US Congressman John Sullivan from Oklahoma said he has long been an admirer of Turkey and its culture and looks forward to visiting very soon. “Although the US is relatively young as compared to Turkey, I think it’s tremendously important that both cultures continue to work together for the continued success of the Turkey-US relationship. I don’t have to tell you about the cultural importance of Turkey. For thousands of years, it served as a cultural epicenter of the world. Turkish people and traditions have influenced world religions, nation-building, art and history. In addition to the role of strategic partners, Turkey is a vital economic partner, and both our countries benefit from a healthy relationship with Turkey,” he said.
Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas emphasized the importance of improving Turkish-American relations. “We would like to go forward together to have this wonderful relationship made stronger, because one thing I’ve observed being around Turkish friends, you love graciously, you are the most gracious hosts anyone can hope to have and when you are a friend you are a friend for life,” he said.
Republican Senator Wicker of Mississippi said not everyone understands the Turkish-American relationship as well as those people in the hall where the gala was held. “Sometimes we have to stand up on the floor of the House and Senate and remind our colleagues of the strong and historic relationship that US and Turkey have, dating back to our treaty in 1839, making Turkey one of our earliest allies, and the Truman Doctrine post-World War II. The way we are working together with the NATO effort in Afghanistan, in Iraq and our efforts on counterterrorism. I’m proud to stand with my friends in Turkey. I’m proud to be part of this gala event. Everyone is having a good time, but when it’s all settled down, we are going to be there to stand up for the relationship that’s been so important to both of our countries,” he said.
Assembly of Turkic American Federations together with its member organizations, Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, the Council of Turkic American Associations (CTAA), Mid Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations (MAFTAA), , Turkic American Federation of Southeast (TAFS), Turkish American Federation of Midwest (TAFM) and West America Turkic Council (WATC) hosted 7 Senators, 53 House of Representatives, around 300 House and Senate Staffers at the Turkic Gala Reception.
The reception was held on Wednesday at the Willard InterContinental Washington.
The reception brought ambassadors, around 120 directors and representatives of Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian peoples together with members of the US Congress, and around 250 legislative directors and legislative assistants for foreign policy.
US senators Jeff Bingaman, Roger Wicker, Richard Lugar, Robert Casey, Frank Lautenberg, Mark Warner and Kay Hagen were present at the event.
Turkish Ambassador to the United States Namık Tan also attended the gala. The Turkish Parliament was represented by ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputies Vahit Kirişçi, Mehmet Şahin, Mustafa Ataş, Mehmet Ceylan, İbrahim Hasgür, Alev Dedegil, Hacı Hasan Sönmez and Mehmet Çerçi.
Republican Senator Wicker of Mississippi said not everyone understands the Turkish-American relationship as well as those people in the hall where the gala was held. “Sometimes we have to stand up on the floor of the House and Senate and remind our colleagues of the strong and historic relationship that US and Turkey have, dating back to our treaty in 1839, making Turkey one of our earliest allies, and the Truman Doctrine post-World War II. The way we are working together with the NATO effort in Afghanistan, in Iraq and our efforts on counterterrorism. I’m proud to stand with my friends in Turkey. I’m proud to be part of this gala event. Everyone is having a good time, but when it’s all settled down, we are going to be there to stand up for the relationship that’s been so important to both of our countries,” he said.
Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas emphasized the importance of improving Turkish-American relations. “We would like to go forward together to have this wonderful relationship made stronger, because one thing I’ve observed being around Turkish friends, you love graciously, you are the most gracious hosts anyone can hope to have and when you are a friend you are a friend for life,” he said.
Stating that the relationship between Turkey and the US cannot be characterized as a strategic partnership, the AK Party’s Kirişçi said it is rather a model partnership that includes not only security issues but also issues related to socio-economics, technology, science and the military as well. “With the European Union harmonization process, Turkey has already taken almost all necessary steps to become a fully democratic nation. Having adopted our ‘zero problem with neighbors’ foreign policy, Turkey has played a critical role in building peace in the region. I’m so proud that Turkic Americans are so well organized under such a great umbrella organization. As a member of the Turkish Parliament, I strongly support the idea of coming together under such an organization,” he said.
A congressman from Oklahoma said he has long been an admirer of Turkey and its culture and looks forward to visiting very soon. “Although the US is relatively young as compared to Turkey, I think it’s tremendously important that both cultures continue to work together for the continued success of the Turkey-US relationship. I don’t have to tell you about the cultural importance of Turkey. For thousands of years, it served as a cultural epicenter of the world. Turkish people and traditions have influenced world religions, nation-building, art and history. In addition to the role of strategic partners, Turkey is a vital economic partner, and both our countries benefit from a healthy relationship with Turkey,” he said.
In a two day trip to Washington DC from Arkansas, Turquoise Council Regional Representatives paid visits to their elected officials of the state in DC. US Senator Mark Pryor, US Congressman Vic Snyder, and US Congressman John Boozman were a few of those. The purpose of the their visits was to inform the elected officials in DC about the Council and invite them to the Opening Gala Reception for the Turkic Assembly. The reception will take place on May 12, 2010 and is open to Federal Legislators and their staff.
US SENATOR MARK PRYOR
US CONGRESSMAN VIC SNYDER
US CONGRESSMAN JOHN BOOZMAN
US SENATOR LINCOLN BLANCHE
BR welcomes Turkish sister city
BILL FEIG/The Advocate
Mayor-President Kip Holden and a Turkish delegation hoisted the flags of the Republic of Turkey and the city of Malatya behind City Hall on Tuesday after finalizing a sister-city agreement between Baton Rouge and Malatya.
Holden said the pact, the first part of which was signed in June when he visited Malatya, is not a “fluff-type’’ agreement.
“It’s a lot about economic development,’’ Holden said after he and Malatya Deputy Mayor Ertan Mumcu signed sister-city documents in the Metro Council chambers.
“We will move forward swiftly. We want to be known as a global city,’’ Holden added.
Gov. Mehmet Ulvi Saran of Malatya, Turkey, and 13 Turkish business leaders also were on hand for the official signing and flag raising. Saran called it a “very happy occasion.’’
Malatya, a city of about 400,000 people in eastern Turkey, produces 65 percent of the world’s dried apricots.
Dried apricots and baklava were part of the post-signing meal.
Holden has been working to create distribution opportunities for the Malatya apricots in the United States that include Associated Grocers Inc.
Malatya also has a thriving textile industry.
“We would like to promote more relations between Malatya and Baton Rouge,’’ Mumcu said through an interpreter.
“We are bridging gaps. We are forming a bond that’s everlasting,’’ Holden said.
Holden said he received an invitation Tuesday from the Turkish businessmen to come to Houston and address 250 business people living in that city.
The sister-city agreement calls for Baton Rouge and Malatya to exchange information and experiences in the fields of local government, culture, tourism, perseveration of cultural heritage, urban planning, transportation, education, sports and environmental protection.
The two cities also will swap experts and staff to promote each other’s development and to support each other in international forums and scientific conferences, seminars and research.
“We firmly believe that if you’re going to grow economically, you have to go outside the borders of the United States,’’ Holden said.
Under the agreement, Baton Rouge and Malatya will use fairs, festivals and exhibitions to promote each other in the fields of trade, investment, literature, music and films to city residents.
Baton Rouge has other sister cities, including Aix-en-Provence, France; Cordoba, Mexico; and Taichung, Taiwan.
- By JOE GYAN JR.
- Advocate staff writer
- Published: Apr 13, 2010 - UPDATED: 3:51 p.m.
Sister-city agreement finalized
Mayor-President Kip Holden and a Turkish delegation hoisted the flags of the Republic of Turkey and the city of Malatya behind City Hall on Tuesday after finalizing a sister-city agreement between Baton Rouge and Malatya.
Holden said the pact, the first part of which was signed in June when he visited Malatya, is not a “fluff-type’’ agreement.
“It’s a lot about economic development,’’ Holden said after he and Malatya Deputy Mayor Ertan Mumcu signed sister-city documents in the Metro Council chambers.
“We will move forward swiftly. We want to be known as a global city,’’ Holden added.
Gov. Mehmet Ulvi Saran of Malatya, Turkey, and 13 Turkish business leaders also were on hand for the official signing and flag raising. Saran called it a “very happy occasion.’’ Malatya, a city of about 400,000 people in eastern Turkey, grows 65 percent of the world’s dried apricots.
Dried apricots and baklava were part of the post-signing meal.
Holden has been working to create distribution opportunities for the Malatya apricots in the United States that include Associated Grocers Inc.
Malatya also has a thriving textile industry.
“We would like to promote more relations between Malatya and Baton Rouge,’’ Mumcu said through an interpreter.
“We are bridging gaps. We are forming a bond that’s everlasting,’’ Holden said.
Holden said he received an invitation Tuesday from the Turkish businessmen in attendance to come to Houston and address 250 business people living in that city.
The sister-city agreement calls for Baton Rouge and Malatya to exchange information and experiences in the fields of local government, culture, tourism, perseveration of cultural heritage, urban planning, transportation, education, sports and environmental protection. The two cities also will swap experts and staff to promote each other’s development and to support each other in international forums and scientific conferences, seminars and research.
“We firmly believe that if you’re going to grow economically, you have to go outside the borders of the United States,’’ Holden said.
Under the agreement, Baton Rouge and Malatya will use fairs, festivals and exhibitions to promote each other in the fields of trade, investment, literature, music and films to city residents.
Baton Rouge has other sister cities, including Aix-en-Provence, France; Cordoba, Mexico; and Taichung, Taiwan.
Holden to sign sister-city deal with Turkish city
Mayor-President Kip Holden will sign a sister-city agreement Tuesday with Gov. Mehmet Ulvi Saran of Malatya, Turkey, and Ertan Mumcu, Malatya’s deputy mayor.
Malatya, a city of about 400,000 people in eastern Turkey, grows 65 percent of the world’s apricots and Holden, after visiting Malatya in June and signing the first part of a sister-city agreement, has been working to create distribution opportunities in the U.S. that could include Associated Grocers Inc.
City-parish officials said Baton Rouge and Malatya will exchange experts and staff to promote the development of each city in business and cultural areas. Malatya also has a thriving textile industry.
Witnessing the ceremony Tuesday at the Metro Council chambers will be 13 businessmen from Malatya, who’ll also visit the Baton Rouge Area Chamber to discuss business development opportunities.
Turquoise Council Congressional Leadership Award was granted to the Congressman Vic Snyder.
Mr. Mehmet Ulupinar, who is the Director of Raindrop Turkish House in Little Rock, made a courtesy visit to the Congressman in his District Office. Mr. Ulupinar thanked the Congressman for his tireless efforts to the US-Turkey Relations as well as his services to the Turkish – American Community in the State of Arkansas.
Mr. Ulupinar presented the “Turquoise Council Congressional Leadership Award” to the Congressman during this visit.
Texas finals of Turkish Olympiads held joyfully
The Turkish Olympiads Texas qualifications took place in a festive atmosphere on Sunday with the contribution of many people.
Opening Gala Reception!
The Assembly of Turkic American Federations together with its component federations will organize the “Opening Gala Reception” at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel on Wednesday, May 12th at 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
The Assembly of Turkic American Federations is the broader umbrella organization for federations and similar entities which bear qualities and share the objectives of establishing closer relations with the Turkic-American community and the community at large and also with the members of the other ethnic communities in the United States.
The Gala will bring the ambassadors, directors, and representatives of the Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian peoples together with the members of the US Congress as well as their chief of staff, legislative directors and legislative assistants for foreign policy.
The Gala will highlight live music, food, drinks, water marbling, calligraphy, carpet show, remarks, impressions and conversation.
The Gala will promote the cultural, educational, and political relations between Turkey and the US and Eurasia;
The Gala will cultivate the good relations between the US and Turkey, and Turkic Countries;
The Gala will serve to build up a better dialog and long lasting friendship between Turkish, Turkic and American Peoples.
The Council of Turkic American Associations (CTAA), Mid Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations (MAFTAA), Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (TCAE), Turkic American Federation of Southeast (TAFS), Turkish American Federation of Midwest (TAFM) and West America Turkic Council (WATC) will work together with the Assembly of Turkic American Federations to make this Gala come true, success and unforgettable.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, his foreign policy vision and the extraordinary change that has taken place in Turkish foreign policy recently. I would in fact say that what we witness now is the greatest shift in Turkish foreign policy since the founding of Turkish Republic. Turkey inaugurated a bold new foreign policy with the new republic under Atatürk based on a new concept of a Turkish nation-state to replace the old Ottoman multinational empire. With the collapse of the Empire in World War I the new state quite deliberately and wisely backed away from its former imperial possessions. This was helpful in disentangling Turkey from disputes with other ethnic elements of the former Empire, especially the Arab world. It turned resolutely to the West in search of its own identification and modernization. Such a respite was probably vital to the new state’s ability to restructure itself and its new vision in the calm of some degree of isolationism.
But this created an artificial situation in many respects, because Turkey turned its back on ties to the Arab world and the Muslim world in general. The Arab world actually was shocked that this policy of abandonment by Ankara led directly to the takeover of most of these Arab regions by European colonial policies or “mandates.” At the same time, the newly founded Soviet Union replaced the old Russian Empire, Turkey’s old nemesis, and itself posed territorial threats to Turkey later under Stalin. This Kemalist period also witnessed not only the adoption of Turkish nationalism as a guiding principle but also strove to suppress the Muslim identity of Turkey, drastically cutting ties with the Turkish/Ottoman past.
One major reform act was also the abolition of the Islamic Caliphate. But I don’t think we in the West quite understand the impact upon the Muslim world that this event had. It is, in effect, as if Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi got up one morning and decided to abolish the Papacy, without consultation. Obviously there would be great many Catholics around the world who would be utterly dismayed and would have a lot to say about such a step. Whether the decision was a good one or not for Turkey is not the point—we are still living with the consequences in the Muslim world in many respects.
Kemalist foreign policy articulated the excellent principle early on of Yurtta Sulh, Cihanda Sulh, “Peace at Home, Peace Abroad.” It was actually an early forerunner of what I would argue Turkey has now returned to under present Davutoğlu policies—and I’ll say a few more words on that in a minute. But between that late Kemalist period and up to maybe 15 years ago Turkey generally remained a “loyal ally” of the West. It basically did what Washington wanted in the region, to complement American policies. Ankara wanted to be identified with Washington and with NATO and defend itself against potential threats; there was really very little independent thinking in Turkish foreign policy. But even as far back as the late 60s and 70s Turkey had become uncomfortable with what it felt was lack of sufficient American support on like Cyprus, Greece or the Soviet Union. Finally, just before the AKP came into power even Prime Minister Ecevit, a left of center politician, began to talk about the necessity for improved relations with all Turkey’s neighbors. This was a small point in his agenda, but it was picked up by Davutoğlu who had been writing and thinking about this issue for a very long time as an academic. Davutoğlu’s monumental book on Turkish foreign policy, “Strategic Depth: Turkey’s Place in the World” (Turkiye’nin Ulusal Konumu) is a long, dense and complicated work. It ranges back and forth on civilizational theory, like Arnold Toynbee, geopolitical continuities, providing the past history and the interpretations of the history of the historical place of Turks in the world: the Ottoman role, ties with the Arab world, Middle East, Balkans, Eurasia, even Africa. It is a comprehensive vision, somewhat inconsistent, but a remarkable book, probably the most significant book ever written in Turkey on foreign policy in terms of breadth and scope of vision. Unfortunately it has not been yet translated into English. Overall it reinforces the idea of Turkey’s multiple faces as a Western state, a European state, a potential member of the EU, with ties with the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East, the Black Sea, the Caspian, Central Asia, and Eurasia as a whole.
So the Davutoğlu vision represents a sea change in Turkey’s foreign policy vision. Apart from Europe, modern Turkey had scarcely acknowledged the existence of all of these other parts of the world, or if it did, they were potentially threats or enemies. The second striking change in policy was Davutoğlu’s declaration of a “zero-enemies” policy or “zero-problem” policy with its neighbors. This had great domestic implications as well as foreign: Up to then the Turkish establishment had routinely portrayed itself as “living in a bad neighborhood” – a term Israel regularly uses—which helped create an atmosphere of constant threat in which the military role was required to remain ever vigilant. Then, suddenly, with almost a stroke of a pen Turkey decided to improve relations with everybody.
Now, granted, the end of the Soviet Union made this step much easier. Russia had been a threat to Turkey for hundreds of years in many wars. And suddenly, after the n fall of the Soviet Union, Turkey didn’t even border on Russia any more. So now relations with Russia have been transformed. Indeed with literally all of its neighbors, Turkey’s relations have been startlingly transformed.
In many ways, Washington has been quite uncomfortable with this new Turkish departure because Washington wanted Turkey to operate in lock step with Washington’s own goals in the region, where Washington had identified many enemies. Now Turkey was beginning to deal directly with those enemies to improve relations: Hamas, Iran, Hizballah, Syria, Sudan, and other states in the region that made Washington quite uncomfortable.
We actually have a very interesting and broader issue here in thinking about political science in general. What happens when a state declares that it will have “zero enemies”? Obviously the world does not change overnight, human beings don’t suddenly change their character. But nonetheless such a declarative policy suggests a different way of thinking about the world and one’s neighbors. The term “ally” also is dispensed with because it suggests following the lead of another power, and an “alliance” against other threats.
A final key point in Davutoglu’s thinking is a new determination for Turkey to serve as an intermediary among conflicting parties. It is not helpful to live in a region that is filled with tension, conflict and war. So, Turkey has taken the initiative to mediate between Israel and Syria, Israel and Hamas, and invited Hamas to Turkey; it has resolved to work closely with the Palestinians in general, to work on Iraqi issues even before the US invasion when it tried to bring regional stages together to try to prevent a possible war. Many of these initiatives in Washington’s eyes posed complications.
Another mediation also well-known to you: between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as seeking to establish firm Turkish diplomatic ties with Armenia—a process that is still under way. Turkey also became an active member of the Islamic Conference Organization, the premier Islamic organization representing all Muslim countries in the world. A Turk was elected as president, and Turkey has moved to strengthen and democratize the machinery of this organization.
Turkey’s economic interests have been a key driver as it seeks to expand its economic role as an instrumental foreign policy. Turkey today is unquestionably the number one economic force for example in Northern Iraq which I think is a very positive force. Turkey has ceased to look at Syria, Iraq and Iran as simply countries that have problematic Kurds. Today Turkey maintains a full range of real relations with these three states quite apart from any shared concerns over Kurdish issues.
The one relationship that has somewhat deteriorated in this period has been Turkey’s ties with Israel. I do not think Turkey has any intention of allowing this relationship to end. But the old honeymoon of the 1990’s, generally driven by Washington and some segments of the Turkish military, has indeed come to an end. But Turkey reserves the right to criticize Israeli policies that it considers inappropriate, unhelpful or dangerous in the region and that do not lead to solution of the Palestinian problem or broader Arab-Israeli issues. This includes Turkish dialog with Hamas, in the conviction that sooner or later both Washington and Israel will come to terms with it.
We haven’t had time to talk about Iran or nuclear issues which are of course very important. But, in summary, I think Turkey is coming of age in a geopolitical sense in dealing now with everybody in the region, creating more mature relationships, ceasing to be a “loyal ally” of anybody but rather a player acting in its own interests in the region, but also with the conviction that avoiding confrontation, building bridges, seeking dialog, and avoiding confrontation will in the end be in everyone’s interest.
The world is changing. It is no longer a unipolar world, and Turkey is one of the poles in that world, even if not a dominant one. I think these policies are positive even for American interests over the longer run.
Holden plans reception for Turkish leaders!
Mayor-President Kip Holden has a major reception planned April 17 for a 40-member business delegation from Turkey, a visit that will occur shortly after the Baton Rouge leader returns from a current trip to China.
Holden visited Turkey last summer and planted the seeds of trade opportunities that include current talks to bring Turkish agricultural products to the United States for distribution through Baton Rouge-based Associated Grocers Inc.
The mid-April visit by Turkish business leaders will follow one by that country’s foreign affairs minister to Baton Rouge six weeks ago, Holden said shortly before leaving on his trip to promote business, educational and cultural ties in several Chinese cities.
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber will join the city-parish in sponsoring the Turkish reception at the Camelot Club in downtown Baton Rouge, Holden said.
‘Days of military coups are over’ says foreign observer   Political analysts who dissected Turkey’s domestic and international policies at a meeting held on Capitol Hill on Thursday also evaluated recent developments regarding civilian-military relations in Turkey. Stressing that Turkey is “one of the most important countries in the world,” Graham Fuller, a historian at Simon Fraser University and a former vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) at the CIA, said many developing countries lack strong civil institutions. “The military was better equipped than any other institution,” he said while moderating the panel “A New Turkey: What Does it Mean for the Region and US?” at a Capitol Hill luncheon on Feb. 25 organized by the Texas-based Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (TCAE). “In the process of democratization, these hands on power are slowly pulled away,” Fuller added. “Turkey happens to be well advanced in this process when we look at other states in the region.” Ömer Taşpınar, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and a professor at the National War College, said the “days of military coups are over” in Turkey, and there is a “new elite” who would like to “share the pie.” According to Taşpınar, there is a power struggle, but it is not a struggle between Islam and secularism. Instead, it is one between the supporters of the status quo, which is represented by Kemalist ideology, and those who want to go beyond the supporters of the status quo. Joshua W. Walker, a Transatlantic Academy fellow, said the days of military coups d’état “seem to be gone” in Turkey. “But I don’t think days of military intervention are gone,” he said indicating that the Turkish military “lost its honest broker role,” and that “there is a civil war within the military.” Regarding the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Walker termed them “parties that say no,” a reference to the way the two react to change. “Where do we look for stability?” he asked. “The only place there is stability is the AKP [the governing Justice and Development Party].” Another speaker at the panel, Joost Lagendijk, senior advisor at the İstanbul Policy Center of Sabancı University and former member of the European Parliament, said there is still support and sympathy for the AK Party in Europe but that there are also “growing question marks.” He talked about fears that “one system that we don’t like is being replaced by another system that we also might not like.” About the difference between European and American viewpoints on civilian-military relations in Turkey, Lagendijk said this is because Turkey wants to be a member of the European Union. He said the United States sees relations with Turkey in a much more strategic way. But he said that behind the scenes there is probably some pressure from the US military on the Turkish military to keep its hands out of politics. Lagendijk also said the EU had reacted to the Turkish military’s e-memorandum of 2007, which warned the civilian government, but that the US State Department had not. One speaker touched on the Ergenekon case, an investigation into a deep state-related structure that attempted to overthrow the government, and said that some of the media organizations try to “whitewash” it. Orhan Kemal Cengiz, president of Turkey’s Human Rights Agenda Association, said the Ergenekon case is the “beginning of the end of state impunity in Turkey.” Another topic the speakers expounded upon was Turkish foreign policy. Fuller said Turkish foreign policy steered by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has been in the “greatest shift since the founding of the Turkish Republic.” Fuller added that Turkey, which had repressed its Muslim identity and did not establish ties with the Arab world but established relations only with the West, has 360-degree vision in that regard and a “more independent” viewpoint. According to Ian Lesser, an expert from the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the question “Who lost Turkey?” is misleading. He said the problem in Turkish foreign policy is about not being able to “prioritize.” Lesser found Turkey’s position similar to the Non-Aligned Movement. He added that the problem area between the United States and Turkey is in regards to Iran and Armenia. He said that American officials told Turkey to relay “harsh messages” to Iran in its relations with the country, but added that there are doubts that Turkey will do that. Lagendijk said Turkey-EU negotiations are dependant on a solution to the division in Cyprus. According to Lagendijk, there is a 50-50 chance of solving the Cyprus problem. He added that 2010 should be a year for Turkey to realize EU reforms. Regarding the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia, Lagendijk said normalization would increase the EU’s ability to pressure Armenia on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. An Azerbaijani diplomat objected to this argument, saying that Armenia is currently occupying Azerbaijani territory, but Lagendijk countered, saying Azerbaijan’s policy has not worked for the past 15 years. Lagendijk was also critical of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who conditioned improved relations between Turkey and Armenia on a breakthrough between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 27 February 2010, Saturday ALI H. ASLAN WASHINGTON |
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Turkish delegation warmly welcomed in Arkansas
A delegation from the Turkish Parliament over the weekend met with officials in Little Rock, the capital of the US state of Arkansas. Many officials from Arkansas showed great interest in the reception.
A reception was held on Sunday by a Türkevi (Turkish House) in Little Rock to improve friendly relations with Turkey. Many high-level officials from Turkey participated in the reception, including Özlem Türköne, an İstanbul deputy from the Justice and Development Party (AK Party); AK Party Malatya deputy Mehmet Şahin; Vahit Kirişçi, chairman of the parliamentary Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission and AK Party Adana deputy; AK Party Giresun deputy Nurettin Canikli; and AK Party deputy from Samsun Fatih Öztürk.
The delegation visited Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe in his office shortly before the reception. Welcoming his guests warmly, Governor Beebe said he was glad to host the Turkish delegation. Underlining that this was the first time such a delegation from Turkey came to visit Arkansas, Beebe said this visit is an indicator of a friendly and lasting relationship between Turkey and the US. Referring to a Turkish flag that was hanging in front of the Arkansas General Assembly for the visit by the Turkish delegation, Beebe said, “Hanging a Turkish flag shows we attach great importance to your country, Turkey.”
“We are very happy to be in Arkansas. We hope this visit will contribute to our relations. We were also happy to see our flag in front of the General Assembly of Arkansas. We thank you very much,” Türköne said while conveying President Abdullah Gül, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Şahin’s best regards to the state’s high-level officials.
The delegation also visited Speaker of the Arkansas House Robbie Wills. “As a person who has visited Turkey and loves Turkish people very much, I want to say that our doors are always open to the Turks,” Wills said.
In addition to Turkish officials, a wide range of high-level officials from Arkansas were present at the reception, where awards were also handed out.
Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels received the Outstanding Service Award, Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines received the Community Service Award and Speaker of the Arkansas House Wills was given the Leadership Award.
Many officials from Arkansas showed great interest in the reception and added that they would like to see more delegations come from Turkey every year.
22 February 2010, Monday
TODAY’S ZAMAN İSTANBUL
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© Feza Gazetecilik A.Ş. 2007, Ahmet Taner Kışlalı Cad. No: 6, Bahçelievler - İstanbul 34194 Turkey, +90 (212) 454 1454, +90 (212) 454 1497(fax)
Arkansas Hosts Turkish Delegation
The Arkansas General Assembly recently hosted a six-member delegation of Turkish lawmakers, visiting Arkansas through a program sponsored by Raindrop Turkish House and the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (TCAE). Raindrop Turkish House is an educational non-profit organization founded by Turkish-Americans to help facilitate and nurture an understanding of Turkish culture in this country, while also helping Turkish-Americans integrate into American society. TCAE is a non-profit whose main purpose is bringing people together with interest in the American and Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian cultures. While in Arkansas, the Turkish delegation visited state lawmakers and presented information about Turkey at a joint meeting of the House and Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committees. They were also received at a Turkish-Arkansan Friendship Reception, hosted by a committee of state and local leaders, which was co-chaired by Secretary of State Charlie Daniels and Speaker of the House Robbie Wills. Members of the Turkish delegation included Mr. Mustafa Atas, Congressman of Istanbul; Mr. Nurettin Canikli, Congressman of Giresun; Mr. Fatih Ozturk, Congressman of Samsun; Mrs. Ozlem Piltanoglu Turkone, Congresswoman of Istanbul; Dr. Mehmet Sahin, Congressman of Malatya, and Dr. Vahit Kirisci, Congressman of Adana.
Turkish officials attended reception in capital city
Roslyn Anderson
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – Turkish dignitaries met with state lawmakers at the capitol then gathered for an evening of fellowship Tuesday.
The Turkish Mississippian Friendship Reception was held at the Old Capitol Inn Gala Ballroom.
Turkey's chairman of agriculture Dr. Vahit Kirisci and two parliament members were guests of honor.
House Speaker Billy McCoy and legislators welcomed the delegation.
They enjoyed Turkish cuisine and live music authentic to the European region.
A highlight of the reception was an art exhibit featuring Ebru, a technique similar to marbling, from the Ottoman period.
Luncheon with the District Directors of US Congressional Leaders of Houston Area!
Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians brought together the District Directors of the US Congressional Leaders of Houston Area together with the leaders and representatives of the Turkish, Azeri, Bosnian, Albanian, Kazak, and Turkmen American Communities as well as the Texas Turkish American Chamber.
Turquoise Council tour was given to each District Director. Then open buffet lunch was served. After a brief presentation and introduction about the Turquoise Council, each community representative gave briefings about the historical facts of their countries, communities US nationwide, Texas statewide and in the Greater Houston Area.
The goal was to become informative and educational as well as to start a lasting friendship with those offices.
So the participants from each office found the tour of the Turquoise Center and the presentations very informative, educational and enlightening adding that they learned quiet a lot.
Those Congressional Leaders who were represented at this luncheon are:
Congressman Al Green, TX-9th District
Congressman John Culberson, TX-7th District
Congressman Gene Green, TX-29TH District
Congressman Ted Poe, TX-2nd District
Congressman Pete Olson, TX-22nd District
Congressman Kevin Brady, TX-8th District
Congressman Michael McCaul, TX-10th District
The idea of making this gathering annual was great. We all agreed to get together again soon in order to further the relations.
Thanks to Mehmet Okumus, President of the Turkish House, Ismail Ahmedov, Director of Azerbaijani American Cultural Alliance, Kemal Budak for the Bosnian Cultural Center, Dr. Indrit Hoxha for the Albanian Community, Arman for the Kazak Community, Murat Hydrov for the Turkmen Cultural and Educational Foundation, and Ali Ciftci for the Texas Turkish American Chamber for their time, cooperation and briefings.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Turkic Group Welcomes Leaders
By Polly Summar
Journal Staff Writer
There are only some 500 members of the Turkish community in New Mexico, but they're throwing a “friendship reception” tonight for legislators and state leaders at the Eldorado Hotel.
“We want the leaders to know about our community,” said Resul Aksoy, an Albuquerque resident who's vice president of the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians.
With that in mind, the council plans to present public service awards to Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, Secretary of State Mary Herrera and House Speaker Ben Lujan — while also serving them Turkish coffee, homemade baklava and stuffed grape leaves at the 5:30 p.m. event.
Asked about the timing of the event during the legislative session, Aksoy said the Turkish community is not lobbying for any legislation. “The Turkish community is a small community in New Mexico — about 500 of us.
“But our impact is bigger than our number in the state,” Aksoy said. “We want to have our voices reach out to the legislative leaders.”
Aksoy said the council is also expecting State Auditor Hector Balderas, State Treasurer James Lewis and Attorney General Gary King to attend. The nonprofit Turquoise Council represents eight states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Aksoy said other regions have different councils.
The council's purpose is to bring people together with interest in the American and Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian cultures, often through hosting public programs and private events involving task forces, forums, luncheons, conferences, studies and leadership dialogues.
The Turquoise Council is establishing a Raindrop Turkish House in Albuquerque, like the one in Houston. Every year that house invites representatives from Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and others from the Turkic world to showcase their cultures at the popular Turkic Cultures and Children's Festival.
Turkish-Americans become immersed in culture
by By Nick Cenegy / The Daily News Contributor
Posted on December 27, 2009 at 11:56 AM
******
GALVESTON — Crossing the threshold into the San Luis Hotel on Saturday was to be transported by sound and smell to Istanbul.
About 1,000 people, born in the Republic of Turkey or into other Turkic cultures, who now reside in Texas or surrounding states, descended upon the hotel for an annual convention sponsored by Houston-based Raindrop Turkish House.
Women in headscarves visited with each other in the halls speaking English, Turkish, Arabic or Spanish as children darted between tables set up as a Turkish market for sweets and drinks. Men caught up with old friends, drank tea, discussed current events or read through some of the Turkish-language philosophy and literature books available for sale.
Attendees loaded their plates from a lunchtime buffet of kofte — a type of meatball — rice, potato salad and cut fruit. The spiced smells of the food was a mingle of Mediterranean, European and Asian heritages, just as the country itself.
The annual conference is an opportunity for the Turkic community to congregate and highlight their culture, Raindrop board President Mehmet Okumus.
This is the group’s first time to meet in Galveston, but families from the organization’s 14 branches in six states make an effort every year to bring their children for the weekend of immersion in Turkish culture, one of the group’s main annual events.
Children, some of whom were born in the United States, can attend Turkish language, history and cultural classes. They also get a chance to play games and spend time with other kids who share a common heritage, said Dr. Osman Ganioglu, a professor at the University of Houston and a volunteer with Raindrop.
Houston is home to the largest such community in the state, with about 20,000 of the state’s 100,000 Turkic people, Ganioglu said.
Conference coordinators often set up guest speakers, allow time for silent reading and encourage discussion among those who attend to make the event an educational one.
But they also are very aware of the real social benefits that come from networking with others from across the state and country.
Ganioglu recalled moving to the Houston area and not having the renter’s history to get a place to live and not knowing how to buy a car here.
Events like the one Saturday give recent arrivals to the United States the opportunity to get the help of established residents and gain a foothold in their new home.
Most people who are immigrating to the area from Turkey are highly educated and are here for graduate school and educational opportunities, Okumus and Ganioglu said.
Many also are very active in social causes.
At one set of tables at the conference was a stack of books offered by the Gulen Institute, located at the University of Houston.
The institute is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes the life and works of Turkish Muslim scholar and civic leader Fethullah Gulen.
Institute President Ali Candir said the group tries to promote stable peace, social justice and social harmony by focusing on the themes of education, volunteerism and civic initiatives.
Every year, the group organizes dialogues on social issues featuring distinguished guests commentators.
Okumus said organizations like the Gulen Institute and other efforts to mediate for social harmony are “in the blood.”
No culture is as simple as one style of food, dress or dialect, but Turkic cultures always have straddled a gulf of different cultures that rarely agreed with each other.
The country lies mostly on the Asian continent but has a piece that sits on the European continent.
It is the bridge from the European to the Middle Eastern world, Okumus said.
Perhaps out of necessity, what resulted was a wide order of acceptance, he said.
“History, love and tolerance are our basic values,” Okumus said.
Elizabeth A. Jones, the Texas Railroad Commissioner was at the luncheon forum at the Turquoise center in Houston. The event started with a reception, where a short birthday celebration for Ms. Jones was also held. Commissioner Jones gave a short speech about the activities and roles of the Texas Railroad Commission in regulating the energy sector in the state of Texas at every level, from conception to production to termination. She also mentioned her achievements in the office in imposing stricter rules for more environmentally friendly oil drilling. In addition, Ms. Jones talked about the current plans of the commission in promoting exploration of alternative sources of energy, particularly exploration of Uranium, which is abundant in Texas, for the production of nuclear energy.
Jones started her speech by thanking those for inviting her to the forum and celebrating her birthday with her. She expressed her regrets for not having been able to attend the wonderful Turkic Fest held on the past weekend, but nevertheless praised the event for promoting cultural diversity and wished for its continuation for the years to come. Jones mentioned Turkey as an important trade partner for Texas, with annual export of over $1.5 billion, and expressed her excitement for encouraging trade partnership of Texas with Turkey.
The third annual Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival took place at the city's Herman Square on Nov 7th and 8th, 2009, gave Houstonians/Texans a chance to experience a celebration of lands thousands of miles away and offering a peek into the historically rich Turkish, Balkan, Mediterranean and Central Asian cultures.
This two-day event featured a variety of activities that represented the heritage of countries including Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Greece and Pakistan as the guest countries of this year. Participants had the opportunity to experience different flavors, sounds and smells that invaded the square in the form of fresh Turkish delicacies, Ottoman-era marching bands and world-famous Turkish coffee.
The Turkic Fest offered Houstonians/Texans a unique opportunity to experience an infusion of rich culture over ten countries without leaving the city. The guests were able to see, smell, taste and fully envelop themselves in each element of these countries, which have thousands of years of history and have been home to hundreds of civilizations.
Entertainment included time-honored folk dancing and live concerts from performers including a mehter, or Ottoman janissary band. Mehter bands were founded several centuries ago and has played a significant role in shaping music and tradition in Europe and Asia. Mehter was the source of inspiration for many European musicians, including Mozart, whose “Rondo Alla Turca” was inspired by mehter. The yearly mehter performance at the festival is a rare treat for attendees, who are able to witness one of the world's oldest musical traditions brought to life.
The festival also featured a vast array of handcrafted artwork and souvenirs, most of which are not typically available outside of Europe and Asia. Exhibitions included hand-woven textiles, handcrafted tiles and ceramics, detailed stone and wood carvings, ebru (water marbling) and hand-drawn calligraphy.
Guests did savor some of the extraordinary cuisine the region had to offer, including traditional recipes that date back more than 1,000 years. Turkey is known for producing some of the finest coffee and tea available, and guests at the festival have had the opportunity to try these world-famous beverages.
An interactive portion of the festival included two cultural tents replicating an Ottoman imperial tent and a Kyrgyz tent. Festival goers have had the opportunity to sit inside and took pictures
Raindrop Turkish House organized the annual Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival last weekend at Hermann Square in Houston. Celebrating the rich heritage of such Turkic sister nations as Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, along with Albania, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Ahiskan Turks.
The Turkic Fest also invited Greece and Pakistan as guest countries of this year, which added lively color to the festival.
The festival is organized to display all aspects of the Turkic cultures and to revive artistic and cultural traditions, hence contributing to Houston’s celebration of its multicultural heritage.
The highlight of the festival was the parade of the Ottoman Military Band, which is the oldest one of its kind in history. Families had an opportunity to have their portraits taken in historical costumes in the exotic traditional Ottoman Tent.
The festival’s food stands included the tastes and flavors of rich Turkic cuisine as well as gourmet food from local Turkic restaurants, including kabobs, doner sandwiches, vegetable, meat dishes and desserts.
Among the festival’s distinguished guests were Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Houston mayoral race contender Gene Locke, Houston’s First Lady Andrea White and Consul General of Turkiye, Akil Öktem.
Gene Locke, Candidate for Mayor of Houston, has found the festivities define and signify Houston’s wealth of diversity.
“This festival signifies Houston’s diversity. The Turkish Community is very instrumental in reshaping the culture of Houston. We have a natural connection with Turkey in terms of culture and business. When I am elected mayor, one of the things that I want to do is to create a better economic bond between Houston and Turkiye” said Gene Locke.
For Judge Ed Emmett theTurkic Fest has become one of the great events in Houston.
“Turkic Fest has become one of the great events in Houston. Every year, it grows and grows. My wife, my grandchildren, we, all look forward to it. That We are going to have to find a bigger place to hold it in the future. It is not just for people of Turkish descent, it is for everybody in Harris County to come and enjoy. That is why we have great weather. See, everything cooperated this year.” said Ed Emmett.
Consul General of Turkiye, Akil Öktem stated that this festival combines different cultures in one place and will contribute to tolerance for all cultures.
“This festival which combines different cultures in one place will contribute to tolerance and respect for cultures and individual rights. I would like to thank Raindrop for this very important cultural event. We will continue to support these very valuable activities.” said Consul General of Turkiye.
Friday family fun: Turkish Festival, WurstFest, Tour the Port
by Sherry Williams / 11 News
Posted on November 5, 2009 at 4:22 PM
HOUSTON—If you love German sausage, culture and music then head out of town to New Braunfels for WurstFest this weekend. Organizers said you have to go to Munich to find a more authentic Oktoberfest. Tickets are $8 for adults and children 12 and under get in free. New Braunfels is on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio.
HOUSTON - Autumn weekends usually mean a festival somewhere in the Houston area and one fun weekend will feature Turkish food, music and art.
Mehmet Okumush, from the Raindrop Turkish House, previews the Turkic Fest, also known as the 3rd Annual Turkic Cultures & Children’s Festival, which will take place in downtown Houston.
The Ottoman Military Band will be a featured musical act.
The 3rd Annual Turkic Cultures & Children’s Festival takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8, at Hermann Square in front of Houston City Hall. Admission cost is $5 for adults and no cost for children 7 years old and younger.
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/morning_news/091105_turkic_festival
Houston Becomes More Beautiful with TURKIC FEST Days!
Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival is at the Herman Square of Downtown-Houston on Nov 7th and 8th.
The rich history, breathtaking Ottoman Military Band, hospitable people and amazingly delicious food. When you go to visit Turkic Fest, and you should, here are a few Turkish delights you simply can't miss:
The Turkish Coffee: A symbol of lasting friendship
According to the famous Turkish proverb, “A Single Cup of Coffee is Remembered for 40 Years”.
The Turkish Baklava
Such a Taste that you will never forget through your life!
The Turkish Delight
A sweet candy from Turkey which was featured in the book "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".
The Turkish Food
Common thing on every bite and piece: its freshness, and delight of so many visitors!
Ottoman Military Band
It is thought to be the oldest variety of military marching band in the world. Ottoman Military Band from Turkey brings the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Anatolia to the doorstep of Houston. It is a rare and treasured experience for the many Houstonians and Texans who attend.
Shopping
Booths may tempt you with inexpensive souvenirs, evil-eye ornaments and colorful scarves. But the best souvenirs are the fine carpets and hand-painted ceramics that you can envision becoming family heirlooms. Even if you don't plan on returning with a timeless treasure, take a few minutes to explore Ottoman House that will take you back to the time of Sultans.
Call to prayer
The beauty of the routine Islamic call to prayer will happen four times a day at the Houston Blue Mosque during the TURKIC FEST and can be heard all over, so you can't miss it. But make sure you take the time to actually listen and be open-minded enough to appreciate its beauty.
Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians is pleased to announce that we are now on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr!
So if you are a facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr user, you can keep in touch with us and get to know on our recent activities easily by clicking the following:
Raindrop Turkish Forum together with its parent organization Turquoise Council hosted Evan Smith, CEO and Editor in Chief of Texas Tribune Magazine, for a luncheon with the topic "The Governor's Race and Beyond: Where Texas Politics Is Going".
Evan Smith stepped down in August 2009 as the president and editor in chief of TEXAS MONTHLY. He joined the magazine's staff as a senior editor in January 1992 and was promoted thirteen months later to deputy editor. In July 2000 he was named editor—only the third person to hold that title. In September 2008, when founder and publisher Michael R. Levy retired, he assumed the title of president and editor in chief.
"Turquoise Council Congressional Leadership Award” was granted to the US Congressman Gene Green for his Exemplary Dedication, and Outstanding Leadership to the Turkish, Turkic and Eurasian Americans both in DC and Houston.
Congressman Gene Green is representing the 29th Congressional District of Texas since 1992 after twenty years in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.
The Award was presented to the Congressman Green when Turquoise Council had a visit to himself in the US Congress.
Turquoise Council wishes Congressman Green success and accomplishments at his new and future endeavors.
The Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (TCAE), a Turkish foundation in Houston, in cooperation with FOX 26 invited candidates running for mayor of Houston to participate in a debate on Monday evening. Peter Brown, Gene Locke, Roy Morales and Annise Parker gathered at the TCAE center for a debate that was aired live on FOX 26, with anchors Melissa Wilson and Mike Barajas moderating. Issues related to education, culture, economy and social problems were discussed in the program, organized amid intensive election campaigning. The gathering, which hosted representatives of 400 groups, was also covered by other media outlets. Parker praised the event and thanked TCAE members for their warm welcome. Locke, who voiced his admiration of the Turkish foundation's hospitality, said everyone who turned out for the event is very aware of developments in Houston. “This event taught me a lesson in hospitality. This is Turkish hospitality,” Brown noted, adding that he is pleased to be in a wonderful place with wonderful people. Brown also said he is looking forward to cooperating with Turks living in Houston in making the metropolis a better place. Anchorwoman Wilson also pointed to Turkish hospitality and applauded the success of the event. “I think the Turkish community has influenced American society a great deal. This influence has been impressed upon the people of Houston, as well. Turks are warm and adaptable. They have learned how to reach peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.” FOX 26 General Manager D'Artagnan Bebel said: “After two years of cooperation with the TCAE, I have learned that hospitality comes first among the many characteristics of Turks. I hope to see further cooperation with the TCAE.”Turks set example for peaceful coexistence
Mayoral candidate Gene Locke suggested the Houston Police Department get out of the jail business to put more officers on the street during the latest in a series of debates Monday, while one of his opponents, City Controller Annise Parker said she believes the Metropolitan Transit Authority is "cannibalizing" its public bus system for light rail.
Those comments were among the livelier statements made before a packed house at the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians' facility in southwest Houston during a two-hour face-off moderated and televised by KRIV Fox 26 News.
All four mayoral candidates -- Locke, Parker, City Councilman Peter Brown and Harris County Board of Education Trustee Roy Morales -- took part in the event.
Parker and Locke gave the most pointed and specific answers to questions Monday, while Brown sometimes sidestepped answering questions directly, repeatedly using catch phrases like "doing more with less" and "grow the economy."
Parker also set herself apart from the pack by directly challenging two of her opponents, publicly questioning whether Locke could shake things up at Metro due to his close ties with that organization and asking Brown why he wrongly takes credit for launching city programs she says he did not implement.
Parker, Morales and Brown criticized Metro, with Morales and Parker in particular saying the public transit organization has not been transparent or accountable to taxpayers or the public. Locke, former special counsel for Metro, did not sharpshoot the organization, however, noting simply that Metro must deal with those issues. Locke has received $33,000 in campaign donations from Metro board members and its light rail contractors.
Morales and Parker went further.
"Metro has spent roughly $250 million of your tax dollars on studies," Morales said. "That's not additional buses, no more light rail or improved highways. We have to correct the problem."
Parker said she supports a fully built light rail line, but said a mass transit system must first be geared toward those who have no other transportation options.
"I believe that Metro has been cannibalizing the bus system in order to feed that existing light rail line, and it has to stop," she said.
During a discussion about public safety, Locke suggested that HPD close its city jails and take all those arrested directly to the Harris County Jail. "We can save millions of dollars and put more officers on the street by working with Harris County to let them do the jail business," he said.
Candidates also were allowed to question each other. Parker asked Brown why he has wrongly taken credit for the city's recycling program and Real Time Crime Center. "You seem to have taken credit for everything that's happened in the city of Houston -- when are you going to withdraw misleading and inaccurate claims?" she asked.
Brown said he is not concerned about who takes credit for programs -- simply that the city gets results for taxpayers and added that he supported all those programs. On rebuttal, Parker repeated her question.
Morales, the only candidate who has vowed to cut the city's property tax rate, asked his opponents if they intend to keep the tax rate the same.
The answers varied.
"Here is my promise -- I will not raise taxes," Locke said, noting the city cannot afford to give up any revenue by cutting taxes in these lean times.
"In this tough economy, you don't want to raise taxes, and I can pledge that would not be my immediate response to this crisis," Parker said.
Brown gave a more vague answer, saying he intends to stick with the city's present budget and look for other places to cut expenses, noting Houston taxpayers could get a break down the road if the city manages to reduce expenses.
--Peggy O'Hare
http://blogs.chron.com/houstonpolitics/2009/10/jail_business_metro_livelier_p.html
Candidates took part in the Houston mayoral debate moderated by Fox 26 News Anchors Melissa Wilson and Mike Barajas, in the Turquoise Center, Monday evening.
The debate, which was sponsored by FOX 26 and Turquoise Council Of Americans And Eurasians, featured 4 major candidates; City Councilman Peter Brown, Former City attorney Gene Locke, School Board Trustee Roy Morales, and City Controller Annise Parker.Candidates addressed difficult topics such as economy, Houston's crime rate, transportation, pollution and many others.
Described as the crown jewel of Houston, diversity has been reflected in the Turquoise Center by the people gathered for the debate.
FOX 26 viewers emailed and recorded questions for the candidates before the debate.
With the election three weeks away, the debate, which is the last mayoral debate, gave the voters a last chance to consider their vote.
The candidates coupled with the Turkish hospitality set the mood for the night, they thanked the Turquoise Center for offering such a comfortable and amicable atmosphere.
Kemal Oksuz, the president of the Turquoise Council Of Americans And Eurasians, said that they aim to represent the Turkish Americans in every aspects of Houston's civic life.
According to myfoxhouston.com Gene Locke won the debate with 35%.
HOUSTON - Candidates in the Houston mayoral race took part in a debate Monday evening and visitors to MyFoxHouston.com have voted on who they thought was the clear winner.
The debate featured the following candidates: City Councilman Peter Brown (Democratic); Roy Morales (Republican); Gene Locke (Democratic) and City Controller Annise Parker (Democratic)
Charles Cupp (Independent), Luis Ullrich (Independent) and Amanda Ulman (Socialist Workers) also are hopefuls in the race but did not take part in the debate.
The poll opened an hour before the debate ended and closed at 12 p.m. Tuesday.
Although Gene Locke was the clear leader early on with 30 percent of the poll vote, the final results show that Parker ultimately led with 36 percent, Locke garnered 30 percent, Brown with 22 percent and Morales with 11 percent.
Locke and Parker battled much of the time for poll leadership while Morales was able to creep up from 7 percent to double digits overnight with 11 percent.
The event was sponsored by FOX 26 and the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians and was televised on FOX 26 at 9 p.m. Monday.
All of the candidates are vying for Mayor Bill White's seat in the Nov. 3 election. White already has served three terms, maxing out the number of times he could serve as the city's mayor.
The candidates were given the opportunity to ask their competitors a single question and offer a rebuttle to that candidate's response.
Congressional members and dignitaries came together in Washington D.C. on Wednesday to discuss the importance of achieving strong ties between Turkiye and the United States. They met at a Friendship Dinner organized by the Gulen Institute and Turquoise Council.
President Obama's visit started a new era of relations between the two countries and since then Turkiye and the US have improved ties in several areas.
Congressional Leaders from the UC Congress at the event underlined the growing importance of Turkiye for the U.S. and highlighted the importance of the Turquoise Council's activities along with other organizations working for the same purpose.
The Congressional Leaders said that people of both countries must spend time with each other and listen to each other if they hope to achieve the goal of establishing strong ties between the two nations and end cultural barriers.
Guests at the friendship dinner also spoke about the importance of the gathering and said that such events help them understand and connect with people from different cultures.
HOUSTONIANS! Don’t miss out on this annual cultural event. Fill your weekend with music, fun and food at TURKIC CULTURES & CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL.
Raindrop Turkish House, one of the core organizations of the Turquoise Council, is organizing the third annual Turkic Cultures and Children’s Festival on November 7th and 8th at Hermann Square, in front of Houston’s City Hall (900 Smith St, Houston TX 77002 ) to celebrate the rich heritage of many different Turkic nations including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Raindrop Raindrop Turkish House promises an authentic weekend for the whole family members pleasing the eye, ear and tongues of all participants
Mark your calendar!
3rd Annual Turkic Cultures & Children’s Festival
November 7-8, Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 9 pm
In downtown Houston: City Hall – Hermann Square
Admission is $5 only and free for kids under 7.
Tickets are available at the gate.
An authentic weekend for the whole family; pleasing the eye, ear and tounge. Breathtaking live performances of Turkic folk dances. World-renowned Ottoman Military Band. Exquisite samples of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines: kebabs, baklava, Turkish coffee and more.
Azerbaijani American Cultural Alliance(AACA), member organization of TCAE, brought together the Azeri-American community in Houston for dinner at the Turquoise Center Houston!
Ismayil Ahmadov, President of AACA welcomed all and expressed how significant their regularly coming together in their culture and tradition is.
Mr. Richard S. Powers – SAC of FBI Houston Filed Office was the honorary guest of the night. Mr. Powers indicated that how pleased he felt by meeting the leaders of the Azeri-American Community in Houston. He emphasized the importance of the collaboration and community service as well as living together.
Mr. Ahmadov presented a small gift to Mr. Powers for the sake of the night and dinner.
Raindrop Turkish House together with its umbrella organization TCAE organized the Neighborhood Engagement and Friendship Dinner at the Turquoise Center, Home of TCAE. Mehmet Okumus, director of Raindrop Turkish House emphasized the importance of working and living together with our neighbors side by side and in peace and quiteness adding that Turquoise Center is open for everyone and neighbors can use the Center for their cultural, educational and social purposes such as meetings, workshops, gatherings, parties etc.
Houston City Council Member Anne Clutterbuck welcomed everybody from the neighborhood.
Elaine Gaskamp from the Houston Mayor's office read the message and proclamation that Mayor Bill White sent to the Raindrop Turkish House.
US Congressman Al Green touched base the importance of community involvement praising the works of the Raindrop Turkish House and presented a plaque to James Myers, director of community services at Brays Oaks Management District.
Over 120 neighbors participated in the event, and enjoyed the delicious Turkish food.
Senator Rodney G. Ellis, serving the 13th District of Texas visited the Turquoise Center and had a fastbreaking dinner together with Turkish-American Community.
Rodney Ellis was elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. During his tenure, Senator Ellis has earned praise as a legislative leader on economic development, education, civil rights, tax cuts for the middle class, criminal justice, and workforce development issues.
Senator Ellis gave a speech after the dinner emphisizing on the challenges he faced during the 140 day sessions in Austin. Furthermore he touched base the importance of heathcare bill for each Texan and middle class tax relief bill that created a 3-day sales tax holiday and provided businesses franchise tax relief for job creation, capital investment, and research and development. The bill has saved taxpayers over $3.2 billion--$2.4 billion in sales tax savings on several items, including energy efficient appliances; school clothing, shoes, and backpacks; nonprescription medicines; and over $800 million in franchise tax savings for job credits, research and development cred
Houston Chronicle covered TURKEY titled "Turkish Delights" in its TRAVEL section on Aug 16th, 2009. The story which was written by Kristina Herrndobler mentions about many higlights of Turkey such as Whirling Dervishes, Antalya, Ephesus, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Call to Prayer, Cappadocia, Bosphorus Blue Cruise, Shopping and more...
Here are the links for the article and pictures:
www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/features/6569884.html
www.chron.com/travel/photogallery/Turkish_delights.html
The following specific objectives have been outlined for the trip:
* To introduce and provide broad exposure to Turkish political, economic, and social issues.
* To gain an understanding of topics including national security, foreign policy, trade, economic development & finance, remarkable achievements of the civil society, religious diversity and minority rights.
* To promote mutual understanding through dialogue and discussion among the American participants and the Turkish authorities / civil society.
The project has addressed the following themes:
Istanbul, Aug 8-11, 2009
* Overview of the minority rights in Turkey
* Turkey from the point of view of the Media
* International trade and the Turkish business life
* A striking educational success throughout the world
* Dialogue among diverse cultures
Ankara, Aug 12-14, 2009
* Turkish Financial Policy
* Domestic Issues of Turkey
* Turkey in Foreign Affairs
* Turkey’s National Security
* Turkish Parliamentary System
http://turquoisecouncil.org/newsmedia/?v=opinion-editorials
Turquoise Center, home of TCAE, hosted the US Representative Corrine Brown serving the 3rd District of Florida. Briefing and tour of the Turquoise Center was given and Turkish coffee and delight were served to the Congresswoman.
Myron Lowery, Mayor of the City of Memphis recognized and commended TCAE with its vision and inspirational leadership serving as a catalyst for change and inspiration for public service.
TCAE brought together Mayor Bill White and Turkish Business executives. Mayor White talked about his unique services for Houston and his projects for his US Senate Seat run.
TCAE hosted Susan Combs, the State Comptroller of Public Accounts of Texas with its affiliated organization Raindrop Turkish House at the Raindrop Forum. The Comptroller Combs highlighted the current issues that they were dealing with: from Cap & Trade bill, to Healthcare, Stimulus Money and more.
Turquoise Council in collaboration with the Raindrop Forum welcomed and hosted US Congressman John Culberson, serving for the 7th District of Texas, for a Town Hall Meeting at the Turquoise Center, Home of TCAE.
Congressman Culberson met with the Turkish and Turkic Communities' Leaders and then gave a speech about the most up-to-date issues; health care, border security and cap & trade bill strenghtening the significance of Turkey-US relations adding that he has become the member of Turkish Caucus recently.
