TAFSUS

Turkish American Friendship Society of US

About Atatürk

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 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.
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About TAFSUS

TAFSUS is a non-profit organization established in 1966 to promote better understanding and friendship between the Turkish and American communities through educational, cultural and social activities. TAFSUS serves the Turkish American communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey.
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About Turkey

The Republic of Turkey 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.
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Turkish Night Celebration

Posted by TAFSUS Board | August 14, 2010

A Celebration of Turkey and its culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (The Great Stairway, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130) on Friday, September 3, 2010. Turkish Yastik (Pillow) presentation by Dennis R. Dodds, music by Fahir Atakoglu and his band. Turkish Food Items on the menu...

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



ATA School Registration Open - Now Through September 24, 2010

Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 1, 2010

Now in its third year, ATA School will once again be offering Turkish language and cultural education classes to children (ages 4-14) and adults (15+), starting October 3, 2010. ATA School classes are jointly sponsored by the Turkish American Friendship Society of US (TAFSUS) and the Middle East Center at UPenn.

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



USA vs Turkey soccer match in Philadelphia and "Turkish American Friendship Day"

Posted by TAFSUS Board | June 4, 2010

TAFSUS and ATAA teamed up for the events with the Turkish Soccer Federation (TFF) and US Soccer Federation to send off Team USA to the World Cup in South Africa. Philadelphia Mayor Nutter proclaimed May 29, 2010, as "Turkish American Friendship Day", and presented the proclamation to Turkish Football Federation Board Member Levent Kizil, Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan, and ATAA President Günay Evinch.

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



ATA School - 23 April Children's Day Ball

Posted by TAFSUS Board | April 12, 2010

TAFSUS / ATA School cordially invite you to ATA School's 3rd Annual 23 April Children's Day Ball on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Montgomery Community College, College Hall, Faculty Staff Dining Room (First Floor) from noon to 3pm.

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



Elma Şekeri - March 2010 is available!..

Posted by TAFSUS Board | March 28, 2010

Elma Şekeri is a monthly newsletter created by volunteers among the ATA School community.

The latest issue, March 2010, is released and available here.

Special thanks to Dilek Arig, Kubilay Bekirogullari and Israfil Polat for their efforts in the latest edition.

See ATA School Page for more information about events and activities.



Turkish Student Workshop

Posted by TAFSUS Board | March 13, 2010

Turkish Student Workshop was held at Drexel University on March 6, 2010 with opening remarks from Ibrahim Onaral (President, TAFSUS), Consul Basar Sen and Education Attache Ibrahim Demirer from NY Consulate, Prof. Aysenil Belger, (President, TASSA), Cigdem Acar (Acar Law Firm), Devrim Eren (Senior Scientist, Syandus, Inc.) and representatives from Drexel, UPenn and Temple Turkish Student Associations.

Photos from this event are available at the 2010 photo album section.



TAFSUS Luncheon at Divan

Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 22, 2010

Let us welcome the New Year together at Divan Turkish Kitchen & Bar on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 12:30 pm with our special guest, Robert Colburn, a coxswain (dumenci) with the Fenerbahce Rowing Team who has competed with the team internationally. He will present his most recent work, The Sultan’s Helmsman, a novel about the Ottoman navy and Renaissance Italy.

Please make your reservations no later than January 29 by sending your email to Wallis at wallisu@msn.com including the names of your guests.

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



HAPPY NEW YEAR

Posted by TAFSUS Board | January 11, 2010

We are pleased to announce the 2010 TAFSUS Board:

Ibrahim Onaral, President & Treasurer
Lale Ansen Iskarpatyoti, VP at Large & Secretary
Birtan Collier, VP of Education
Muhammed Al-Khatib, VP of Membership
Wallis Urmenyhazi, VP of Cultural Affairs
Hasan Ayaz, VP of Information & Website
Sevilay Ece Gumus, VP of Social Affairs
Gozde Ayaz, VP of Student Affairs
Esra Ugurlu, VP of Young Professionals
Ceren Kesici, Youth Coordinator
Dilek Arig, Director, ATA School

We thank our two outgoing Board members, Serap Menda (VP of Information) and Suzan Aydin (VP Community Outreach) for all their past contributions and welcome new Board Members: Esra Ugurlu, Sevilay Ece Gumus and Gozde Ayaz, to the TAFSUS Board. Our special thanks go to Tuba Oncu for overseeing the election process.



TAFSUS Republic Day Dinner

Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 12, 2009

Please join us as we celebrate the 86th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of Turkey

DateOctober 24, 2009
Time7:00 pm-8:00 pm Reception
8:00 pm - Midnight Dinner & Dancing
LocationPenns Landing Caterers
1301 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19147

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

[ Please see newsletter section for more information ]



TAFSUS Picnic

Posted by TAFSUS Board | October 3, 2009

TAFSUS is pleased to invite you to TAFSUS Picnic on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Ridley Creek State Park (Pavillion 11-A) from noon to sunset.

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



Turkish Night @ Philadelphia Museum of Art

Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 1, 2009

TAFSUS is pleased to invite you to Moon and Stars Party: A celebration of Turkey with music, dance. food and crafts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on October 2, 2009. The New York Gypsy All-Stars Band will showcase some of New York City's finest musicians playing jazz-inflected Turkish music with influences from Balkan and Mediterranean Romani (Gypsy) songs. Performances are scheduled for 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The museum is open until 8:45 p.m. Guided gallery tours are offered throughout the evening. There will also be an ongoing demonstration of the Traditional Turkish craft EBRU (Turkish Marbling) by Richard Aldorasi, well known for his workshop in paper making and marbling throughout the region....

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



World Culture Day: Turkish Delight!

Posted by TAFSUS Board | September 1, 2009

TAFSUS is proud sponsor Turkish Delight Day - an afternoon of festivities - at Penn Museum on Saturday, September 26, 2009 between 13:00 and 16:00. Visitors are invited to an afternoon of pure Turkish Delight! as the Museum celebrates the opening of His Golden Touch: The Gordion Drawings of Piet de Jong with a wider look at the culture of Turkey. The afternoon features Turkish dancing and music, plus an authentic cuisine demonstration, talks on ancient and modern Turkey, crafts, and more...

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



TAFSUS Şeker Bayramı Luncheon at Konak

Posted by TAFSUS Board | August 14, 2009

We are happy to invite you to Şeker Bayramı Luncheon at Konak Turkish Restaurant on Sunday, September 20, 2009 between 12:00 (noon) and 15:00 pm. Please make your reservations no later than Sept. 15 by calling Konak at 215-592-1212 or by email to info@konakturkishrestaurant.com and letting them know that you want to be included in the TAFSUS party. In your message, please include your choice of entrée. Seating is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Menu includes...

[ Continue reading at the newsletter section ]



TAFSUS Support of the International Classroom at Penn Museum

Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 27, 2009

In line with its emphasis on education for teachers and students on Turkey and its history and culture, TAFSUS gave a grant in September 2008 for the International Classroom program of the Penn Museum. This grant provided 10 complimentary International Classroom programs to students in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Approximately 330 children, 15 teachers, and 5 schools benefited from this grant. The grant underwrote the following programs...

[ Continue reading at the programs section ]



ATA School Photos

Posted by TAFSUS Board | July 17, 2009

New photos from ATA School activities are posted in photo album section.
Photos are from events like ATA School last day of classes, visit to New York (Ataturk School) and Annual Children's Day celebrations.

[ View 2009 Photo Album ]