[+] Show 2009 News

TAFSUS Republic Day Dinner

Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 12, 2009

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 www.pennslandingcaterers.com (Located on the bank of the Delaware River convenient to I-95, New Jersey and Delaware with free parking)

Music will be provided by Baris Kaya and his group.

$65.00 members, $75.00 Non-Members (before October 19)
$75.00 members, $85.00 Non-Members (after October 19)
Students $30
Children 12 or older $30

Please write your checks made payable to TAFSUS and mail to:
Lale Iskarpatyoti,
Treasurer, TAFSUS
1235 Page Terrace
Villanova, Pa. 19085

For additional information and questions contact Ibrahim Onaral at 215-606-8499 or ibrahimonaral@hotmail.com

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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.

Date: Sunday, October 11, 2009
Location: Ridley Creek State Park (351 Gradyville Rd. Newtown Square, PA 19073)
Park Phone: 610-892-3900
Picnic Area: Pavillion 11-A
Time: Noon-Sunset

Please bring your own food and beverage. The main intersection is US1 and the Blue Route (Route 476) then use the directions in the link from there to the park. For your convenience, this link has directions from the Philadelphia International Airport to the Park.

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Turkish Night @ Philadelphia Museum of Art

Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 1, 2009

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.

Admission to the Museum (not including food) is $16 for adults; $4 for seniors (65+); $12 for students with ID and children 13-18. Free for children 12 and under. There is no additional charge for the evening program or guided tours after Museum admission. For driving directions and parking information please consult the museum web page: www.philamuseum.org. This program is supported by TAFSUS. For more information please contact Wallis Urmenyhazi: wallisu@msn.com

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World Culture Day: Turkish Delight!

Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 1, 2009

We are happy to invite you to Turkish Delight Day at UPenn Museum on Saturday, September 26, 2009 between 13:00 (noon) and 16:00 pm. Turkish Delight Day was organized in cooperation with TAFSUS and with TAFSUS financial support. 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...

His Golden Touch: The Gordion Drawings of Piet de Jong” New Exhibition at the Penn Museum September 26, 2009 through January 10, 2010

Exhibition Opens with a “Turkish Delight!” Afternoon Celebration 1 to 4 PM

One of the great archaeological illustrators of the 20th century, Piet de Jong spent the summer of 1957, at the invitation of excavation director Rodney Young, working at the renowned site of Gordion in central Turkey. While de Jong set about on a series of watercolors reconstructing wall paintings from a previously uncovered “Painted House,” ca. 500 BCE, Penn Museum excavators were making a now-famous discovery: they penetrated a large, exceptionally well-preserved grave mound, known as the “Midas Mound” for its association with the legendary King Midas and his family. There, they found a wealth, not of gold, but of royal artifacts and information about the Phrygian people of 2700 years ago.

His Golden Touch: The Gordion Drawings of Piet de Jong, a new exhibition at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, September 26, 2009 through January 10, 2010, pays tribute to the famous illustrator's visit and his summer’s work, carried out during a most auspicious season at Gordion, Turkey, where the Penn Museum has been excavating since 1950. More than 35 original watercolors, chiefly from the 'Painted House' project, and several drawings of renowned artifacts from the 'Midas Mound', form the core of His Golden Touch, which also features artist's tools that belonged to de Jong, a small selection of objects from the Museum’s excavations at Gordion, reproductions of several artifacts from tombs at the site, and excerpts from two rare color films made at the site in the 1950s.

The Museum celebrates His Golden Touch with an afternoon celebration, a 'Turkish Delight!' from 1 pm to 4 pm, featuring Turkish music, dance, talks, tours, and more, all free with Museum admission donation.

Turkish Delight! Event Schedule

A Celebration of the Republic of Turkey. Saturday, September 26th, 2009 1- 4 pm at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

1 pm	Ribbon Cutting of His Golden Touch: The Gordion Drawings of Piet de Jong
1:30pm	Gordion Lecture by Dr. Brian C. Rose spotlights Gordion (in central Turkey) as one of the most important archaeological sites in the Near East, a royal capital of King Midas and the place where Alexander the Great was said to have cut the famous Gordion Knot.
2:30pm	Turkish Cuisine Demonstration by Suzann Aydin. Ms. Aydin prepares Turkish standards such as Shepherd’s Salad (known as Çoban Salatasi) and Yogurt Cucumber Sauce (Tzatziki).
3pm	Daily Life Lecture presented by the Drexel Turkish Student Association
3:30pm	Finale Musical Presentation by David’s Harp features vocal and instrumental performances of folk, classical, and pop songs from across Turkey.

Throughout the day families can enjoy creating traditional Turkish arts and crafts by participating in an Ebru workshop to learn the ancient Turkish art of marbling or “cloud painting” on paper. Other ongoing activities include make-your-own Evil Eye bracelets, a Middle Eastern amulet of protection, and painting Turkish tiles.

Penn Museum is located at 3260 South Street on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; Sunday 1 to 5 pm. Closed Mondays, and holidays. Admission donation is $10 for adults; $7 for senior citizens (65 and above); $6 for children (6 to 17) and full-time students with ID; free to Penn Museum Members, PennCard holders, and children 5 and younger. The Museum can be found on the web at www.penn.museum. For general information call 215/898-4000.

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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
MEZELER (Apetizers) : Domates Solsu Kizartma (Mixed fried vegetables), Tepsi Boregi (Borek), Havuc Salatasi (Carot Salad)
SALATA (Salad): Mevsim Salatasi (House Salad)
SICAK YEMEK (Entrée): Bir tanesi secilecek (choice of one)
Sebzeli Kuzu Kebab (Oven Roasted Lamb Kebab), Tavuk Kebab (Chicken Skewer Kebab), Dil Baligi Sarmasi (Sole Fillet Wrapped in Swiss Chard),
Sebze Yemegi (Grilled Vegetables served with Couscous)
TATLI (Desert): Revani

CHILDREN MENU
Doner Kebab/Chicken fingers/ (bir tanesi secilecek/choice of one)
pilav/patates tava (bir tanesi secilecek/choice of one)

PRICE
Members: $20.00, Non-members: $25, Children: $8.00 Tax and tip included. Cash or check only.

Soda, American Kahvesi, Cay (dahil/included)

Please make your reservation no later than September. 15 by calling Konak at 215-592-1212 or by sending an email to info@konakturkishrestaurant.com 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.

For directions please check Konak’s webpage: konakturkishrestaurant.com
For more information please send your email to Wallis Urmenyhazi at wallisu@msn.com.

Konak Authentic Turkish Cuisine, 228 Vine Street, Phila., PA 19106 215-592-1212

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TAFSUS Dinner at S&H Kebap House

Posted by TAFSUS Board | May 27, 2009

We are happy to invite you to a get-together at S&H Kebap House on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:30 pm. Please make your reservations no later than June 18 by sending your email to kebabhouseonline@yahoo.com (include your name, the name of each of your guests and your phone number) or by calling 267-639-3214/3218. Seating is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

MENU

Mezeler (Appetizers):
Patlican Salatasi, Acili Ezme, Humus, Haydari, Sigara Boregi
(Eggplant Salad. Pepper Dip, Hummus, Tarator, Turkish Cheese Roll)

Salata (Salad):
Coban Salatasi (Shepherd Salad)

Entrée (choice of one):
1. Tavuk Kebab (Chicken Shish Kebab)
2. Kofte Kebab (Meatball Kebab)
3. Sebzeli Guvec (Vegetable Casserole)

Desert (choice of one):
1. Kazandibi (Pudding with Caramel)
2. Baklava

Soft drinks, Turkish tea and coffee included. BYOB.

Price (tax and gratuity included): $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

Parking: $3.00 for the evening at the corner of South and 3rd Streets. The entrance to the garage is on 3rd Street. Please have the ticket stamped at the Kebab House.

For more information, please call Wallis Urmenyhazi at 215 222 8927 or send your email to wallisu@msn.com

S&H Kebap House
611 East Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19147
267-639-3214

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Memorial Service for Dr. Nihat Bilgutay

Posted by TAFSUS Board | April 26, 2009

Memorial Service for Dr. Nihat Bilgutay will be held with open microphone. Please come and share your memories of beloved Nihat Bilgutay with us.

Date: Sunday, May 3, 2009
Time: 13:00 - 16:00
Location: Room 240, 2nd Floor, Lebow College of Engineering Building 3106 Market Street, Philadelphia (between 31st and 32nd Streets)

Parking: Street parking is available on Market Street and there's a parking lot across the street on the corner of 31st and Market Streets.

Refreshments and soft drinks will be served following the ceremony.

Please RSVP your attendance by April 30 to: rsvp@drexeltsa.org

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TAFSUS Dinner at Divan

Posted by TAFSUS Board | March 15, 2009

We are happy to invite you to a get-together at Divan Turkish Kitchen & Bar on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 6:30 pm. To make a reservation please calling Divan at 215-545-5790 no later than April 20 and mention that you want to be included in the TAFSUS party. Seating is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

MENU
Shepherd's Salad or Lentil Soup
Cold appetizers: Humus, Eggplant with tomato sauce, sauteed carrots with garlic yogurt
Entree( choice of one): Mixed Grill or Vegetable Kebab
Desert (choice of one): Kazandibi or Baklava
Beverages: Soda, Turkish Tea, Coffee Cost: $35 for members, $38 for non-members, $32 for students (tax and gratuity included) paid in CASH.

For directions and free parking please check Divan's webpage: www.divanturkishkitchen.com
For more information please call Wallis Urmenyhazi at 215-222-8927 or send your email to wallisu@msn.com

Divan Turkish Kitchen
918 S. 22nd, Street, Philadelphia PA 19146
215-545-5790

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A Lecture by Prof. Türkkaya Ataöv

Posted by TAFSUS Board | February 09, 2009

UPDATE: Photos from this event are available at the 2009 photo album section.

You are cordially invited to a lecture by Prof. Türkkaya Ataöv, Professor Emeritus in International Relations at Ankara University, Turkey on the Armeno-Turkish relations. The lecture is titled "How to come to terms with one's past".

Date: Friday, February 27, 2009
Reception: 5:30pm
Lecture: 6:00- 7:15pm
Location: Lebow College of Engineering Building, Room 240 (Hill Conference Room)
3106 Market St. Philadelphia PA. (map)

This lecture is part of seminar series that will be held at the following cities from February 10th to March 28th: Atlanta, Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Gainesville, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Ithaca, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rochester, San Antonio, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington DC.

Please see below for a biosketch of Prof. Ataöv. You can also read a summary of his lecture in pdf format.

The event flyer is below. To RSVP, please email rsvp@drexeltsa.org.

Biosketch of Türkkaya Ataöv

Türkkaya Ataöv is Professor Emeritus in International Relations at Ankara University, Turkey. He did his graduate work in the United States, where he received two M.A.s (NYU & Syracuse Univ.) and a Ph.D. (1959, Syracuse U., NY). He taught at Ankara Univ. for more than four decades and lectured in several American, British, Russian, German, Dutch, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, African and Australian universities.

He is the author of close to 140 books (most of which have been in foreign languages and printed in Europe or in the Americas), a few hundred academic treaties, and a few thousand newspaper articles. His writings have been translated into 20 languages and appeared in 17 European, 13 Asian, 5 African, and 3 American states plus Australia...

He was elected to central executive positions of UN-related international organizations, dealing with racial discrimination, human rights, terrorism, nuclear war, and exchange of prisoners of war.

Professor Ataöv published 80 books or booklets on the Armenian issue, was invited (as "witness of authority") by the Paris court to the two (1984 & 1985) trials of Armenian terrorists, participated in the UN (1985) Geneva meetings of the Human Rights Commission on the Genocide Convention, and partook in several meetings of the European Parliament that dealt with the Armenian issue.

Professor Ataöv received 17 academic awards or medals in recognition of his published works and activities. They include two (Italian and Federal Yugoslavian) presidential medals, two UN-affiliated awards, and several honorary doctorates and academic citations.

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Happy New Year

Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 11, 2009

As we welcome the new year, we would like to announce to our community TAFSUS' newly elected board members.

President, Ibrahim Onaral Treasurer, Lale Ansen Iskarpatyoti VP Information, Serap Menda VP Membership, Muhammed Al-Khatib VP Cultural and Social Affairs, Wallis Urmenyhazi VP Community Outreach, Suzan Aydin VP Student Affairs and Website, Hasan Ayaz Youth Coordinator, Ceren Kesici Director, ATA School, Dilek Arig VP Education, Birtan Collier

Our sincere thanks and gratitude go to long-time TAFSUS member Tuba Oncu for overseeing the Board elections, past president Lale Iskarpatyoti, under whose leadership, initiative and guidance TAFSUS had another successful year and expanded its functions, Dilek Arig for her selfless dedication to successfully running ATA School, Hasan Ayaz for creating and running a superb TAFSUS website.

We also would like to recognize and thank all our board members for their dedication to serve the Turkish Community proudly and generously. We are sorry to see Canan Bilgutay and long time board member Hasan Karatas leave the board. We will miss their active contributions and would like to thank them for their dedication in serving the Turkish Community.

TAFSUS, under the leadership of our new president, Ibrahim Onaral, is looking forward to a very successful year with many plans already under way. 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 2009 in good health and peace and hope to see you soon at TAFSUS events.

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[+] Show 2008 News

TAFSUS Sing-Along Dinner

Posted by TAFSUS Board | December 28, 2008

TAFSUS invites you to an evening filled with singing, cheer, laughter and friends at Kilyos Fish & Grill on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 18:30.

On the menu, you will find fish imported from Turkey and an invitation for all to join in the singing of Turkish folk and popular songs.

MENU (BYOB):
Salad: Coban Salatasi (Shepherd Salad)
Meze (Hors-d'oeuvres): Lebni, Piyaz (Navy Bean Salad), Sigara Boregi (Cheese Pastry), Mucver (Zucchini Pancakes)
Entrees (choice of one) Izmir Cupra (Royal Dorado) or Karisik Izgara (Mixed Grill)
Dessert Kazandibi (Flan)
Beverages: Kizilcik (Lindenberry Tea), a non-alcoholic cocktail, Coffee and Tea

COST:
$25 for student; $32 for members; $37 for non-members (tax and gratuity included). Paid in CASH.

PARKING:
Free parking available in the strip mall where the restaurant is located and in the adjoining malls.

For reservations please call at the restaurant at (215) 677-2224 or send your email to fish.grill@hotmail.com. For more information please email wallisu@msn.com.

KILYOS FISH AND GRILL MEDITARRANEAN CUISINE
9825 Bustleton Avenue (near Grant Ave.), Philadelphia, PA 19150
(215) 677-2224 fish.grill@hotmail.com

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Nihat Bilgutay Memorial Fellowship Fund

Posted by TAFSUS Board | November 9, 2008

The Nihat Bilgutay Memorial Fellowship Fund has been established in recognition of Dr. Bilgutay's contribution to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the College of Engineering and to the University.

Dr. Bilgutay came to Drexel in 1982 as a Drexel Fellow after receiving his BSEE at Bradley University in 1973 and his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1981.

He was the Vernon L. Newhouse Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, associate dean for graduate programs and research (1990-95), leader of the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition and department head, Electrical and Computer Engineering (1995-2006). An IEEE Fellow and a recipient of an IEEE Third Millennium Medal, he developed an international reputation in the field of ultrasonics, in particular Split Spectrum techniques, and was widely known for his contributions to engineering education. Dr. Bilgutay served as a Board Member for TAFSUS since 2001 and was its President during 2005 and 2006.

To support the Nihat Bilgutay Memorial Fellowship Fund, send your tax-deductible contribution to Nihat Bilgutay Memorial Fellowship Fund, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Suite 310, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Attn: Lydia Kokolskyj. It is also possible to donate online at http://www.drexel.edu/ia/giftsonline1.asp. Please make sure to designate "The Nihat Bilgutay Memorial Fellowship Fund" in the Special Instructions Field.

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Mediterranean Night

Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 23, 2008

TAFSUS is pleased to invite you to a Mediterranean Night - An Evening of Turkish, Greek, Italian music and food at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (The Great Stairs Hall) on Friday November 7, 2008 with participation of DisCanto from Abruzzo, Italy and Animus, World Fusion Music & Dance.

There will also be an ongoing demonstration of Ebru (Turkish Marbling) throughout the evening by artist/teacher Richard Aldorasi.

The performances are scheduled from 5:45 pm to 6:45 pm and 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm. The museum is open until 8:45 p.m. Guided gallery tours are offered throughout the evening.

Admission to the Museum (not including food) is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors (65+); $10 for students with ID and children 13-18. Free for children 12 and under. Admission to the museum is free for members at all times.

For driving directions and parking information please consult the museum web page: www.philamuseum.org.
For more information please send your email to Wallis Urmenyhazi.

TAFSUS wishes to thank the Middle East Center (MEC) at UPenn for its support.

UPDATE: Pictures from the event day are available at the photo section.

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TAFSUS Dinner Dance

Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 2, 2008

Please join us as we celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of Turkey

Date	October 25, 2008
Time	7:00 pm-8:00 pm Reception 8:00 pm - Midnight Dinner & Dancing
Location	Dolce Valley Forge 301 DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Music will be provided by Ercan Deryayla and his group. For additional information and questions contact Ibrahim Onaral at 215-606-8499 or ibrahimonaral@hotmail.com

[ Please see event page for more information ]

UPDATE: Pictures from the event day are available at the photo section.

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TAFSUS Seker Bayrami Luncheon

Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 23, 2008

TAFSUS Seker Bayrami Luncheon will be on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Konak Turkish Restaurant between 12:30 and 15:00.

Please make your reservation today by calling Konak at 215-592-1212 or by sending an email to info@konakturkishrestaurant.com letting them know that you want to be included in the TAFSUS party. SEATING IS LIMITED AND RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

MENU
MEZELER: Humus, Sigara boregi, Havuc salatasi
SALATA: Mevsim salatasi
SICAK YEMEK: Doner kebab/ Tavuk kebab (bir tanesi secilecek)
TATLI: Kazandibi

COCUK MENUSU
Kofte kebab/Doner kebab/Tavuk kebab/Chicken fingers/ (bir tanesi secilecek)
Pilav/Patates tava (bir tanesi secilecek)

Soda, American kahvesi, Cay dahil.
PRICE (tax/tip included) Adults: $15.00 - Children: $8.00

For more information please call Wallis Urmenyhazi at 215-222-8927 or send your email to wallisu@msn.com Konak Authentic Turkish Cuisine, 228 Vine Street, Phila., PA 19106 215-592-1212

UPDATE: The Seker Bayrami Luncheon organized by TAFSUS on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Konak Turkish Restaurant was a very enjoyable and fun event attended by over 50 people.

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Debriefing Meeting with the TAFSUS-Okumus Turkey Fellows

Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 16, 2008

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia organized a debriefing meeting with the 2008 TAFSUS-Okumus Turkey Fellows on September 11, 2008 at the headquarters.

Present were the 5 Fellows: Timothy E. MacBain, Senior High School Social Studies and History teacher, Upper Dublin High School, Fort Washington, Pa., Robert Magyar, Social Studies and History teacher, Fels High School, Philadelphia, Pa., Renee Allen, Social Studies teacher, Sophie M. Agbaje, English and Literature teacher, Baldi Middle School, Philadelphia, Pa. and Charmene Gates, representing her husband Spencer Gates, Senior High School English Literature teacher, Westtown School, Westtown, PA. Charmene also traveled to Turkey with her husband.

World Affairs Council of Philadelphia was represented by Margaret Lonzetta, immediate past VP of Education, Dana Devon, VP of Programs and Education(who is leaving for Turkey on September 14 on Turkish Cultural Foundation's trip to Istanbul and the Marmara region), Amy Schlossberg, Assistant Director of Education, and Denise Bala, VP Membership who led the WAC's trip to Turkey last June including a Blue Voyage.

Lale Iskarpatyoti, President of TAFSUS, Birtan Collier, VP Education, TAFSUS represented the organization and they were joined by Gozde Senel, President of Drexel TSA and also a TAFSUS member.

The teachers all talked about their very positive and exciting impressions of Turkey and their enjoyable travel experience there and 2 of them showed images of the highlights of their trip recalling many pleasant memories. They talked about what impressed them the most, what they found unusual about the country and how they will teach about it in their classrooms. Birtan mentioned the availability of mini-grants of to $500 from TAFSUS for any teacher, who is organizing a Turkey Day and needs help with costs of materials such as books, food so on. Lale and Birtan also talked about the program in general and that up to now TAFSUS sent 54 teachers to Turkey. The program is in its 11th year. Gozde Senel explained that students from Drexel TSA and UPenn TSA are available to help teachers who are organizing Turkey Programs. Turkish students will go to schools and make presentations on many aspects of life in Turkey and work directly with the middle and high school students and engaged them in conversations about Turkey.

We also talked about the 84 teachers that the Turkish Cultural Foundation sent to Turkey this past summer(using our program as a model) and coincidentally, these teachers were on the same air plane as the TAFSUS-Okumus group on the flight back from Turkey to USA.

WAC served some hummus, baba gahnouj and pite bread as snacks.

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Turkish Cultural Day at UPenn Museum

Posted by TAFSUS Board | May 10, 2008

TAFSUS co-sponsored and hosted 'Turkish Delight! A celebration of Republic of Turkey' on Saturday May 3, 2008 at the UPenn Museum (press release). It was a day-long celebration of the rich culture of Turkey with many activities. Many pictures from the day are available at our photo album section.
Also, below is the program of the day:

11:00am-11:30am "Where Did Turkish Pastoralists Come From?" Rainey Auditorium
Dr. Ayse Salzmann, Penn Museum

11:00am-3:00pm Chinese Rotunda
  >Turkish Bazaar featuring tiles, rugs, jewelry and various Turkish wears
  >Crafts: Turkish Tiles, Beading and Rug Weaving, Felt Making Demonstration
by Mehmet Girgic of Konya, Turkey
  >Backgammon

11:30am-12:15pm Turkey at a Glance Lower Egyptian Gallery

11:30am-1:30pm Dondurman Gaymak (Ice Cream, I Scream) Turkish Movie Classroom 1

11:30am-12:15pm Turkish Music Demonstration Harrison Auditorium

11:45pm-12:30pm Food Demonstration Upper Egyptian Gallery

12:00pm-12:45pm "An American Archaeologist in Turkey" Rainey Auditorium
Dr. Naomi Miller, Penn Museum

12:00pm-2:00pm Mosaic Tile Workshop  Mosaic Gallery
with Halil Demirdelen,
Museum of Anatolian Civilization in Ankara

1:00pm-1:30pm Turkish Belly Dance Demonstration and Workshop Lower Egyptian Gallery

1:00pm-1:45pm "Studies on Istanbul and Beyond and Rainey Auditorium Master Builders of Byzantium" Dr. Robert Ousterhout, History of Art, UPenn

1:30pm-2:00pm Turkish Poetry Reading Upper Egyptian Gallery

1:45pm-2:15pm Kardelen  Harrison Auditorium Traditional Turkish Folk Dance

2:00pm-2:30pm Turkey at Glance Lower Egyptian Gallery
 
2:30pm-3:30pm "The Archaeology of Troy and the Trojan War" Rainey Auditorium
Dr. Thomas Tartaron,
Department of Classical Studies, UPenn

3:15pm-4:00pm Finale Harrison Auditorium
Kardelen: Traditional Turkish Folk Dance

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TAFSUS OPEN MIKE NIGHT AT KONAK TURKISH RESTAURANT

Posted by TAFSUS Board | May 3, 2008

TAFSUS will host an open mike night at Konak Turkish Restaurant on May 8, 2008. Happy hour will start at 5:30pm and dinner will start at 6:30pm.

All are invited to participate in the evening's festivities by sharing their talent be it singing, playing an instrument, telling a story, or reciting a poem at the open mike. Please send your email to wallisu@msn.com to let us know how you would like to participate without delay. Thank you very much.

Please make your reservations by sending your email to info@konakturkishrestaurant.com Please include the names of your guests and your phone number. Konak will call you back to confirm your reservation. SEATING IS LIMITED AND RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

For directions and free parking (after 5 pm) please check Konak's webpage: konakturkishrestaurant.com. For more information and the detailed menu please write to wallisu@msn.com

Konak Authentic Turkish Cuisine
228 Vine Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
215-592-1212

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LOGO DESIGN CONTEST WINNER

Posted by TAFSUS Board | March 10, 2008

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:

"My design concept is based on the three aspects of the traditional Turkish Folk dance; Friendship, Energy and Unity. Turkish Folk Dance was originated from Anatolia and brought people of all kinds together for the celebration of the good times. Here, it symbolizes role of the TAFSUS in uniting Turkish and American communities by promoting friendship through cultural, educational and social activities. The live tempo and the synchrony of the dance also symbolize the never ending energy and ambition of the TAFSUS for pursuing its mission."

Serdar Turkarslan
March 2008

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10th Annual Okumus/TAFSUS Fellowships for Turkey Study Tour

Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 30, 2008

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia has announced the 10th annual Okumus/TAFSUS Fellowships for a 2 week study of Turkey July 13-28, 2008 and has sent a message to all Greater Philadelphia educators and school administrators. The necessary information and documents for educators to apply for these fellowships will also be posted at www.wacphila.org and a shorter version to TAFSUS website, www.tafsus.net.

If you like your children's or grandchildren's teachers and school administrators to get a first hand taste of Turkish culture, this is a golden opportunity for them to do so. Please note that the deadline for applications is March 7, 2008.

Please e-mail the names of qualified teachers and school principals to Margaret Lonzetta, VP and Director of Education of the World Affairs Council, who is administrating this fellowships program. Her e-mail is mlonzetta@wacphila.org or call 215-561-4700 ext. 208. She will e-mail the necessary information to them. Alternatively, you can ask the teachers to contact Margaret directly.

Please forward this information to Turkish American parents who may not be on the TAFSUS e-mail list and to teachers and educators in your community.

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DESIGN OUR LOGO

Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 28, 2008

We are looking for a logo that will reflect both the mission and spirit of the TAFSUS (Turkish American Friendship Society of US). A good fit for us would include the following:

1. The logo should be able to be understood globally and inoffensive to all cultures.
2. The logo may include the acronym TAFSUS or the 'Turkish American Friendship Society of US'

What do you win?

The winning design will receive $100 and the first runner up will receive $50. The top designs will be announced and celebrated at a TAFSUS dinner reception in Philadelphia.

Submission Criteria

• Logos should be submitted in vector format when possible; otherwise two different files (a high-resolution and a web version) of JPEG or PNG formats are also acceptable.
• Entrants are also required to submit JPEG web version of the logo no larger than 250px x 250px and a high-resolution version.
• Submit your entry via email attachment to info@tafsus.net
• All entries have to be emailed no later than midnight (EST) of February 18, 2008. You may submit up to three logos but to be considered for this competition you have to submit to at least one. (no typed suggestions of what it should look like)
• Entries should include: Your Name Email Address Phone number Physical Address Two to three sentences on your design inspiration and process. (Optional)
• Competition is open to legal residents of at least 10 years old and is void where prohibited. Entrants under the age of 18 must have permission from their parents or legal guardians to participate. Winners will be notified by the provided email within 10 business days of the prize drawing. The rights of the submissions will be held by TAFSUS.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 21, 2008

We are pleased to announce the 2008 TAFSUS Board:

Lale Iskarpatyoti, President and ATA School Liaison Hasan Ayaz, VP Student Affairs and Website Development Suzan Aydin, VP Community Outreach Canan Bilgutay, VP Second Generation Affairs Nihat Bilgutay, Vice President At-Large Birtan Collier, VP Education Hasan Karatas, Secretary and VP Public Relations Serap Menda, Treasurer and VP Information Ibrahim Onaral, VP Membership, Social Affairs and Grassroots Activities Wallis Urmenyhazi, VP Cultural Affairs

We thank our two outgoing Board members, Aysen Ozezer (Treasurer) and Meltem Pusat-Gonnella (VP Public Relations) for all their past contributions and welcome a new Board Member, Suzan Aydin, who is rejoining the TAFSUS Board as VP for community outreach activities. Our special thanks go to Mohammed Al-Khatib for overseeing the election process.

Looking back, 2007 was another successful and productive year for TAFSUS . We organized and sponsored over a dozen social and cultural events, including many dinners at local Turkish restaurants, a Republic Day cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia, a Turkish day at the Harriton High School, a Turkish Night at the Philadelphia Art Museum and a Whirling Dervish performance at the Annenberg Center. Through funding provided by the Okumus family and our partnership with the World Affairs Council (WAC), we were able to send six more teachers to study in Turkey (for a total of 49 teachers since the program inception) and provide an intensive program of study, called the Portrait of Turkey, to 20 select high school students in the Greater Philadelphia area. We helped promote special artists and musicians in our community and shared relevant information with our members on a wide variety of topics and programs. We also co-sponsored a WAC luncheon program at the Union League for the Turkish Ambassador Nabi Sensoy to speak on Turkish American relations. A more detailed summary of the 2007 year programs can be found on our website www.tafsus.com by clicking on News.

January 6, 2008 marked the opening day of our new ATA School where 22 students between the ages of 6 and 14 started to learn Turkish language, history and culture. While major funding for the School is being provided by TAFSUS, we are very grateful for the generous contributions from the Turkish Cultural Foundation and Prime Labels, Inc. to make this dream a reality. We also extend special thanks to our Board members Lale Iskarpatyoti and Serap Menda, and particularly to our amazing School Director, Dilek Arig, whose hard work got us off to a great start. Classes will take place every Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Montgomery Community County College at Blue Bell. Based on the positive response from parents, our goal is to extend classes to pre-school children (ages 3 - 5) as well as older age groups (15 and over) in the near future. Additional information about the ATA School is available on our TAFSUS website.

As we look forward to the rest of 2008, there are many more cultural, social and educational activities we are planning to provide. In addition to our usual activities, there will be several new networking events for young professionals and second generation of Turkish Americans in our community, a grassroots seminar on March 8 to increase the awareness and involvement of Turkish Americans in political affairs, and a Turkish Day at the UPenn Museum on May 3, to celebrate Turkish culture and people. By mid-February, you will be also able to find a full schedule of events as well as a wide variety of useful information on our TAFSUS web-site which is currently being upgraded.

As a non-profit, volunteer organization, all TAFSUS events and activities are made possible through your membership support and contributions. We invite you to be actively involved in all our events, both as volunteers as well as participants, whenever you can. However, even if you can't give us your time, we ask that you support TAFSUS as your local community organization, through your membership fees and other financial contributions. Please find our 2008 TAFSUS Membership Form from the membership section. Kindly take a few moments to complete and return this information to us, along with your membership check. As TAFSUS takes on more ambitious projects, we will need your help more than ever!

We thank you in advance for your support and look forward to seeing you at the next TAFSUS event!

TAFSUS Board

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