We have just viewed a documentary about the extraordinary transformation of a society from neglect by its own state, to becoming a nation state, to gaining national identity, freedom, and dignity. This was not a small feat, difficult to grasp in abstract. To appreciate its value in today’s terms, you can visualize Saudi Arabia adopting […]
CONTINUE READINGHON. STEVE COHEN OF TENNESSEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, May 17, 2012 Mr. Speaker, as countries in the Middle East undergo drastic change, they are redefining their political systems, looking to other countries in the region, like Turkey, to serve as examples of positive transition. In Turkey, November 10th is a date remembered […]
CONTINUE READINGLadies and Gentlemen, I am pleased and honored to be here with you. I extend my sincere gratitude to you for coming, and particularly to Dr. Bülent Atalay and the Members of the Board of the Atatürk Society of America for organizing this event… that I will regard as a life-long honor. Today is May […]
CONTINUE READINGHON. STEVE COHEN OF TENNESSEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, May 17, 2012 “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate May 19 as a significant day in the history of our friend and ally the Republic of Turkey. In Turkey, May 19 is celebrated as the commemoration of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of […]
CONTINUE READINGNewt Gingrich When Bob Livingston told me I had this opportunity to come and to speak about the extraordinary life of Atatürk and his meaning, not just for Turkey , but for the world, I was thrilled to be allowed to do so. I want to take you back, and you can use the phrase […]
CONTINUE READINGNew Zealand Ambassador Roy Ferguson Mr. Edib, President of Atatürk Society, Mr. Yavalar, Chairman of Ataturk Society, the Honorable Gingrich, the Honorable Livingston, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is an honor for me to be here today at this commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the birth of a great statesman. I guess some of you […]
CONTINUE READINGSenator Chuck Hagel Mr. President I want to thank you and congratulate you, and the founder, and all of you who have had so much to do with this organization. Your organization played a relevant role in furthering understanding between the two countries, relevant to the challenges of the day. In your remarks, Mr. President, […]
CONTINUE READINGJudy Ayyildiz The word “Feminism” is a term for the worldwide movement for gender equality under the law. For women, both in England and America, winning the right to vote was a long road, which began in the 1850’s, and ended only after the First World War in 1918 and 1920. And, indeed, in these […]
CONTINUE READINGMetin Camcigil, Former President of ASA We are assembled today to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Turkish women’s right to vote, as well as the 80th anniversary of co-education in Turkey. The law recognizing the voting rights was passed on December 5th, 1934, and the one on co-education on March 3rd, 1924. This does not […]
CONTINUE READINGCathleen Boivin Ladies and Gentlemen, Colleagues, and Students: My acquaintance with Turkey and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk began in 1963. I had just turned 13 and was going into the 8th grade – not much younger than Abigail. My world was swimming pools, day camps, and riding my bicycle. However, when my father accepted the job […]
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