Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Turkish Parliamentarian Dr. Ismail Safi attended Ramadan Dinner

TAA held another Ramadan Dinner (Iftar) on Wednesday, August 1st; in attendance were Member of  Congress, Government officials, and their staff.  Among the many notable guests were Honorable Congressman Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania and Turkish Parliamentarian Dr. Ismail Safi. Congressman Mike Doyle spoke about his great experiences with the Turkish community in his district. This was not his first Ramadan Iftar but one of many he has attended. As Congressman emphasized he learned more about the other Turkic people beyond the Turks in Turkey at today’s dinner.  Rep. Doyle is planning to have more interaction with the Turkish American community in his district. President Faruk Taban presented Congressman Doyle with a traditional Turkish Ebru Art decorative plate. Soon after, Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Dr. Ismail Safi spoke highly of his trip to Chicago and Washington DC. He praised TAA for its activities in promoting cultural exchange between the Turkic and American community. Dr. Safi shared some facts about Turkey’s growing economy under the Justice and Development Party. He pointed out Turkey’s changing role in the world with its economic growth and democratization process. He was also presented a gift from TAA, a miniature version of Capitol Hill.  In the meantime, the TAA introductory video and author of the “Yes I would love another glass of tea” book,  Katharine Branning’s talk on Turkish tea were shown to guests.  After their meal, guests came to the TAA’s rooftop. They enjoyed the beautiful Capitol view along with their Turkish tea and coffee.