ABOUT ASA

Founded 1995 in Washington DC, the Atatürk Society of America (ASA) is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, dedicated to promoting the ideals of Atatürk.

ASA understands Atatürk's political philosophy to be:

• Sovereignty belongs to the people.
• Public sovereignty cannot be shared with any other authority, including religious authority.
• Secular education ensures public sovereignty and rationality in governance.
• Secularism is essential to avoid the influence of any religion on state affairs.
• For progress to be achieved, superstition and dogma must always yield to science and reason.
• Freedom and the pursuit of happiness are common aspirations of humanity.
• Representative democracy prevents abuse of power by incorporating a system of checks and balances through a constitution that includes a three-part separation of powers among a legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• Ataturk's noble principle, "Peace at home and peace in the world," is crucial to maintaining the common good of humankind.

ASA organizes meetings and scholarly lectures, provides research fellowships, and serves as a resource for material regarding Atatürk's political philosophy. It also publishes the periodical, Voice of Atatürk, a photo journal with historical and political stories pertaining to Ataturk. On two dates approximately six months apart, May 19 and November 10, members meet in Washington, DC.

NEWS

Atatürk Society of America is saddened by the news of Andrew Mango's death
Holding a doctorate from the University of London, the gifted BBC journalist was known as a lifelong student of the Middle East in general, and Turkey in particular. Among his many publications is “Atatürk: the Founder of the Modern Turkey” (Outlook Press, 2000), the definitive biography of Kemal Ataturk. The 666-page book is characterized as comprehensive, incisive and balanced. On two occasions in the past Dr. Mango visited Washington, DC as the guest of the ASA and impressed us all with his erudition and personal grace.

Constitutional Court Frees Military Officers
Atatürk Society of America is thrilled to join millions of others in Turkey and around the world who celebrate the release of 230 military officers from Turkish prisons!! On June 18, 2014, a new page was turned on a new chapter in the annals of the history of the Turkish Republic. The officers who were convicted of plotting to topple Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in 2003, were released from jail on Thursday, a day after the country's top court ruled their trial was flawed. More than 300 officers were sentenced in September 2012 over the alleged Sledgehammer conspiracy, and appeals court upheld their convictions in October 2013. We send our best wishes to the released soldiers, proud guardians of Kemal Atatürk's secularist legacy. And we share the joy of their families who are finally reunited with their loved ones.

Youth Recognized at May 19 Event in Washington, DC
This years May 19 - Youth and Sports Day event was opened with a moment of silence for the 302 miners who have lost their lives at the Soma, Turkey mine accident.
The rest of the programme included speeches by the Turkish-American youth, the Founder and President of the Ataturk Society of America. The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony during which Ata Akiner accepted a replica of the book "Nutuk" made by sculptor Jeff Hall on behalf of the youth who have organized many events to defend secularism and promote awareness of current government's attempts to diminish personal freedom, freedom of speech and the press.

First Public Statue of Atatürk in the U.S.A.
During the past year the Atatürk Society of America worked feverishly with the unusually talented local sculptor, Jeffery Hall, to produce a full-size bronze statue of Kemal Atatürk. The statue was unveiled on November 10th at the Sheridan Circle, Washington, DC. The statue is the first public monument in the United States honoring one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. Read full story behind the making of the Ataturk's statue...

Visit by Honorable Ince, CHP
May 19, Commemoration of Atatürk and the Youth Day celebration was enthusiastically attended by a large crowd at The Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. on May 24, 2013
Hon. Ince, Member of Parliament (CHP) was the keynote speaker. You may read about the highlights of his speech at the following websites:
Hurriyet Gazetesi
Star Gundem Gazetesi
Vatan Gazetesi
Sabah Gazetesi

Panel Discussion on Press Freedom & Rule of Law in Turkey
Atatürk Society of America and Turkish Policy Center held a panel discussion on "Press Freedom & Rule of Law in Turkey.
The panelists were:
Susan Corke, Program Director, Freedom House;
Gareth Jenkins, Independent Author; Barış Terkoğlu, News Director, Odatv. Follow the links below to read the press coverage of the event.
Yeni Çag Gazetesi
ODATV Gazetesi
Hürriyet Gazetesi
Voice of America
Freedom House
Read more about this event on our Events page.