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

Fundraiser for Children of Imprisoned Military Officers
ASA (Ataturk Society of America) is organizing a “Little Heroes Brunch Fundraising”. Our purpose is to help the education of the children of members of the Turkish Military officers whose salaries were cut off due to their unlawful imprisonment.
When: April 13, 2014, Noon-4pm
Where: 13230 Compton Road, Clinton VA 20124
RSVP: April 12, 2014; 202-285-2979
Even If you can’t join this important event you can still donate to our campaign.
Use PayPal or write a check payable to ASA until the 30th of April, 2014 and mail to: Ataturk Society of America
4731 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016

AKP Government's Internet Censorship
The use of Twitter was banned in Turkey on March 21. This makes Twitter one of 40,000 websites banned to date. Youtube is another major website that is also blocked. ASA condemns the government's restrictions on freedom of expression.

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...

The Atatürk Society of America (ASA) Condemns Excessive Force Against Turkish Youth
ASA has been watching with grave concern the political protests in Taksim Square in Istanbul, protests that have now spread to over 60 other Turkish cities. We consider the excessive force used by the police against the demonstrators to be deplorable and criminal. Peaceful public demonstration as a form of protest or means to petition government for redress of grievances is an accepted practice in all civilized, democratic societies. The response of the Prime Minister Erdoğan and current Turkish government to what began as a modest movement to protect the environment has placed that government outside the community of democracy. Read full press release.

May 19, Youth and Sports Day Celebration
May 19, Commemoration of Atatürk and the Youth Day celebration was enthusiastically attended by a large crowd at The Cosmos Club in Washington, DC.
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.

Honorable Oktay Ekşi received the 2012 Atatürk Free Press and Democracy Award
Hon. Oktay Ekşi who is a member of the Parliament and a legendary journalist was the guest of honor at the 19th of May, National holiday ceremony organized by the Atatürk Society of America in Washington, DC. Hon. Oktay Ekşi was presented with the Atatürk Free Press and Democracy Award for his exemplary dedication and tireless work in protecting the freedom of the press and democracy in Turkey. Awards were also presented in absentia to Turgut Özakman and Muazzez İlmiye Çığ.