April 15, 2015, Rochester, NY – Mayor Lovely Warren of Rochester proclaimed the day, as “Turkish Day in Rochester,” in recognition of the growing presence and contributions of the local Turkish community to Rochester’s economic, cultural and civic life. The Turkish Cultural Center of Rochester hosted a ceremony in the Atrium of Rochester City Hall to celebrate the occasion–presenting cultural music and dancing, exhibits, Turkish foods and a series of videos highlighting local activities and Turkish culture.Sandra Frankel, one of the Advisory Board Member of the TCCR made a speech about the activities and the involvement of the Turkish Cultural Center of Rochester.
Program continued with Bulent Özdemir’s the Executive Director of TCCR, Mr. Ozdemir gave some information on the background of the Turkish American Community.”The first wave of Turkish immigrants came to Rochester in the 1960s, many employed as needle-trade workers for Hickey Freeman, and some working for Kodak. The population of the local Turkish community grew as their children graduated from colleges and found careers in science, medicine, education and business. Approximately 5,000 Turkish-Americans now live in Rochester and are active members of the community.
Members of Rochester’s Turkish community have established many small businesses. Business owners in and around the city have joined to establish the Turkish-American Business Improvement and Development Council, serving to develop business relations between Rochester and Turkey. ”Others actively serve in the community as teachers or board members in area schools. TCC has been actively working to establish partnership with other institution to contribute to the betterment of the local society in Greater Rochester.
