Turkic American Alliance with its component organizations, Rumi Forum, Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies (IITS), and Rethink Institute offered an iftaar to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) officials in order to introduce their activities and to improve ongoing dialogue. Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, Chair of USCIRF, Ambassador Jackie Wolcott, USCIRF Executive Director and Sahar Chaudhry, Policy Analyst attended to the dinner. Dr. Faruk Taban, Emre Celik, Rumi Forum’s Executive Directo, Bilal Ankaya, IITS Program Director and Dr. Fevzi Bilgin, Rethink Institute’s Executive Director discussed about their respective organizations and recent activities. Dr. Swett said how she was happy by coming to this iftaar and saw in person what the Alliance is doing. She appreciated TAA’s work on well-integrating the Turkic American community with the greater American society and fostering the relationship among various communities.
As Dr. Swett listened Dr. Bilgin’s talk “your performance in a short term should be appreciated” she said. Dr. Bilgin has indicated that Rethink Institute’s fellows would like to deal with the domestic issues of the United States as they are working on Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Turkish issues. He gave an example to that they are doing a survey on the approximate number of Turkic Americans in the United States in order to offer better solutions for the community. Discussions continued on religious freedom in Turkey and Central Asia as well as highlighting possible solutions to problems which those Turkic countries face.
Bilan Ankaya introduced how is the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies serving to the Turkic American community in Northern Virginia. He also answered their questions about fasting and some of its meanings.
Rumi Forum’s Executive Director Emre Celik has also highlighted some points on Rumi Forum’s activities and dialogue. Thus, he explained some misunderstandings about the Turkish Americans in specific Honorary President of Rumi Forum, Mr. Fetullah Gulen and the hizmet movement. Then, guests were given gifts and taken pictures. Dr. Swett underlined TAA Interns as future Turkic Americans.
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Guests were shown TAA’s rooftop and guests promised to attend next year’s 4th of July celebration in order to watch fireworks from this unique view of the Washington DC. She said this is a beautiful view which sees the city from several points.
