 'Send Off T-Shirt' which prominently features the names and flags of the USA and Turkey.  We, Turkish Americans, are proud that Team USA was sent off to South Africa in a sporting event that has broken the US Soccer match attendance record, with a friendly match with our motherland, Turkey."
 
President Evinch thanked his Pennsylvania regional VP İbrahim Onaral and local ATAA chapter, TAFSUS, for working so hard with the Mayor's Office and US Soccer Federation.  He thanked his Capitol Region VP Demet Cabbar for a spectacular Turkish folk dance presentation. President Evinch expressed deep appreciation to the TFF Board Member Kızıl and Ambassador Tan for partnering with ATAA grassroots (TABAN) in the promotion of Turkish diversity and friendship at the May 29 USA vs. Turkey match; "without their confidence and support, this could not have happened", he said.

 
News Coverage:

 

 

ATAA Leaders meet with State Minister Çemil Çicek

 

ATAA Leaders recently met with Vice President and State Minister Cemil Çicek in Washington DC. President Günay Evinch was joined by Projects Director Gamze Ergür, Vice President Demet Cabbar, and Board of Trustees member Oya Bain.  Also in attendance were Embassy Secretaries Murat Ersoy, Berkan Pazarcı, and Foreign Relations Director's Assistant İnan Özyıldız.

 



 

Having welcomed the ATAA delegation to Ankara a few years ago, State Minister Cicek was very familiar with ATAA. During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, ATAA President Günay Evinch explained ATAA's work in lobbying for education, financial support, and legal support for ATAA projects, as well as the lobbies ATAA is supporting.  President Evinch emphasized the importance of TABAN, ATAA's grassroots program throughout the US, which encourages Turkish-Americans to become more active and educated in the American political arena, and the upcoming project with the Birmingham International Center. 
 
President Evinch also conveyed that the ATAA plays an important role in bringing together Turkish Americans of disparate socio-economic groups and in preventing political disputes among Turkish citizens living in the US.  The participation of many Turkish and Turkic Americans at the April 24th demonstrations in front of the Turkish Embassy was a prime example of unity and togetherness. Furthermore, ATAA's transparency and focused mission, has given Turks confidence and a sense of stability and security. 
 
State Minister Cicek indicated that Turks in America are setting a good example for other Turks around the world, and that image-wise, Turkish Americans are best representing Turkey.  In regard to Turks voting and being more active in politics, he emphasized the importance of obtaining dual citizenry. 
 

 

ATAA Yöneticileri Devlet Bakanı Cemil Çicek ile görüŞtü. 

 

ATAA yönetimi, 19 Mayıs 2010 tarihinde BaŞbakan Yardımcısı ve Devlet Bakanı Cemil Çicek ile görüŞtü. Toplantıya ATAA BaŞkanı Evinch'in yanı sıra, Proje Direktörü Gamze Ergür, BaŞkent Bölgesi BaŞkan Yardımcısı Demet Cabbar ve Mütevelli Heyeti üyesi Oya Bain'den oluŞan ATAA grubu, Elçi MüsteŞar Murat Ersoy, MüsteŞar Berkan Pazarcı ve DıŞ iŞleri Yardımcı Direktörü İnan Özyıldız katıldı.

 

Daha önceki senelerde ATAA heyetini  Ankara'da kabul eden Bakan Çicek ATAA'yı yakından tanıyor. Bir saatten uzun süren toplantıda, BaŞkan Günay Evinch ATAA'nın lobicilik alanında eğitim, mali destek ve hukuki açıdan yaptıkları ve destek verdikleri projeleri anlantı. Ayrıca ATAA'nın Amerika'da yaŞayan Türkleri Amerikan politikası alanında eğitmek ve aktif olmalarını sağlamak amaçlı yürüttüğü TABAN programlarından ve yakın zamanda Birmingham International Center ile baŞlayacağı projeden bahsetti.

 

Amerika'daki Türklerin demografik açıdan değiŞtiklerine ve üç gruba bölündüklerine değinen BaŞkan Evinch, ATAA'nın en önemli görevlerinden birinin Amerika'daki Türklerin arasında milli çıkarlar yönünde ayrım olmaması ve Türkiye siyasetindeki akımları Amerika'ya yansıtmayan bir birlik yaratılması olduğunu belirtti. Bunun en güzel örneği olarak da  24 Nisan'da Ermeni yalanlarına karŞı Elçiliğimizin önünde yapılan Türk gösterisindeki birlik ve beraberlik teŞhirini anlattı. BaŞkan Evinch ayrıca ATAA'nın her açıdan son derece Şeffaf olduğunu ve misyonunun çok açık bir Şekilde belirtildiğini, bu yüzden Türklere güven verdiğini vurguladı.
 
Amerika'daki Türklerin baŞka ülkelerdeki Türk toplumlarına örnek olabileceklerini ve imaj yönünden Türkiye'yi en iyi Şekilde temsil ettiklerini belirten Bakan Çicek, Türkleri oy kullanmaları ve politik alanda daha etkin olmalarını sağlamak açısından çifte vatandaŞlık almalarının önemi üzerinde durdu.

 

 

ATAA Leaders meet with Turkish Parliament Members

 

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, ATAA President Günay Evinch, Vice President of the Capital Region Demet Cabbar,  Board of Trustees member Oya Bain, and Projects Director Gamze Ergür met with six Turkish Parliament Members and one member of Turkey's Grand National Assembly at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in D.C.  Turkish ambassador to the US, Namık Tan, and First Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, Erdeniz Şen, were also present at this meeting where, as America's largest umbrella organization, ATAA explained its activities across the continent to the committee.  Kayseri Parliament member and also a Constitutional commission member, Saduk Yakut, Antalya Parliament Member and European Union Harmonization Commission member Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Erbeç, Istanbul Parliament member, Human Rights commission and NATO parliament member Prof. Dr. Edibe Sözen, Adana Parliament Member and European Union Harmonization Commission member Prof. Dr. Gaye Erbatur, Konya Parliament Member and Constitution Commission member Faruk Bal, Aksaray Parliament Member, NATO and Environment Commission Member Ali Riza Alaboyun, and Turkey's Grand National Assembly NATO Parliament Assembly Turkish Delegation Secretary YeŞim Uslu formed the group to whom President Evinch spoke about the nationwide TABAN and lobby movements, student organizations, 2010 census, and ATAA's work in the legal field.  

 

He pointed out that ATAA's Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and approximately 70 component associations are comprised entirely of volunteers, and that ATAA is a monetarily transparent organization whose revenue comes solely from membership dues and interest from an accumulated fund.  

 

The importance of maintaining solid relationships with other Turkish-Americans and other groups that are friends to Turkey (The Ahiska Turks, Macedonians, Bosnians) was stressed.  Also emphasized was the need for a presentation from a cultural standpoint.  

 

The commission members listened very carefully to ATAA's report and voiced their own opinions.  They expressed their support for ATAA's work across the board, as well as their deep gratitude for all the work ATAA is doing. On behalf of the entire commission, Parliament Member Sadık Yakut presented to ATAA a very beautiful "TBMM" engraved plate. 

 

 

 ATAA liderleri TBMM üyeleri ile görüŞtü

 

18 Mayıs 2010, Salı günü ATAA BaŞkanı Gunay Evinch, BaŞkent BaŞkan Yardımcısı Demet Cabbar, Mütevelli Heyeti üyesi Oya Bain, ve Proje Direktörü Gamze Ergür, VaŞington Büyükelçiliğimizde  Türkiye'den gelmiŞ 6 milletvekili ve 1 TBMM görevlisi ile uzun bir toplantı yaptılar. Büyük Elçi Namık Tan ve MüsteŞar Erdeniz Şen'in de bulunduğu toplantıda ATAA Amerika'nın en büyük çatı derneği olarak kıta çapındaki faaliyetlerini, projelerini etraflı olarak heyete anlattı.

 

Kayseri Milletvekili ve Anayasa Komisyonu Üyesi Sadik Yakut, Antalya Milletvekili ve Avrupa Birliği Uyum Komisyonu üyesi  Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Irbec, İstanbul Milletvekili, İnsan Hakları İnceleme Komisyonu  ve NATO Parlamenterler Üyesi Prof. Dr. Edibe Sözen, Adana Milletvekili ve Avrupa Birliği Uyum Komitesi Üyesi Prof. Dr. Gaye Erbatur, Konya Milletvekili ve Anayasa Komisyonu Üyesi Faruk Bal, Aksaray Milletvekili, NATO ve Cevre Komisyonu üyesi Ali Rıza Alaboyun ve TBMM NATO Parlamenter Asamblesi Türk Delegasyonu Sekreteri YeŞim Uslu'dan oluŞan gruba BaŞkan Evinch ATAA'nın Amerika çapındaki TABAN ve lobi hareketleri, öğrenci örgütlenmesi, nüfus sayımı ve hukuki alanda çalıŞmaları hakkında bilgiler verdi.

 

ATAA'nın Yönetim Kurulu, Mütevelli Heyeti ve 70'e yakın üye derneklerinin tamamıyla gönüllülerden oluŞtuğunu, maddi acıdan çok Şeffaf olduklarını ve gelirlerin üyelerden ve birikmiŞ bir fonun faizinden geldiğini söyledi.

 

Toplantıda Amerika'daki diğer Türk ve Türk dostu gruplarla (Ahıska, Makedonya, BoŞnak) olan iliŞkilerin önemi üzerinde duruldu. Kültürel açıdan tanıtımın geniŞletilmesi gerektiği de vurgulandı.

 

Heyet üyeleri ATAA raporunu çok yakından dinlediler ve fikirlerini belirttiler. ATAA'nın çalıŞmalarını çok desteklediklerini söylediler ve teŞekkürlerini bildirdiler. Sayın Sadık Yakut, heyet adına ATAA'ya üzerinde TBMM yazan çok hoŞ bir tabak hediye etti.

 

 

 

Turkish State Minister Zafer Çağlayan Meets with ATAA

 

State Minister Zafer Cağlayan welcomed Assembly of Turkish American Association (ATAA) leaders to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey Residence in Washington D.C.

 

ATAA President Gunay Evinch spoke briefly at the meeting, summarizing ATAA's organization and its various projects.  He also mentioned that business and trade associations such as TABA make up some of ATAA's nearly 70 component organizations, and ATAA is working to halt developments that could negatively impact Turkey's business and trade.  

 

Emphasizing that ATAA is a financially independent organization, President Evinch stated that ATAA is supported solely by membership dues, donations, and interest from an investment fund.  Businessmen from Turkey had visited when the investment fund was first started, and Evinch called on the Minister's help for making this happen again.

It was observed that the Minister looked warmly upon this request at the meeting. 
Stating that he is from the southeastern region of Turkey, Caglayan said that these trade and business undertakings are helping to eliminate ethnic divisions and bring prosperity to all of Turkey.  

Devlet Bakanı  Çağlayan, ATAA yöneticileri ile görüŞtü

 

Toplantıda söz alan ATAA BaŞkanı Günay Evinch kısa bir konuŞma yaparak kuruluŞun düzen ve  projelerini özetledi.  ATAA'nın 70'e yakın üye derneği arasında TABA gibi iŞ ve ticaret derneklerinin de olduğunu söyleyen Evinch, kuruluŞun Amerika'da Türkiye'nin ticaretine zarar verecek geliŞmeleri önlemeye yönelik çalıŞmalarına değindi.

 

ATAA'nın mali açıdan kendi ayakları üzerinde durduğunun altını çizen Evinch, mali desteğin üyeliklerden, bağıŞlardan ve yatırım fonunun faizinden geldiğini belirtti. Yatırım fonunun ATAA'nın ilk kurulduğu zamanlarda Türkiye'deki iŞ adamlarından geldiğini söyleyen Evinch, bunun tekrarlanması için sayın Bakan'ın yardımına ihtiyaç olduğunu söyledi.
 
Samimi geçen toplantıda Devlet Bakanı Zafer Çağlayan'ın ATAA'nın isteğine sıcak baktığı gözlendi. Kendisinin Güneydoğu bölgesinden olduğunu söyleyen Çağlayan, ticaretin ve iŞ giriŞimlerinin bütün Türkiye'ye refah getirmeye baŞladığını ve etnik ayrılıkları yok etme yolunda olduğunu söyledi.

 

 

ATAA Meets with Ambassador Namık Tan on BIC project


On May 17 2010, ATAA President Günay Evinch, Executive Director of Turkish Cultural Foundation Güler Köknar, Birmingham International Center Executive Director Iris Gross and Committee members Aynur Vloon, Orrin Ford and ATAA Projects Director Gamze Ergür visited Ambassador Namık Tan to further discuss the Birmingham International Center Spotlight on Turkey project. Birmingham International Center will spotlight Turkey on the 2010-2011 academic year and will facilitate activities throughout Alabama such as art exhibits, culinary demonstrations and educational materials to the schools and communities of Alabama.

 

 

TACCI and ATAA Join Cooperation Agreement

 

On May 20 2010, the newly elected Board of TACCI President Cemal SeçilmiŞ and Vice President Nazım Kalkancı visited ATAA at the Türk Evi in Washington DC to discuss their new projects and possible fields of future cooperation with our institution.  President Günay Evinch emphasized the importance of this cooperation agreement and the valuable support of the private sector in the promotion of the Turkish American relations.
 

 

 

 

Persistancy in TABAN Grassroots Pays off in Michigan

 

Assembly of Turkish American Association's TABAN-Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network made important progress in grassroots advocacy. Turkish American constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Michigan, who received an insulting letter from Congressman McCotter in response to their letter against House Resolution 252 - Armenian Genocide prior to this resolution's voting in March, were finally able to meet with the Congressman's Deputy District Director.

 

ATAA Civic Engagement Director Yenal Kucuker and TABAN Michigan Coordinator Jason Windes' persistency and Turkish American community's desire and activism to express their frustration, resulted in success. Under the leadership of Yenal Kucuker and Jason Windes, seven Turkish American constituents met with Deputy District Director Don Yowchuang for 45 minutes. Constituents and grassroots members effectively and professionally communicated their displeasure resulting from the letter as well as lack of response to a letter hand-delivered by Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM) in early March. Yenal Kucuker presented a letter on behalf of ATAA's president and emphasized Turkish American community's desire to establish a positive relationship with Congressman's office by inviting him to join the Congressional Turkish Caucus. Constituents and grassroots members also presented McCotter's office with books and DVDs on the alleged Armenian Genocide and invited him to future TACAM events. Mr. Yowchaung apologized for not responding on time and gave the group his personal assurances that he was going to inform the Congressman and hand him both the ATAA and TACAM letters.

 

Persistency and activism of the Turkish American community in Michigan, is the grassroots activism that is envisioned by ATAA's TABAN-Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network in the entire country. By requesting a face-to-face meeting with Congressman himself from his Deputy Director, grassroots members indicated that they will continue their efforts and activism on such matters.

 

[Photo Caption: ATAA Civic Engagement Director Yenal Kucuker, TABAN Michigan Coordinator Jason Windes and grassroots members/constituents with Congressman McCotter's Deputy District Director  Don Yowchuang.]

 

 

Michigan Türkleri  Kongre Temsilcisinin peŞini bırakmadı

 

Türk Amerikan Dernekleri Asemblesi'nin (ATAA) TABAN - Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network (Türk Amerikan Eğitim ve Sözcülük Ağı) pilot projesini yürüttüğü üç eyaletten biri olan Michigan'daki Türkler, kendilerine Kongre'de 4 Mart'ta yapılan Ermeni Soykırımının Kabulü Yasa tasarısı oylaması evvelinde 11. Bölge Kongre Temsilcisi Thaddeus G. McCotter'ın ofisinden gelen önyargılı ve aŞağılayıcı mektup konusunda birlik olup bir görüŞme yaptılar.

 

4 Mart öncesinde ABD çapında ATAA ve Türk Amerikan Koalisyonu'nun (TCA) öncülük ettiği Ermeni Soykırımı Yasa Tasarısına karŞı "Temsilcilerinizle Bağlantıya Geçin " adlı sivil toplum örgütü kampanyası çerçevesinde temsilcilerine elektronik posta yoluyla mektup gönderen Michigan 11. seçim bölgesindeki Türkler, aldıkları önyargılı ve aŞağılayıcı cevap karŞısında Şok olmuŞlardı. Durumu ATAA ve TCA'ye bildiren Türkler, o günden beri Kongre Temsilcisi McCotter'ın yerel ofisinden randevu talep etmekteydiler. Bölgede bulunan ATAA TABAN direktörü Yenal Küçüker ve Michigan TABAN kordinatörü Jason Windes'ın ısrarlı arayıŞları sonunda McCotter'ın ofisi Türklerle görüŞmeyi kabul etti.

 

GörüŞmeye katılan yedi Türk Amerikalı seçmen, McCotter'ın seçim bölgesi yardımcı direktörü Don Yowchuang'a mektuptan duydukları rahatsızlığı dile getirerek 1915'deki olaylar hakkında kendisine kitap ve dvd armağan ettiler. Michigan Türk Amerikan Kültür Derneği (TACAM) tarafından üç ay önce gönderilen mektuba ve görüŞme talebine de karŞılık alamadıklarını belirten grup, McCotter'dan kiŞisel bir yanıt beklediklerini söylediler. Türk Amerikalılar olarak sürekli barıŞçıl ve uzlaŞmacı bir anlayıŞ içinde olduklarını belirten grup üyeleri,  McCotter'dan da aynı anlayıŞı beklediklerini ve bunu gerçekleŞtirmenin yolunun da Türkleri tanımaktan geçtiğini vurguladılar ve McCotter'ı Kongredeki Türk -Amerikan İliŞkileri ve Türk Amerikalılar Komitesi'ne resmen üye olmaya ve TACAM'ın aktivitelerine katılmaya davet ettiler.

 

McCotter adına özür dileyen bölge yardımcı direktörü Yowchuang , Türk Amerikan toplumunun Şikayetini McCotter'a bizzat ileteceğini ve bu tür bir durumun tekrar etmemesi için ellerinden geleni yapacaklarını ifade etti. Grup en kısa sürede McCotter'ın kendisiyle de bir görüŞme talep ettiklerini belirtti.  

 

 

ATAA Continues its Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network-TABAN Activities in Florida

 

On May 8, 2010, Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) held its fifth Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network (TABAN) workshop/seminar of 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Florida Turkish Center -Florida Turkish American Association's (FTAA) new home.  Based on the Census 2000 statistics, Florida has the third largest Turkish American population it is also home to many founding members of ATAA and various other Turkish American Associations. ATAA Civic Engagement Director Yenal Kucuker spent three days with the FTAA community and visited Congressional district offices of Congressman Ron Klein, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Congressman Ted Deutch with constituents and FTAA representatives to introduce Florida Turkish American Association, Assembly of Turkish American Associations and Turkish Coalition of America. Mr. Kucuker indicated that the goal of these district visits was to ensure the views of Turkish Americans are heard in the political arena. Yenal Kucuker and FTAA community also requested their representatives to consider joining the Congressional Caucus on US Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans.  [read]


[Photo Caption: Congressman Ted Deutch with ATAA Civic Engagement Director Yenal Kucuker and FTAA Vice President Fuat Ornarli with representatives Altan Demiray, Aydan Hay and constituents.] 

 

 

 
TABAN Seminerleri Florida'da devam etti

Türk Amerikan Dernekleri Kurulu (ATAA), 2010 yılının beŞinci TABAN (Turkish American Broad Advocacy Network) çalıŞması seminerini  Florida Türk Amerikan Derneği'nin (FTAA) Fort Lauderdale'de bulunan yeni Türk Evinde 8 Mayıs 2010 tarihinde gerçekleŞtirdi. ABD 2000 yılı Nüfus Sayımı istatistiklerine göre Florida, Türk Amerikalı'lara ev sahipliği yapan üçüncü en kalabalık eyelet olmanın yanısıra, ATAA ve diğer eyaletlerde bulunan birçok Türk Amerikan Derneklerinin kurucularının da yaŞamakta olduğu önemli bir eyalet. ATAA sivil katılım direktörü Yenal Küçüker'in Florida Türk Amerikan Derneği halkıyla üç gün geçirdiği program çerçevesinde FTAA temsilcileri ve bir grup seçmenle birlikte ABD Kongre Temsilcileri Ron Klein, Debbie Wasserman Schultz ve Ted Deutch'un ofislerini ziyaret ederek Florida Türk Amerikan Derneği, Türk Amerikan Dernekleri Kurulu ve Türk Amerikan Koalisyonunu (TCA) tanıttılar. Sayın Küçüker, ziyaretlerin asıl amacının Türk Amerikalı'ların siyasi arenada seslerini duyurabilmelerini sağlamak olduğunu belirtti. Yenal Küçüker ve beraberindeki grup ziyaret ettikleri temsilcilerin ofislerinden Kongrede bulunan Türk -Amerikan İliŞkileri ve Türk Amerikalilar Komitesi'ne de resmen üye olmalarını rica ettiler.

 

 

Dr. Şükrü Elekdağ: Armenian Genocide Allegations with regard to Historical Facts and International Law

 

Informing public opinion since 1979 to develop a constructive and healthy relationship between Turkey and the United States, our umbrella organization of Turkish-American associations has gained your trust and confidence, and thus sees it as our duty to present to you Dr. Şükrü Elekdağ's letter to Obama and the series of articles published in the Cumhuriyet newspaper.  Himself involved in constant research and having served as Turkish Ambassador to the United States in Washington D.C. for 10 years from 1979-1989, Dr. Elekdağ is, ATAA leaders believe, one of the most licensed persons to speak about Turkish-Armenian protocol. Taking into account that Dr. Elekdağ is an opposition party member of Turkey's Grand National Assembly; ATAA has no desire of becoming involved in internal Turkish politics, and would like to remind everyone that the published views belong solely to the writer. 

 

 

Dr. Şükrü Elekdağ: Tarihsel Gerçekler ve Uluslararası Hukuk IŞığında Ermeni Soykırımı İddiası
 
1979 yılından beri kamuoyunun sürekli eğitimi yoluyla Türkiye ve Amerika BirleŞik Devletleri arasında yapıcı ve üretken iliŞkiler kurulmasında sizlerin güvenini kazanan Türk Amerikan dernekleri çatı kuruluŞu olarak, yöneticilerimiz Dr. ŞükrüElekdağ'ın BaŞkan Obama'ya yazdığı mektubu ve Cumhuriyet gazetesinde yayınlanan yazı serisini sizlere sunmayı bir görev bilmiŞtir. Kendisi, sürekli tarih araŞtırmaları yapan ve Türkiye'nin Washington, DC'de on yıl (1979-1989) büyükelçisi olan Dr. Elekdağ'ın Türkiye Ermenistan protokolleri konusunda konuŞmaya en ehliyetli kiŞilerden birisi olduğunu düŞünüyoruz. Kendisinin aynı zamanda Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi'nde bir muhalefet milletvekili olmasını göz önünde bulundurarak, ATAA'nın Türkiye iç politikasına karıŞmak gibi bir arzu veya zihniyetinin asla olmadığını ve yayınlanan görüŞlerin yazarına ait olduğunu burada tekrar saygılarımızla hatırlatmak isteriz.

 

 

 

ATAA welcomes new intern Merve Gurakar to its central office

 

Merve Gurakar is graduating from the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, MD where she served as Student Government president for the 2009-2010 school term.  She has served many hours of community service in both the United States and Turkey, volunteering at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and the Robert College English Summer Camp in Istanbul. In the future she hopes to pursue her interests in medicine and foreign relations.  She is grateful for the opportunity to serve as an intern at ATAA, and looks forward to becoming more active in the Turkish-American community.  Merve will be attending Princeton University in the fall of 2010.

 

 

Opportunities to Advertise in the ATAA E-Newsletter

 

The ATAA e-Newsletter reaches approximately 13,000 individuals throughout the United States, Canada and Turkey. Starting with our May newsletter, the ATAA will begin 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 Component Association Spotlight

 

The Turkish Society of Rochester (TSOR) 

 

The Turkish Society of Rochester (TSOR) was founded in 1969 by a group of 10 Turkish tailors who were recruited to Rochester in Upstate New York on behalf of the Bonds and Hickey-Freeman companies. Now in its 41st year, the Society has nearly 200 member families and owns and operates its own cultural center. ATAA Secretary General Pelin Aylangan and Civic Engagement Director, Yenal Kucuker, are former members. The Society also runs one of the longest-standing Sunday Turkish schools for children, which was founded in 1972. This June, the Society will be hosting the 15th Annual Turkish Festival, a three-day celebration, at its cultural center.

 

 

News from ATAA Component Associations

 

Azerbaijan Society of America Marks 92nd Anniversary of the Establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918

The 92nd anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918 was celebrated in New York City by the raising of the Azerbaijan national flag on Broadway in lower Manhattan on May 29, 2010. The Azerbaijan flag flew alongside the American flag, which had also been raised to acknowledge the many Azerbaijani-Americans in the U.S. The two flagpoles stand just steps away from the famous sculpture of a charging bull, a Wall Street symbol and a landmark known worldwide.
 
The Azerbaijan Society of America, an ATAA component association, was instrumental in the day's activities. Regina Andriolo, NYC Vice President of ASA  stressed the importance of working and getting involved with other ethnic groups in US and realizing joint events.

Additional speakers included, Tofiq Musayev of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, who spoke about the solidarity between the United States and Azerbaijan and talked about the importance of May 28. Consul Ayse Uzer of Turkey spoke about the brotherly relations of Turkish and Azerbaijani communities in Turkey and she repeated the words of  Musftafa Kemal Atatürk, "Azerbaijan's sorrow is our sorrow, and their happiness is our happiness".

Deputy Consul General of Israel, Honorable Benjamin Krasna spoke about the importance of good relations between Israel and the Turkic world and he thanked the organizers for the invitation. Dr. Erhan Atay spoke about his long time involvement with Azerbaijan Society of America and the importance of Turkish and Azerbaijani Diaspora to be united and work as one. Michele-Clarke Ceres, head of protocol from the office of New York Governor David Paterson, read a proclamation acknowledging May 28 as the Azerbaijan Republic Day. 

 [Photo Credit: TurkishNY]

 

 

 

More than 300 people attend ATA-DC's 23 Nisan Celebration

 

ATA-DC ATATÜRK School and the Turkish American Community had a cheerful and well attended "23 Nisan" Celebration at Marshall High School Auditorium and Cafeteria on Saturday, May 8.  More than 300 people attended the celebration in which The Atatürk School Students as well as children and children from other countries performed.  The program started at the Auditorium with Atatürk School children entering the room waiving Turkish and American flags in their hands. Afterwards students sang Turkish and American national anthems, and other children's songs, as well as read 23 Nisan poems and dances Turkish folkdances. The program was followed by performances of children from Azerbaijan, China, India, Ireland, and the US. Ambassador Namık Tan and Madam Tan also attended the event in which Ambassador Tan delivered a closing speech highlighting the importance of the day.

 

After the performances the crowd moved to the Cafeteria to enjoy Turkish food, bake sales, arts and crafts activities, and a magician show. The kids enjoyed arts and crafts activities and face painting, in particular, as their parents had a chance to socialize.  The bake sales which was prepared by Atatürk School parents and was enriched by desert donations from the area restaurants was a very big hit as well. There was also a silent auction which included gift baskets from many businesses.  In addition, the t-shirt designed specifically for this event was very popular among children and parents. 

 

ATA-DC would like to extend their gratitude to ATA-DC Atatürk School parents and the following businesses for their support anf contributions to such a wonderful event: Turcuisine Resturant, Meze Restaurant, Rosemary's Thyme Bistro, Nizam's Restaurant, Nazar Market & Telephone card.

 

 

TACAM Celebrates April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day

 

Turkish-Americans and friends of Turkey from around Michigan gathered on Sunday April 25th to celebrate the 90th anniversary of 23 Nisan National Sovereignty and Children's Day at the Turkish-American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM) Cultural Center in Wixom, Michigan.  The event was attended by dozens of families with children of all ages, eager to join the celebrations and honoring the future of our nations and our world - the children.  This event marked the conclusion of a weekend of exciting events in Michigan honoring children. [read]

 

ATAA in the News

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

ATA-DC Team Enters the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure
June 5, 2010
Washington, DC
Info:www.atadc.org 

 

Rochester Turkish Festival 
Organized by Turkish Society of Rochester
Rochester, NY
June 11-13, 2010
Info: www.tsor.org


California Turkish Festival
July 31 - Aug 1, 2010 (11am - 6pm)

Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA
Monterey State Historic Park
Info: www.taaca.org

 

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 peoples 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.