On Thursday, July 10th, a distinguished delegation of over 20 guests from the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) attended a Ramadan dinner at the Turkic American Alliance (TAA). Guests included NCSL leadership, NCSL staff and state senators from around the country.
As the guests took their seats, Dr. Faruk Taban, President of the Turkic American Alliance, introduced the missions and goals of TAA, as well as its past accomplishments. Such initiatives include state house receptions, trips to Turkey and the annual Turkic American Convention. Said Dr. Taban, “Dinners like these open doors to strong relationships.”
Following Dr. Taban’s introduction, the President of NCSL, Oregon state senator Bruce Starr, introduced NCSL and the delegation of visiting sate senators. According to Senator Starr, “Turkey is a fascinating place, as are the other Turkic nations. What you see makes you want to come again. We welcome the opportunity of having a stronger relationship.”
Senator Starr then invited the Vice President of NCSL and two past trip participants to Turkey to speak. Utah state senator and senate president pro tempore Curt Bramble, who is also the Vice President of NCSL, read portions of a recent resolution adopted by the Utah legislation that highlighted the friendships and partnerships of Turkic Americans and Americans.
Following Senator Starr, Maryland state Senator Verna Jones-Rodwell shared her recent trip to Turkey with TAA and the American Turkish Friendship Association of Maryland (ATFA-MD). Next, Virginia state Senator John Watkins shared his trip to Turkey, which took place about 4 years ago. Senator John Watkins stated, “I personally look forward to building our relationships with Turkey and all the state legislator and governors.”
As the time drew near to break the daylong fast, a video about Ramadan was played for the guests, which included the Call to Prayer. Over the meal, conversations of past meetings and trips, ongoing situations in Turkic and surrounding nations, and future goals of NCSL and TAA were exchanged across each table. After dinner, an exchange of gifts took place between the Presidents of NCSL and TAA, and traditional Turkic delicacies of baklava and Turkish delights were gifted to the guests following group photos.
