On October 18, 2014, the Turkish Cultural Center of Pennsylvania held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony in their newest center located in Northeast Philadelphia. The Turkish community hosted a number of dignitaries, including several political and Turkish community leaders. Distinguished guests included Senator Michael Stack, Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick, and Representative Brendan Boyle.
Mr. Sait Onal, president of the Turkish Cultural Centers of Pennsylvania, MC’d the event and welcomed the political leaders as well as Mr. Furkan Kosar, president of the Council of Turkic American Associations (CTAA) and representatives from neighboring Turkish cultural centers, and thanked them for dedicating their time to share in this great celebration enjoyed by the Turkic community. Mr. Furkan Kosar gave a short welcome speech where he was proud to mention that this newest member branch represents one of 250 around the U.S.
Following the ribbon-cutting, distinguished guests were given a tour of the new facilities and they greeted the local Turkic-American community members with a warm reception. Each of the political leaders gave a few remarks to the audience reminding them that they too are from immigrant backgrounds, congratulating everyone in opening the center, and expressing their commitment to returning to the Center to continue their relationship with its members.
The new center is located at 2190 Bennett Rd, Philadelphia, PA and will be used to hold various cultural activities and classes to the local community and public at large. The Turkish Cultural Center in Northeast Philadelphia joins the cities of Lancaster, Allentown, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh as branches of the Turkish Cultural Centers in Pennsylvania.
The news report was retrieved from TCC-Pennsylvania website.
