On Monday, July 22, 2013, the Turkic American Alliance (TAA) hosted an intimate Ramadan dinner for distinguished guests from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, including Vice Chair Katrina Lantos Swett, Ph.D., Vice Chair M. Zuhdi Jasser, Ph.D., Commissioner Sam Gejdenson, Executive Director Amb. Jackie Wolcott, and Policy Analyst Sahar Chaudhry. Also in attendance was the renowned Annette Lantos, in addition to Faruk Taban, Fevzi Bilgin, and Murat Akkus from TAA.
The program opened with introductory videos about the Turkic American Alliance and the many programs and projects itself and its member organizations conduct around the United States and around the world. The natural beauties and historical wonders of Turkey were also highlighted in these videos, prompting many of the guests to reminisce about their wonderful travels to Turkey and the gracious hospitality they received.
Once the time to break fast arrived, guests helped themselves to a buffet of delicious Turkish foods, including soup, stuffed grape leaves, börek, rice, lamb, and an assortment of vegetable side dishes. Stimulating debates and conversations ensued over dinner and lasted well into dessert. Topics of discussion ranged from assessments of the Middle East, religious minorities in Turkey, and the complex, multidimensional issues surrounding the recent protests in Turkey.
For dessert, Turkish tea was served with fresh fruits and pudding. As the evening drew to a close, the TAA thanked the USCIRF for sharing a delightful evening over a delicious meal and invigorating discussions. The TAA looks forward to working with the USCIRF in the future.
