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.
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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)
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
ATA School's New Monthly Newsletter:
Elma Şekeri
Posted by TAFSUS Board | April 10, 2009
ATA School proudly presents Elma Şekeri, a monthly newsletter in Turkish that includes news and information for parents, teachers and students at ATA School.
The first issue, April 2009, is available in pdf format.
ATA School would like to thank Asuman Öztürk and Cevher Doğan for their interest and enthusiasm in putting this issue together.
If you would like to contribute, please contact ATA School Director, Dilek Arig.
[ View Elma Şekeri (April 2009) in pdf format ]
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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.
For reservations please call at the restaurant at 215-677-2224 or send your email to fish.grill@hotmail.com.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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.
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
UPDATE:Pictures from the event day are available at the photo section. |
ATA School Classes Started!
Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 7, 2008
The new academic year began on Sunday, October 5, 2008. at the Montgomery County Community College - Blue Bell campus. There are four classes being offered to almost 40 students of all age groups, from toddlers to adults. Thanks to all of you who registered!
[ Please see ATA School page and flyer for more information ]
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. |
TAFSUS Seker Bayrami Luncheon
Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 23, 2008
TAFSUS Seker Bayrami Luncheon will be on Saturday, October 4, 2008 in Konak Turkish Restaurant between 12:30 and 15:00.
Price (tax/tip included) Adults: $15.00 - Children: $8.00. 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.
For more information please call Wallis Urmenyhazi at 215-222-8927 or send your email to wallisu@msn.com
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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. |
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.
TAFSUS was represented by Lale Iskarpatyoti, President of TAFSUS, Birtan Collier, VP Education, and they were joined by Gozde Senel, President of Drexel TSA and also a TAFSUS member.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
ATA School Registrations
Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 14, 2008
ATA School is continuing taking registrations for the 2008-09 academic year. The new academic year will begin on Sunday, October 5, 2008 and end on May 17, 2009. Classes will be held in Montgomery County Community College - Blue Bell campus between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Registration deadline for all classes is September 19, 2008.
Class times are scheduled as follows:
1) 3- 5 age group 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
2) 6-14 age group 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
3) 15 + plus age group 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
[ Please see ATA School page and flyer for more information ]
Dr. Nihat Bilgutay 1952- 2008
Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 03, 2008
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.
Dr. Bilgutay served as a Board Member for TAFSUS since 2001 and was its
President during 2005 and 2006. We are grateful for his many years of service
and numerous contributions to TAFSUS and to the Turkish American community in
the greater Philadelphia area.
We offer our heart felt condolences Dr. Bilgutay's wife Kathy and his three
children Canan, Aylin and Deniz Bilgutay.
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...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Photos from TAFSUS Dinner at Divan
Posted by Admin | March 28, 2008
TAFSUS hosted a get together dinner at Divan Turkish Kitchen on Tueday,
February 26, 2008. Some pictures from the event are available...
[ See all photo album here ]
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...
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
Photos from TAFSUS Mevlana Dinner
Posted by Admin | February 14, 2008
TAFSUS hosted Mevlana Dinner at Konak Restaurant on Thursday, November 8, 2007
to celebrate the UNESCO 2007 International Year of Mevlana. There was music and
readings of Mevlana's poems as well as menu items reflecting the taste of his
time was presented.
[ See all photo album here ]
Photos from TAFSUS Republic Day and Seker Bayrami Cruise
Posted by Admin | February 14, 2008
TAFSUS celebrated Cumhuriyet Bayrami and Seker Bayrami on a Luncheon Cruise on
the Spirit of Philadelphia on October 21, 2007. Many TAFSUS members and friends
joined the celebrations. The rich Luncheon Buffet included a wide selection of
Salads, Entrees, Complements, Desserts, Coffee, Tea and Ice Tea Guests enjoyed
Live Entertainment by a talented DJ and Dancing throughout the Cruise.
[ See all photo album here ]
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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:
- The logo should be able to be understood globally and inoffensive to all cultures.
- 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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]
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.
[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]