The Turkish American Friendship association in Delaware (ATFA DE) and the Delaware American Turkish Cultural Educational Foundation (DE ATCEF) organized the second annual Turkish-American State Reception in the Delaware State Legislative Hall on last week. A lunch reception followed by a recognition speech at the Delaware General Assembly, and concluded with a warm welcome from Governor Jack Markell in his office.
Governor Markell Greeted with a warm welcome and engaged everyone in the conversation. He stressed the importance of forming strong relations with Turkey and inquired about the current political environment in Turkey as well as recent developments in the country. Markell also expressed intrest in attending one of TAA’s cultural trips to Turkey in the future in addition its upcoming 3rd Annual Friendship Dinner.
Dr. Faruk Taban, president of the Turkic American Alliance (TAA), Mr. Akif Karakose, Director of ATDA DE, Mr. Mahmut Yeter, Executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations (MAFTAA) and Maryland General Assembly Delegate Ms. Gail Bates, accompanied by members of their respective offices, concluded the day with a visit to the Governor’s office. In his introductory speech to the Delaware State Assembly, the State Representative Michael J. Mike Ramone praised the outstanding work ATFA and Rumi Forum have been doing in Delaware. He emphasized the importance of tolerance and inter-communal relations, and he acknowledged the constructive role Turkish NGOs both in DE and across the country are playing in furthering these objectives.
Following the remarks of the Representative, TAA President Dr. Faruk Taban addressed the Assembly and shared information about the TAA, its activities, and it vision as the umbrella organization for over 200 Turkish NGOs across the United States. In particular Dr. Taban highlighted one of TAA’s future programs, namely its annual Inter-cultural trip to Turkey. He then yielded the floor to Ms. Gail Bate, a Delegate from the Maryland legislation, who has had the chance to visit Turkey on one of these trips. Having visited Turkey in December 2010, Delegate Bates spoke very highly of her experience in Turkey and invited all the members of the House to visit Turkey with the trips organized by TAA.
Ms. Bates said “I had the opportunity this year to go on a trip to Turkey. This incredibly well planned trip was a very exciting opportunity and such a good experience for myself. One of my goals on the trip was to focus on topics that unite us rather than divide us”.
Several State Representatives and State Senators as well as staff members attended the lunch reception on June 21, 2011 and enjoyed calligraphy art performed by Calligraphist Salih Gocmen and the water marbling show performed by Ebru artist Ayse Disci in addition to and Ottoman History Exhibit.
Source: Retrieved on July 2, 2011 from http://www.zamanusa.com/us-tr/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=49054
