On November 13, 2014, the Council for Turkic American Associations (CTAA) and the Turkic American Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey (TACCNJ) celebrated its 5th Annual Turkish Day Celebrations at the State Capitol in Trenton, New Jersey. The event brought together state legislators and community leaders to recognize prominent Turkic American organizations such as Peace Islands Institute, Embrace Relief Foundation and Pioneer Science Academy for their commitment to promoting education, peace and dialogue.
The ceremony kicked off with opening remarks by Furkan Kosar, President of CTAA, who emphasized the importance of building bridges through cultural organizations. According to Kosar, these organizations have “promoted and encouraged strong relationships” while also celebrating diversity and inclusion. Soon after, Stephen Sweeney, New Jersey state Senate President, presented Kosar a with a resolution and thanked CTAA for organizing the event.
The evening continued with a reception in which 11 members from the New Jersey Assembly were in attendance, a few of whom had visited Turkey the previous summer. The members shared personal experiences and praised the contributions made by the Turkic American community to the State of New Jersey. Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty, Assemblyman Timothy J. Eustace, Assemblywoman Marlene Caride, Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi and Assemblywoman Linda Stender each presented individual resolutions to the Turkic American organizations.
Representatives from CTAA’s member organizations were also present, including Ezcan Tozan, Executive Director of Peace Islands Institute, and Oguzhan Turan, President of the Turkish Cultural Center in Queens. Earlier this month, Tozan was awarded the “Luke Adams Sunnysider of the Year Award” by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
