Mustafa Kemal
Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President, stands as
a towering figure of the 20th Century. Among the great leaders of history, few
have achieved so much in so short period, transformed the life of a nation as
decisively, and given such profound inspiration to the world at large.
The Republic of
Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that are full of natural
beauties waiting to be discovered by you. Turkey has an ideal climate that is
perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains
and lakes. Turkey also has a magnificent past, and is a land full of historic
treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years.
Lobster Dinner - Sing Along
Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 24, 2012
TAFSUS organized a special dinner at the Downey's on Friday, January 20th, 2012 between 7 pm to 10 pm. TAFSUS Choir performed with the participation of the Oud player Murat Keyder. Menu included approx. 2 lbs steamed lobster served with steamed vegetables. Photos and videos from the event are at the 2012 photos section and more information is available at the newsletter section.
Happy New Year
Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 3, 2012
We are pleased to announce the 2012 TAFSUS Board:
|
Hasan Ayaz, President Ibrahim Onaral, Past President & Treasurer Lale Iskarpatyoti, Vice President of Public Relations & Secretary Birtan Collier, Vice President of Education Muhammed Al-Khatib, Vice President of Community Affairs Wallis Urmenyhazi, Vice President of Cultural Affairs Aylin Sagay, Vice President of Membership Esra Ugurlu, Vice President of Social Affairs Gozde Ayaz, Vice President of Student Affairs Utku K. Ercan, Vice President of Database Sila Yesilsoy, Youth Coordinator Dilek Arig, ATA School Director |
We thank all our members and supporter for their past contributions. Our special thanks go to Tuba Oncu for overseeing the election process. Please check our website for up-to-date information on our activities and other news. Please remember that the TAFSUS Board is here to serve you and welcomes any feedback from you.
Please visit our membership section to renew your memberships for 2012. Your membership dues are critical for TAFSUS to keep the Turkish American community connected and vibrant in the Philadelphia area and also help TAFSUS to continue all the educational, cultural and social programs.
We all wish you a very successful, happy, content 2012 in good health and peace and hope to see you soon at TAFSUS events.
ATA School - Call for Support
Posted by TAFSUS Board | November 29, 2011
Dear TAFSUS Members and Friends, The great leader Ataturk once said “Today’s children’s are tomorrow’s promise”. As we invest in our children, all of society benefits for generations to come. By investing in our children’s education to learn about their Turkish heritage, we can also build a stronger Turkish American community for the future. It is with this idea that ATA School was started in January of 2008. Currently,...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Orient Express @ Philadelphia Museum of Art
Posted by TAFSUS Board | November 11, 2011
ORIENT EXPRESS - FROM PARIS TO ISTANBUL is a program presented jointly by TAFSUS and the Alliance Francaise. The program took place at Philadelphia Art Muesum on November 4, 2011. More information about the program is posted in newsletter section. Photos from the event are posted in at the 2011 photo album section.
Perge Exhibit and Lecture
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 25, 2011
UPDATE:Photos from this event are available at the 2011 photo album section. |
The glorious story of Perge, located near Turkey's Mediterranean coast and modern Antalya, began in prehistoric times and continues today with tis designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With continuous Istanbul University exploration of the site since 1946, the project now celebrates its 65th anniversary, making it the longest-running all-Turkish excavation in the country.
Coinciding with a traveling poster exhibition
that Dr. Inci Delemen of Istanbul University will highlight the remarkable archaelogy of Perge on November 7, 2011 at 6:30pm, at Drexel University, University Club. Both the exhibit and lecture are free and open to public.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Comments from 2011 Okumus Fellows
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 14, 2011
Since 1999, TAFSUS has been sending teachers and school administrators to Turkey for a 2 week study tour during the summer months as part of the Okumus-TAFSUS Fellowship education program. The Education of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia has been administering this program and selecting teachers on behalf of TAFSUS, which provides the funding for it.
The list of 2011 Okumus Fellows and their comments, please see Programs...
TAFSUS Republic Day Dinner Dance
Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 17, 2011
UPDATE:Photos from this event are available at the 2011 photo album section. Program booklet is posted in newsletter section. |
TAFSUS is pleased to invite you to the annual TAFSUS Republic Day Dinner Dance on October 29, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia - Valley Forge, 260 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, Pa. 19406 celebrating the 88th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic..
For more information about the event, and to get your ticket, please see republic day page...
TAFSUS Picnic
Posted by TAFSUS Board | August 16, 2011
TAFSUS Picnic was held on Sunday September 11, 2011. There was Real Turkish Doner and a backgammon tournament was held. Below are photos from the event.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
TAFSUS Support for Community College of Philadelphia
Posted by TAFSUS Board | August 15, 2011
TAFSUS has been in cooperation with Community College of Philadelphia to support students and faculty for study-abroad program. Fay Beauchamp of the Community College of Philadelphia (with pictures of the 2011 Turkey trip) has written the following article that summerizes 5 years of travels to Turkey for 22 students accompanied by 2 faculty members...
[ Continue reading at the programs section ]
TAFSUS Dinner at Restaurant School
Posted by TAFSUS Board | February 22, 2011
TAFSUS Dinner was held on Saturday February 19, 2010 at Restaurant School in Philadelphia. Photos and videos from this event are available at the 2011 photo album section.
Happy New Year
Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 3, 2011
We are pleased to announce the 2011 TAFSUS Board:
|
Hasan Ayaz, President Ibrahim Onaral, Past President & Treasurer Lale Iskarpatyoti, Vice President of Community Affairs & Secretary Birtan Collier, Vice President of Education Muhammed Al-Khatib, Vice President of Membership Wallis Urmenyhazi, Vice President of Cultural Affairs Esra Ugurlu, Vice President of Social Affairs Gozde Ayaz, Vice President of Student Affairs Ceren Kesici, Youth Coordinator Dilek Arig, ATA School Director |
We thank all our members and supporter for their past contributions. Our special thanks go to Tuba Oncu for overseeing the election process. Please visit our website www.tafsus.net for up-to-date information on our activities and other news. Please remember that the TAFSUS Board is here to serve you and welcomes any feedback from you.
We all wish you a very successful, happy, content 2011 in good health and peace and hope to see you soon at TAFSUS events.
Networking & Grassroots Reception
Posted by TAFSUS Board | December 2, 2010
You are invited to the Networking and Grassroots Reception and Panel on Saturday December 4, 2010 at Drexel University. There will be speakers from academia, industry and will share tips and information about various issues you might have already or will face. Reception will start at 14:00 and followed by panel and Q&A session. Please join this event to learn more about national and regional organizations and their activities.
Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Turkish-French Evening
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 30, 2010
TAFSUS & the Allicance Francaise de Philadelphie invite you to a musical Turkish-French Evening (SOIREE FRANCOTURQUE) on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Restaurant School(4207 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA) as a sequel to the nine-month celebration of Turkey in France. Turkey was celebrated with over 400 concerts, conferences and exhibitions across France illustrating Turkey's modern face and its historical and cultural richness...
Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
TAFSUS Republic Day Dinner
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 7, 2010
Please join us as we celebrate the 87th Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic on Friday, October 22, 2010 at Penns Landing Caterers ( 1301 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pa. 19147) Music will be provided by Baris Kaya and his group. To reserve your seat...
Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.
[ Continue reading at the event page ]
PECO World Culture Day: Turkish Delight
Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 18, 2010
All visitors are invited to an afternoon of pure Turkish delight at the Penn Museum (3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) on Sunday, September 26, 2010, that celebrates the opening of "Archaeologists & Travelers in Ottoman Lands" exhibition with a wider look of at the homeland of Osman Hamdi Bey.
The afternoon features Turkish music, cooking demonstrations, talks by the exhibition curators as well as crafts and more. Sponsored by the Turkish American Friendship Society of the United States (TAFSUS), Turkish Delight! is the first in the Penn Museum's series of 2010-2011 World Culture Days sponsored by PECO. Schedule of events are as follows...
Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Turkish Night Celebration
Posted by TAFSUS Board | August 14, 2010
A Celebration of Turkey and its culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (The Great Stairway, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130) on Friday, September 3, 2010. Turkish Yastik (Pillow) presentation by Dennis R. Dodds, music by Fahir Atakoglu and his band. Turkish Food Items on the menu...
Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
ATA School Registration Open - Now Through September 24, 2010
Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 1, 2010
Now in its third year, ATA School will once again be offering Turkish language and cultural education classes to children (ages 4-14) and adults (15+), starting October 3, 2010. ATA School classes are jointly sponsored by the Turkish American Friendship Society of US (TAFSUS) and the Middle East Center at UPenn.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
USA vs Turkey soccer match in Philadelphia and "Turkish American Friendship Day"
Posted by TAFSUS Board | June 4, 2010
TAFSUS and ATAA teamed up for the events with the Turkish Soccer Federation (TFF) and US Soccer Federation to send off Team USA to the World Cup in South Africa. Philadelphia Mayor Nutter proclaimed May 29, 2010, as "Turkish American Friendship Day", and presented the proclamation to Turkish Football Federation Board Member Levent Kizil, Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan, and ATAA President Günay Evinch.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
ATA School - 23 April Children's Day Ball
Posted by TAFSUS Board | April 12, 2010
TAFSUS / ATA School cordially invite you to ATA School's 3rd Annual 23 April Children's Day Ball on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Montgomery Community College, College Hall, Faculty Staff Dining Room (First Floor) from noon to 3pm.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Elma Şekeri - March 2010 is available!..
Posted by TAFSUS Board | March 28, 2010
Elma Şekeri is a monthly newsletter created by volunteers among the ATA School community.
The latest issue, March 2010, is released and available here.
Special thanks to Dilek Arig, Kubilay Bekirogullari and Israfil Polat for their efforts in the latest edition.
See ATA School Page for more information about events and activities.
Turkish Student Workshop
Posted by TAFSUS Board | March 13, 2010
Turkish Student Workshop was held at Drexel University on March 6, 2010 with opening remarks from Ibrahim Onaral (President, TAFSUS), Consul Basar Sen and Education Attache Ibrahim Demirer from NY Consulate, Prof. Aysenil Belger, (President, TASSA), Cigdem Acar (Acar Law Firm), Devrim Eren (Senior Scientist, Syandus, Inc.) and representatives from Drexel, UPenn and Temple Turkish Student Associations.
Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.
TAFSUS Luncheon at Divan
Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 22, 2010
UPDATE:Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section. |
Let us welcome the New Year together at Divan Turkish Kitchen & Bar on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 12:30 pm with our special guest, Robert Colburn, a coxswain (dumenci) with the Fenerbahce Rowing Team who has competed with the team internationally. He will present his most recent work, The Sultan’s Helmsman, a novel about the Ottoman navy and Renaissance Italy.
Please make your reservations no later than January 29 by sending your email to Wallis at wallisu@msn.com including the names of your guests.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 11, 2010
We are pleased to announce the 2010 TAFSUS Board:
|
Ibrahim Onaral, President & Treasurer
Lale Ansen Iskarpatyoti, VP at Large & Secretary Birtan Collier, VP of Education Muhammed Al-Khatib, VP of Membership Wallis Urmenyhazi, VP of Cultural Affairs Hasan Ayaz, VP of Information & Website Sevilay Ece Gumus, VP of Social Affairs Gozde Ayaz, VP of Student Affairs Esra Ugurlu, VP of Young Professionals Ceren Kesici, Youth Coordinator Dilek Arig, Director, ATA School |
We thank our two outgoing Board members, Serap Menda (VP of Information) and Suzan Aydin (VP Community Outreach) for all their past contributions and welcome new Board Members: Esra Ugurlu, Sevilay Ece Gumus and Gozde Ayaz, to the TAFSUS Board. Our special thanks go to Tuba Oncu for overseeing the election process.
TAFSUS Republic Day Dinner
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 12, 2009
UPDATE:Photos from this event are available at the 2009 photo album section. |
Please join us as we celebrate the 86th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of Turkey
| Date | October 24, 2009 |
| Time | 7:00 pm-8:00 pm Reception 8:00 pm - Midnight Dinner & Dancing |
| Location | Penns Landing Caterers 1301 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19147 |
Music will be provided by Baris Kaya and his group. For additional information and questions contact Ibrahim Onaral at 215-606-8499 or ibrahimonaral@hotmail.com
[ Please see newsletter section for more information ]
TAFSUS Picnic
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 3, 2009
TAFSUS is pleased to invite you to TAFSUS Picnic on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Ridley Creek State Park (Pavillion 11-A) from noon to sunset.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Turkish Night @ Philadelphia Museum of Art
Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 1, 2009
UPDATE:Photos from this event are available at the 2009 photo album section. |
TAFSUS is pleased to invite you to Moon and Stars Party: A celebration of Turkey with music, dance. food and crafts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on October 2, 2009. The New York Gypsy All-Stars Band will showcase some of New York City's finest musicians playing jazz-inflected Turkish music with influences from Balkan and Mediterranean Romani (Gypsy) songs. Performances are scheduled for 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The museum is open until 8:45 p.m. Guided gallery tours are offered throughout the evening. There will also be an ongoing demonstration of the Traditional Turkish craft EBRU (Turkish Marbling) by Richard Aldorasi, well known for his workshop in paper making and marbling throughout the region....
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
World Culture Day: Turkish Delight!
Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 1, 2009
UPDATE:Photos from this event are available at the 2009 photo album section. |
TAFSUS is proud sponsor Turkish Delight Day - an afternoon of festivities - at Penn Museum on Saturday, September 26, 2009 between 13:00 and 16:00. Visitors are invited to an afternoon of pure Turkish Delight! as the Museum celebrates the opening of His Golden Touch: The Gordion Drawings of Piet de Jong with a wider look at the culture of Turkey. The afternoon features Turkish dancing and music, plus an authentic cuisine demonstration, talks on ancient and modern Turkey, crafts, and more...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
TAFSUS Şeker Bayramı Luncheon at Konak
Posted by TAFSUS Board | August 14, 2009
We are happy to invite you to Şeker Bayramı Luncheon at Konak Turkish Restaurant on Sunday, September 20, 2009 between 12:00 (noon) and 15:00 pm. Please make your reservations no later than Sept. 15 by calling Konak at 215-592-1212 or by email to info@konakturkishrestaurant.com and letting them know that you want to be included in the TAFSUS party. In your message, please include your choice of entrée. Seating is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Menu includes...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
TAFSUS Support of the International Classroom at Penn Museum
Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 27, 2009
In line with its emphasis on education for teachers and students on Turkey and its history and culture, TAFSUS gave a grant in September 2008 for the International Classroom program of the Penn Museum. This grant provided 10 complimentary International Classroom programs to students in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Approximately 330 children, 15 teachers, and 5 schools benefited from this grant. The grant underwrote the following programs...
[ Continue reading at the programs section ]
ATA School Photos
Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 17, 2009
New photos from ATA School activities are posted in photo album section.
Photos are from events like ATA School last day of classes, visit to New York (Ataturk School) and Annual Children's Day celebrations.
[ View 2009 Photo Album ]
Memorial Service for Dr. Nihat Bilgutay will be held with open microphone.
Please come and share your memories of beloved Nihat Bilgutay with us. 
We are deeply saddened to inform you that Dr. Nihat Bilgutay has passed away on
July 1, 2008 after a long illness. He will be buried in his hometown of
Kusadasi, in Turkey.
The TAFSUS logo was
designed by Serdar Turkarslan, as part of a design contest organized by TAFSUS.
Serdar, who is a graduate student in cell and molecular biology at University
of Pennsylvania, describes his design concept as follows...
