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ATA School continued to offer Turkish language, social studies and culture classes for the sixth year under the directorship of TAFSUS board member Dilek Arig at the Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA.
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The Turkish Classical Music Choir organized by TAFSUS held monthly rehearsals and provided periodic performances to the community.
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TAFSUS organized TAFSUS Youth 2013 Hello Party at Divan Restaurant on January 18, 2013.
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TAFSUS organized a cocktail event at Woven Legends’ warm and colorful show room, followed by dinner at the Bistro St. Tropez on February 23, 2013.
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TAFSUS organized TAFSUS Mediterranean Happy Hour Vol 3 at Byblos on March 10, 2013
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TAFSUS organized a concert by Burak Bilgili (Bass), Luis Ledesma (Baritone) and Danielle Orlando (Piano Accompanist) on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA).
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ATA School students celebrated 23 April Children’s Day on April 21, 2013. All children in the community were invited to the event.
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TAFSUS participated at the 5th annual Turkish Festival in Philadelphia on Saturday May 4, 2013 in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park.
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TAFSUS co-sponsored and participated in the International Day at Bodine is on May 31, 2013. During this event Lale Iskarpatyoti gave Turkish cooking workshops and Gozde Ayaz gave presentations about modern Turkey.
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TAFSUS organized a Fasil Gecesi on Saturday June 1, 2013 at the Four Seasons Diner.
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TAFSUS co-sponsored and helped organize the Turkish Delight Day at Penn Museum on Sunday September 28, 2013.
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TAFSUS co-sponsored and helped organize a joint Turkish- French event, "ORIENT EXPRESS - FROM ISTANBUL TO PARIS" featuring Les Hot Club (French Gypsy Jazz), The Painted Ladies, French Can Can, Cabaret Raya Brass Band (Turkish and Balkan Band), Erika and Yasmin Belly dance, on-going backgammon, marbling demonstrations, Turkish & French artifact display tables (Turkish artifacts on loan by Bereket), and French & Turkish food items on the menu. The event was organized by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi in collaboration with Alliance Francaise on April 5, 2013.
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The annual TAFSUS Picnic was organized by TAFSUS VP Mohammed Al-Khatip on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the Ridley Creek State Park. The Annual Backgammon Tournament was held during the picnic.
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TAFSUS and the Turkish Community celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic on November 2, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West. TAFSUS received proclamations from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, recognizing Republic Day for all Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey.
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TAFSUS organized a discussion workshop: ATATURK and Democracy on Sunday, November 10th 2013 at the Woven Legends Keynote speaker was writer, columnist, and lecturer Ayhan Ozer. Traditional Turkish refreshments and drinks were served.
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TAFSUS maintained an up-to-date website and kept the community informed of all TAFSUS programs as well any relevant social, cultural and educational developments regarding Turkey.
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ATA School continued to offer Turkish language, social studies and culture classes for the fifth year under the directorship of TAFSUS board member Dilek Arig at the Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA.
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TAFSUS provided its annual Okumus-TAFSUS fellowships to 3 teachers for a 2 week study of Turkey in July through the Education Department of the World Affairs Council. Sybil Cohen of
Washington Township High School, George Daka of Bensalem High School and Charles Myers of Harriton High School, were the 2012 Okumus-TAFSUS fellows. This brings the total number of Fellows that TAFSUS sent to Turkey to 67 teachers.
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TAFSUS continued to perform a Turkish Classical Music Choir, with monthly rehearsals and periodic performances to the community.
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TAFSUS organized a special dinner at the Downey's on Friday, January 20th, 2012. TAFSUS Choir performed with the participation of the Oud player Murat Keyder.
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TAFSUS organized TAFSUS Bowling Night at Luck Strike Philadelphia on February 26, 2012.
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TAFSUS organized a concert by Turkish Mezzo-Soprano BELGIN TOMLINSON in a concert of classical music with arias selected from the international repertoire including pieces from Efem by Sayram Akdil on March 18, 2012. She was accompanied at the piano by DAVID SHUNSKIS.
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ATA School students celebrated 23 April Children’s Day on April 29, 2012. All children in the community were invited to the event.
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TAFSUS organized Chef's Tasting Fasil at Divan Restaurant on May 5, 2012
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TAFSUS attended “Portrait of Turkey” International Day at Bodine is on May 25, 2012. During this event Lale Iskarpatyoti gave Turkish cooking workshops and Gozde Ayaz gave presentations about modern Turkey.
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TAFSUS attended Philadelphia Turkish Festival on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11:30am Elkins Oval, Philadelphia.
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TAFSUS organized Iftar dinner at Byblos on Monday August 6, 2012 to celebrate the month of Ramadan.
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TAFSUS organized Ramazan Bayram Piknigi on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the Marsh Creek State Park.
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The annual TAFSUS Picnic was organized by TAFSUS VP Mohammed Al-Khatip on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at the Ridley Creek State Park.
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TAFSUS CHOIR to perform at the reception in honor of Husnu Senlendirici at Divan Turkish Grill Restaurant on October 17, 2012 at 7 pm.
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TAFSUS and the Turkish Community celebrated the 89th Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic on October 27, 2012 at the Wyndham Garden Exton Valley Forge. TAFSUS received proclamations from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, recognizing Republic Day for all Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey.
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Fasil Gecesi “Sing Along” of well-known Turkish Classical, Folk, and Popular songs on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 from 7 pm to closing at DIVAN TURKISH & MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
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TAFSUS maintained an up-to-date website and kept the community informed of all TAFSUS programs as well any relevant social, cultural and educational developments regarding Turkey, including the following events:
- Ismail Hakki Fencioglu and group Shtreiml Concert, December 16, 2012 in Cavalry Center
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A musical play called "Tulipomania" staged at the Arden Theater Company in Philadelphia.
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BOHP Fundraising event: October 24, 2012,
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Mutlu Show, November 3, 2012, World Cafe Live
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Barakka Concerts, January 27, 2012, at Legendary Dobbs
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TÜRKSOY Youth Chamber Orchestra Concert Sunday, April 29, in Rock Hall Auditorium on Temple University's main campus organized by The Boyer College of Music and Dance. The orchestra was joined by 4 Boyer College violinists from the Eduard Schmieder studio in a performance of the Vivaldi Concerto for 4 Violins.
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Workshops and presentations on Turkey held at University of Pennsylvania.
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ATA School continued to offer Turkish language, social studies and culture classes for the fourth year under the directorship of TAFSUS board member Dilek Arig at the Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA.
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TAFSUS started a Turkish Classical Music Choir, with monthly rehearsals and periodic performances to the community.
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A joint Turkish- French Dinner was organized by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi in collaboration with Alliance Francaise at the Restaurant School on February 19, 2011. TAFSUS Choir and Baris Kaya performed at the event. Restaurant School prepared a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine for that evening.
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Together with Temple University Turkish Student Association, TAFSUS organized the annuall Turkish Night on April 2, 2011. The event featured Turkish cuisine, music and a fun night to bring together the local members.
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Sila Yesilsoy organized the TAFSUS Fasil Night for the young professionals and students in Philadelphia to get-together and socialize on April 9, 2011 at Meze Cafe.
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Together with Drexel University Turkish Student Association, TAFSUS organized a group visit to support Hidayet Turkoglu in Philadelphia during the 76ers vs. Orlando Magic match on April 11, 2011.
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ATA School students celebrated 23 April Children’s Day at their 4th Annual Children’s Day Ball on April 17, 2010. All children in the community were invited to the event.
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TAFSUS provided its annual Okumus-TAFSUS fellowships to 3 teachers for a 2 week study of Turkey in July through the Education Department of the World Affairs Council. Mimma-Marie Cammarata of Sterling High School, Tara Ann Carter of John Bartram High School and Barry Kirzner of Kohelet Yeshiva High School were the 2011 Okumus-TAFSUS fellows. This brings the total number of Fellows that TAFSUS sent to Turkey to 64 teachers.
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TAFSUS again helped underwrite the Community College of Philadelphia's Turkey travel program for its students along with the Turkish Coalition of America.
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A Sing along luncheon was held by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi for the community at S&H Kebab House on May 22, 2011. TAFSUS Choir, Baris Kaya and Murat Keyzer performed at the event. Friends and members came together in a cozy environment with delicious kebaps.
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TAFSUS provide funding for the World Affairs Council to organize its 2011 Portrait of Turkey program on May 27, 2011. Birtan Collier, Hasan Ayaz, Gozde Ayaz and Ferit Tuzer worked on the planning and organization. This year’s program reached nearly 200 students. The presentations gave students a thorough introduction to Turkey, including the nation’s importance in global history.
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TAFSUS Iftar Dinner was organized by Sila Yesilsoy at Meze Café on August 21, 2011. The event was open to everyone to come together for a special Ramadan evening and a warm and friendly dinner.
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The annual TAFSUS Picnic was organized by TAFSUS VP Mohammed Al-Khatip on Sunday, September 11, 2011. There was real doner and a backgammon tournament.
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TAFSUS and the Turkish Community celebrated the 88th Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic on October 29, 2011 at Crowne Plaza, in King of Prussia, PA. A total of $1791 was raised for TPF Van Earthquake Relief Fund and submitted to the Mehmetcik Vakfi through an auction held at this event.
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For the Republic Day on October 29, 211, TAFSUS received proclamations from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, recognizing Republic Day for all Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey.
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TAFSUS help organize and jointly presented with the Alliance Francaise at the Orient Express – From Paris to Istanbul event at the Philadelphia Art Museum on November 4, 2011. There were on-going Sculpting and Ebru demonstrations, Turkish and French artifact display tables, and Turkish food items on the menu. The Turkish Artifact and Carpet Display Table was on loan by Woven Legends. Katherine Branning, Librarian at the Alliance Francaise in New York and a great friend of Turkey and expert of Turkish Society was on hand to sign her book, “Yes, I Would Love Another Cup of Tea”.
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TAFSUS helped organized the PERGE exhibit in collaboration with ATOF and Drexel TSA at Drexel University on November 4-7, 2011. The glorious story of Perge, located near Turkey's Mediterranean coast and modern Antalya, began in prehistoric times and continues today with its 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.
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TAFSUS organized the PERGE lecture by Dr. Inci Delemen on November 7, 2011 at Drexel University. Dr. Inci Delemen of Istanbul University spoke about the remarkable archaeology of Perge.
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A Kurban Bayrami Luncheon was organized by with the help of TAFSUS board member Ceren Kesici on November 6, 2011 at Meze Café.
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Temple TSA and TAFSUS organized a Networking/ Grassroots program at Temple University on December 3, 2010. Honorable Ümit Aplarslan Kiliç, Consul General from NY Turkish Consulate, Devrim Eren, Immigration lawyer Cigdem Acar and Yenal Kucuker, from ATAA provided Turkish students information on the issues they might face while in the US.
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The Young Professionals of TAFSUS organized a Happy Hour for the young professionals in Philadelphia at large to attend and socialize on December 11, 2011.
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With the help of TAFSUS President Hasan Ayaz, TAFSUS maintained an up-to-date website and kept the community informed of all TAFSUS programs as well any relevant social, cultural and educational developments regarding Turkey, including the following events:
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International classroom on January 20, 2011 organized by Penn Museum.
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TCA Internship Programs for Turkish American students to live and work in Washington D.C., learn about the American political process, and explore career opportunities in public affairs.
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Performances by the Turkish American and Philadelphian singer/song writer Mutlu. Over the last few years he has toured extensively across North America and Europe with Amos Lee, Hall & Oates and Joe Jackson but Mutlu still regularly visits and takes stage in Philadelphia.
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Performances by Barakka, a Turkish-American band in Philadelphia, plays Turkish folk-rock music with a mix of eastern and western instrumentation, pioneered by artists like Baris Manço and Erkin Koray.
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Turkish American National Leadership Conference that took place on March 17-19, 2011, jointly hosted by ATAA and FTAA in Washington, DC
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"Büyükelçilikte Kuru Fasulye Günü" on April 1, 2011, organized by the Turkish Embassy.
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Workshops on Turkey held at University of Pennsylvania.
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Turkish cooking class offered by Mainline School Night on August 20, 2011.
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ATA School continued to offer Turkish language, social studies and culture classes for their second year during 2010 under the directorship of TAFSUS board member Dilek Arig at the Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA.
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The Turkish community was informed about the visit of TOBB President, Rifat Hisarciklioglu, at the Marriott Hotel, PA, on January 13, 2010.
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| Students at Drexel Turkish Student Association, Sevilay Ece Gumus and Gozde Ayaz, who are also volunteers at TAFSUS, organized a Turkish Folk Dance Workshop which welcomed everyone from the community to a day of Folk Dance on January 16, 2010.
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| TAFSUS community was informed about the concert at PSALM by Turkish musicians, Emir Ersoy(Piano), Eylem Pelit(bass), and Serdar Barcin(flute/saxophone) on January 24, 2010.
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| The Young Professionals of TAFSUS organized a Happy Hour for the young professionals in Philadelphia at large to attend and socialize on January 29, 2010.
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| A Turkish Luncheon was held by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi for the community at Divan Restaurant on January 31, 2010. Divan Turkish Kitchen brings a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine to Philadelphia with their charming restaurant which is beautiful, warm & inviting. TAFSUS had a special guest at this event, Robert Colburn, a coxswain (dumenci) with the Fenerbahce Rowing Team who has competed with the team internationally. He presented his most recent work, The Sultan’s Helmsman, a novel about the Ottoman navy and Renaissance Italy.
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| TAFSUS organized a conference, “Say Turk at Census 2010,” at Drexel University in cooperation with the Drexel University Turkish Student Association to inform to community about the upcoming Census in the US and to promote the agreement made by ATAA and The US Census Bureau to count the number of Turks nationwide on February 10, 2010.
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| TAFSUS community was informed about the Middle Eastern Center Conference, “History from Below and the Ottoman World” at UPenn College Hall on February 16, 2010 by Professor Donald Quataert.
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| TAFSUS informed the Turkish community and supported the performance of students of Haverford and Bryn Mawr College before and after they visit Turkey on February 26, 2010, March 25, 2010, and April 8, 2010 at Haverford College.
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| I Anatolia play was performed by several members of the Turkish American community including some TAFSUS board members on February 27 at the Painted Bride Art Center.
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| Elif Safak was also at the Free Library in Philadelphia on March 2, 2010 and the TAFSUS community was informed about the event.
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| TAFSUS and Drexel TSA organized a “Turkish Student Workshop” on March 6, 2010. Honorable Mehmet Samsar, Consul General from NY Turkish Consulate, Consul Basar Sen, Educational Attache Ibrahim Demirer, Immigration lawyer Cigdem Acar was all invited and present in order to give Turkish students information on the issues they might face while in the US.
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| Students of ATA School presented their play “Children with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” on March 13, 2010 at Montgomery County Community College.
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| TAFSUS Luncheon was organized by Wallis Urmenyhazi at Kilyos Fish and Grill Restaurant on March 28, 2010.
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| ATA School newsletter was published in March 2010 by ATA School community volunteers.
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| The students at TAFSUS and the local university Turkish Student Associations, Ceren Kesici, Gozde Ayaz, and Hasan Ayaz, organized the Annual Turkish Night at Drexel University. TAFSUS informed the community about this event and supported by attending on April 3, 2010.
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| ATA School students celebrated 23 April Children’s Day at their 3rd Annual Children’s Day Ball on April 18, 2010 at Montgomery Community College.
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| Portrait of Turkey Program was held at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, (sponsored by WAC and TAFSUS) on April 29 for high school students with Gozde, Hasan and Ferit as speakers.
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| TAFSUS president Ibrahim Onaral, volunteers Muhammed Al-Khatib, and Esra Ugurlu was in the committee to organize the Philadelphia Turkish Festival on May 1, 2010 and TAFSUS supported the event. Lale Iskarpatyoti organized the booth for children's activities; Birtan Collier managed the TAFSUS table and gave out brochures on Turkey and information.
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| TAFSUS Youth Coordinator, Ceren Kesici, organized a Dinner Party with live music at Konak Restaurant for the Turkish youth to celebrate May 19th Youth and Sports Day on May 7, 2010.
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| The Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia hosted the USA vs. Turkey “send off” match on May 29th 2010. 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 Kizil, Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan, and ATAA President Günay Evinch.
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| TAFSUS again provided Okumus-TAFSUS fellowships to 3 teachers for a 2 week study of Turkey in July through the Education Dept of the World Affairs Council. This brings the total number of Fellows that TAFSUS sent to Turkey to 61 teachers.
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| TAFSUS again helped underwrite the Community College of Philadelphia's Turkey travel program for its students along with the Turkish Coalition of America.
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| Community College VP for Academic Affairs Judith Gay was sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Foundation and traveled on TCF's trip to the Istanbul region in October.
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| Dilek Arig also started offering through MCCC Turkish lessons for adults which started in the fall.
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| TAFSUS organized the Turkish Night at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a Celebration of Turkey and its culture on Friday September 3, 2010. As part of the evening program, there was a presentation on Turkish Yastik (Pillows) by Dennis R. Dodds, an internationally recognized collector, lecturer, author and consultant in the field of oriental rugs. Musical entertainment was also provided by the internationally known Turkish musician, Fahir Atakoglu.
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| TAFSUS Seker Bayrami luncheon was organized by Wallis Urmenyhazi at Istanbul Grill(old Konak under new ownership) on September 12, 2010.
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| TAFSUS has represented Turkey at the Penn Museum at the opening of “Archeologists& Travelers in Ottoman Lands” exhibition with a wider look at the homeland of Osman Hamdi bey on September 26, 2010. The afternoon featured Turkish music, cooking demonstrations, talks by the exhibition curators as well as crafts was sponsored by TAFSUS. Turkish Delight Day was the first in the Penn Museum’s series of 2010-2011 World Culture Days sponsored by PECO.
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| TAFSUS picnic was held at the Ridley Creek Park on September 19, 2010 from noon to sunset organized by TAFSUS member, Mehmet Al-Khatib.
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| ATA School opened for their third year on October 3, 3010 offering Turkish language and cultural education classes to children (4-14).
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| TAFSUS and the Turkish Community celebrated the 87th Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic on October 22, 2010 at Penn’s Landing Caterers.
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| A lecture was given by Serif Yenen at the Free Library of Philadelphia on “Turkey: Ancient and Modern” on November 5, 2010.
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| TAFSUS in coordination with the Alliance Francaise de Philadelphie organized a musical Turkish-French evening (Soiree Franco-Turque) on November 13, 2010 at the Restaurant School as a sequel to the nine-month celebration of Turkey in France.
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| A conference about author Samiha Ayverdi took place at Temple University on November 20, organized by Ceren Kesici. Speech about the author was given by Professor Dr. Omer Turan. During the event there were also books by the author on display.
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| WAC of Philadelphia and TAFSUS co-sponsored a lecture by Stephen Kinzer at the WAC on Turkey and Iran and USA's Interests in the Middle East.
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| Drexel TSA and TAFSUS organized a Networking/ Grassroots program at Drexel University on Dec. 4, 2010. Honorable Ümit Aplarslan Kiliç, Consul General from NY Turkish Consulate, Educational Attache Ibrahim Demirer, Immigration lawyer Cigdem Acar, Yenal Kucuker, from ATAA was all invited and present in order to give Turkish students information on the issues they might face while in the US.
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| Throughout the year, TAFSUS VP Hasan Ayaz kept TAFSUS' website current and up to date with news and with his help in sending e-mail messages, TAFSUS kept the community informed of all developments regarding Turkey and its own programs. He also took charge of TAFSUS database.
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- ATA School opened in January under the directorship of TAFSUS board member Dilek Arig at the Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA teaching Turkish language, social studies and culture.
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- A Turkish night was and held by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi for the
community at Kilyos Fish and Grill Restaurant on January 15, 2009. Imported fish
from Turkey was among the menu choices and everyone was invited to join in
singing of Turkish folk and popular songs. |
| -TAFSUS community was informed about a concert by Turkish pianist Idil
Biret at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. on February 13, 2009. |
| -Another Turkish Dinner was organized by Wallis on February 26 at the newly
opened S & H Kebab House in Philadelphia. |
| -TAFSUS and Drexel TSA organized a reception and a lecture by Prof.
Turkkaya Ataov of Anakra University on "How To Come To Terms with One's Past" on
February 27 at Lebow College Engineering building at Drexel. |
| -A Turkish musical evening was arranged by Wallis at Cafe Fulya in
Philadelphia with an open Turkish buffet on March 6, 2009. |
| -An information meeting was held about Islamic Funeral Services at board
member Suzan Aydin's house on March 15,2009. |
| -A program for the Turkish Youth was organized by TAFSUS board member,
Ceren Kesici at the S&H Kebab House on April 5, 2009. |
| -"Exploring Turkey" a workshop for high school students was
organized by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia on April 16,2009
sponsored by TAFSUS. Okumus-TAFSUS fellow Charles Young of the Bodine School for
International Affairs spoke about Turkey followed by Drexel TSA students
talking about Turkish culture and answering students' questions about life in
Turkey. |
| -2 Elma Sekeri Newsletter of the ATA School was published in April and
May. |
| -A Memorial Service for Nihat Bilgutay with open mike was organized by
TAFSUS and Drexel TSA on May 3 with a reception following the comments of
everyone who spoke about Nihat and remembered him with Nihat's family being
present. |
| -Ibrahim Onaral adn Birtan Collier joined the World Affairs Council's 60th
Anniversary Committee at the urging of Guler Koknar and attended WAC's program
with Condeleeza Rice on May 4,2009. |
| -Guler Koknar, Executive Director of the Turkish Cultural Foundation
visited Philadelphia on June 8. She visited the Community College
of Philadelphia and met with faculty and administration members. She
later visited with the US Constitution Center staff members about having an
exhibit there about Patara as arranged by Wallis. Ibrahim, Wallis and
Birtan were also present. |
| -Another Turkish Dinner was organized by Wallis at S&H Kebab House on
June 23, 2009 with the Community College of Philadelphia faculty and students
who traveled to Turkey in May attending the dinner. |
| -A Seker Bayrami luncheon was arranged at Konak Restaurant by Wallis on
September 20 for adults and children, with candy and small gifts being
distributed at the end. |
| -In conjunction with the exhibit "His Golden Touch: The Gordion Drawings of
Piet de Jong" another Turkish Delight Day was organized and funded by TAFSUS at
UPenn Museum on September 26, 2009. Nihan Bekar, Cultural Attached of the
Turkish Consulate attended and cut the ribbon along with TAFSUS President
Ibrahim Onaral. A lecture was given on Gordion by Prof Brian Rose,
followed by a Turkish Food Demonstration by TAFSUS Treasurer, Lale Iskarpatyoti,
a Modern Day Turkey lecture by Gozde Senel and musical presentation by David's
Harp. Turkish Cultural Foundation was the main sponsor of the Gordion
Exhibit. |
| -A celebration of Turkey with music, dance, food and crafts was organized
by Wallis and funded by TAFSUS on October 2, 2009 at the Philadelphia
Museum of Art with the New York Gypsy Band performing and Ebru, Turkish marbling
demonstration by Richard Aldorasi. |
| -ATA School opened its fall semester on October 4, 2009. |
| -TAFSUS picnic was held at the Ridley Creek Park on October 11 from
noon to sunset organized by TAFSUS member, Mehmet Al-Khatib. |
| -A Republic Day Dinner was organized by Ibrahim Onaral at Penn's Landing
Caterers in Philadelphia on October 24, 2009 with live music, sit down
dinner, a program book of advertisers and a raffle. |
| -Ibrahim Onaral and Birtan Collier participated in WAC's 60th Anniversary
conference "The New Global Dynamic" on November 6 and TAFSUS supported the
afternoon program with Ambassador Marc Grossman who took a lot of questions on
Turkey from the audience. |
| -Another program for the youth has been organized by TAFSUS board member
Ceren Kesici at Temple University on November 21 which will feature a darbuka
workshop and live music and a tea. |
| -TAFSUS again provided 4 Okumus-TAFSUS fellowships to 4 teachers for a 2
week study of Turkey in July through the Education Dept of the World
Affairs Council. This bring the total number of Fellows that TAFSUS sent to Turkey to 58
teachers. |
| -TAFSUS again helped underwrite the Community College of Philadelphia's
Turkey travel program for its students along with the Turkish Coalition of
America. |
| -Community College VP for Academic Affairs Judith Gay was sponsored by the
Turkish Cultural Foundation and traveled on TCF's trip to the Istanbul region in
October. |
| -TAFSUS supported 1 scholar at the American Research Institute of
Turkey(ARIT). |
| -A grant was made to the International Classroom at UPenn Museum in
September 2008. During 2009, this grant funded 10 complimentary
International Classroom programs as organized by Okumus-TAFSUS Fellow Prema Deshmukh to students in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Approximately, 330 children, 15 teachers and 5
schools benefited from this grant. |
| -Throughout the year, TAFSUS VP Hasan Ayaz kept TAFSUS' website current and
up to date with news and with his help in sending e-mail messages, TAFSUS kept
the community informed of all developments regarding Turkey and its own
programs. He also took charge of TAFSUS database. |
| A brand new website was created by Hasan Ayaz for TAFSUS with the changed web address of www.tafsus.net
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| January 6, 2008 marked the opening day of the new TAFSUS ATA School where 22 students between the ages of 6 and 14 started to learn Turkish language, history and culture. This program, founded through the leadership of Lale Iskarpatyoti and Dilek Arig, is sponsored primarily by TAFSUS with significant donations from the Turkish Cultural Foundation and Prime Labels, with in-kind support from the Turkish Consulate General in New York. In it's second semester which started in October, 2008, Turkish language classes were expanded to 3-5 year olds as well as adults, with an enrollment of over 40 students across all age groups.
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| TAFSUS co-sponsored with World Affairs Council "The Portrait of Turkey" program for select high school students from Greater Philadelphia high schools for an intensive study of Turkey.
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| TAFSUS supported travel to Turkey of the Community College of Philadelphia professors and students during 2008.
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| A Turkish Night was organized and held by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi for the community at Divan Turkish Kitchen on February 26, 2008. The main purpose was to bring members of the local community together and enjoy Turkish food while supporting a Turkish restaurant.
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| TAFSUS organized a Bowling Night for Young Professionals (over age 21) on February 28, 2008 at Lucky Strike Lanes.
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| Turkish Americans Gaining Power through Grassroots program was held on March 8, 2008 at Drexel University's Bossone Auditorium with Alison Block of ATAA and Lincoln McCurdy of Turkish Coalition of America making presentations to the community.
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| TAFSUS members joined Drexel Turkish Student Association on March 13, 2008 for A Night on The Mediterranean to celebrate the cultures of Italy, Sicily, Israel and Turkey.
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| Another Turkish Night was organized by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi on March 27, 2008 at Kilyos Fish and Grill Restaurant with a menu of fish imported from Turkey and an invitation to join the singing of Turkish folk songs by all who came.
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| Lale Iskarpatyoti made a brief presentation on Turkey at the International House on March 28 on the opening of a photography exhibit by Philadelphia photographers David and Lisa U'Prichard called "Turkey: Modern, Secular, Ancient and Sacred".
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| TAFSUS participated in the Turkish Festival held on April 19, 2008 along the Parkway organized by AT-COM, TAFSUS, TAMCA, Selimiye and Murat Mosques, Drexel and UPenn TSAs.
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| TAFSUS volunteers helped TAFSUS-OKUMUS Fellow, Prema Deshmukh to organize a Turkish Delight: A Celebration of Republic of Turkey all day program on May 3, 2008 at the University of Pennyslvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. This event took place throughout the museum with food and mosaic demonstrations, showing of Turkish films, Turkish music and dance, Turkish crafts and arts exhibit. It was financially supported by the Turkish Cultural Foundation. Turkish Consul General Mehmet Samsar and Deputy Consul Basar Sen attended. Middle East Center at UPenn and The World Affairs Council were also co-sponsors.
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| TAFSUS supported 1 scholar at the American Research Institute of Turkey(ARIT)
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| A Turkish Night with Open Mike was organized by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi at the Konak Restaurant on May 8, 2008.
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| TAFSUS provided 5 TAFSUS-OKUMUS Fellowships to 5 teachers for a 2 week study tour of Turkey in July through the Education Dept. of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. This brings the total number of teachers sent to Turkey to 54.
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| Lale Iskarpatyoti, Ibrahim Onaral and Birtan Collier attended the dinner for Margaret Lonzetta on June 10, on the occasion of her retirement from the World Affairs Council after a 35 year career. Birtan Collier thanked Margaret on behalf of the Turkish American community and TAFSUS board as she was the creator and executor of the TAFSUS education programs for 3 decades.
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| Long time TAFSUS member, President and VP At-Large, and Head of Computer and Electrical Engineering Dept at Drexel University, Professor Nihat Bilgutay passed away on July 1, 2008 after a debilitating illness. TAFSUS community collected at his house during the evening of his death to remember and celebrate Nihat Bilgutay's life. He was buried in Kusadasi, Turkey. A Memorial Service held at Drexel University on December 11, 2008.
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| TAFSUS Candy Holiday Luncheon was organized by TAFSUS VP Wallis Urmenyhazi at Konak Restaurant on October 4, 2008. Candies were distributed to children.
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| A Republic Day Dinner Dance was organized by TAFSUS VP Ibrahim Onaral at Dolce Hotel in King of Prussia on October 25, 2008 with live music, sit down dinner, a program book, and a raffle of various prizes.
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| Lale Iskarpatyoti spoke ob behalf of TAFSUS at the Republic Day Event organized by the Drexel Turkish Student Association on October 30, 2008.
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| TAFSUS members joined Bilgutay family in a public Philadelphia ALS Walk on November 8, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park. A lunch took place afterwards at Konak restaurant with the participants.
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| TAFSUS was one of the 3 participants in the Mediterranean Night, an Evening of Turkish, Greek and Italian music and food at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday, November 7, 2008. Wallis made the arrangements on behalf of TAFSUS which included an ongoing Ebru demonstration during the evening. The event was co-sponsored by the Middle East Center of UPenn.
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| TAFSUS Board Member Hasan Ayaz represented Turkey in "Peace Around the World 2008" program at The UPenn Museum on Sunday, December 7 giving information about Turkey's history, language, social customs, holiday traditions and about Ataturk, and how he revolutionized culture and policies, as the first President of the country.
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| Throughout 2008, TAFSUS communicated with the community to inform them of news and developments related to the community and Turkey by e-mail messages.
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-A Kurban Bayrami luncheon was held at the Aldar Bistro on January 15, 2006 with Turkish food and live Turkish music and a raffle.
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-TAFSUS co-sponsored "The 16th,17th and 188th Century Anatolian Carpets Exhibit" at the UPenn's Arthur Ross Gallery January 21 through April 2, 2006. Opening of the exhibit included a lecture by Walter Denny, professor of history of art at the Univ. of Massachusetts.
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-"Turkey: Ancient and Modern" A day long wworkshop for teachers was co-sponsored by the Education Dept of UPenn Museum, Middle East Center at UPenn and the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia on March 25, 2006 . This program was supported by TAFSUS, ATAA, Material Culture and Konak. 39 teachers attended.
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-TAFSUS organized a Turkish Night at the PPhiladelphia Museum of Art on April 7, 2006 with Turkish music, Turkish arts and crafts and tourism brochures on display, TAFSUS flyers and Turkish food being part of the menu. 890 people attended.
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-TAFSUS participated in the Annenberg Centter's Philadelphia International Children's Festival April 30-May 6, 2006 as one of the organizers for hands on arts and crafts activities.
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-TAFSUS provided 6 Okumus-TAFSUS Fellowshiips to teachers for a 2 week study tour of Turkey in July. This brings the total number of educators sent to Turkey to 43.
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-TAFSUS co-sponsored with the World Affairrs Council "The Portrait of Turkey" program for select high school students from Greater Philadelphia area schools for an intensive study of Turkey including a trip to the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
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-TAFSUS gave donations to the following:
- Rosemont College Political Science Dept. to support a trip to Washington D.C. in connection with the course on Turkish-US relations,
- the Turkish Studies Association for 1 Halide Edip Adivar scholarship,
- the American Research Institute in Turkey(ARIT) for a doctoral student at the Univ. of Chicago to study historical works in the Ottoman archives,
- the Community College of Philadelphia in support of sending 18 professors to Turkey on a study tour,
- the Hepatitis B Foundation to support their educational programs with Turkish researchers, and
- the Philadelphia Museum of Art for support of the Turkish Night program.
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-TAFSUS wrote letters to PBS to protest thhe program "The Armenian Genocide" program which aired on Channel 12
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-TAFSUS organized a Dinner Dance with Turkkish food and music on October 28, 2006 to celebrate the 83rd Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge Hotel with proclamations issued by Mayor Street and Governor Rendell. A program book was prepared with 10 advertisers.
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-TAFSUS invited the community to attend a musical evening with Odessa to Istanbul program on December 2, 2006 at Painted Bride Art Center with discounted tickets and food items at Konak Restaurant, next door.
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-Throughout the year, TAFSUS communicated with the Turkish American community to inform them of news and developments related to the community and Turkey.
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-TAFSUS financial books were examined by BBee, Bergvall and Co. and found in good order
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