TURKNETWORK MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 by Franchise Connect Magazine

CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS: UNITING THE TURKISH COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF DC

VOL 01 ● ISSUE 01

AN INTERVIEW WITH TURKISH-AMERICAN ADVOCATE

G. LINCOLN MCCURDY

COMMUNITY STAR: OYA BAIN A TURK IN AMERICA: 1978

NOVEMBER 2023

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AMERICAN TURKISH ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON DC PROUDLY PRESENTS

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All proceeds will benefit amputee children of the February 2023 Earthquakes in Turkiye

WHAT'S INSIDE

FROM THE PUBLISHER TurkNetwork Magazine: Connecting Turks, Enriching Lives in the Capital Region By Sitki Kazanci

COMMUNITY NEWS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Designing Dreams: A Conversation with Chad Turney on Yataş Bedding and Enza Home's American Adventure By Sitki Kazanci

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24 54

CONSCIOUS COMMERCE CORNER Sustainable Business: A Path to Shape a Better Future By Olivia Manzagol

IT HAPPENED HERE Despina, a Turkish Spy In America By Mehmet Ali Mynir

CAREERS Building and Cultivating a Robust Professional Network By David N. Smith

HEZARFEN CELEBI FLIES OVER DMV A Turk in America: 1978 By Ibrahim Engin Civan

FINANCE The Importance of Financial Literacy By Oguz Konar

Inspiration of November Ten By Metin Camcigil

U NI T Y S T MM O

Technology Helped Coffee Become a Part of Daily Life and the Coffee Culture to Rise By Talip Murat Kolbaşı

An Interview with Turkish-American Advocate G. LINCOLN McCURDY By Oya Bain BUSINESS An Analysis of U.S.- Türkiye Foreign Trade By Suleyman Ecevit Sanli

AR ●

NOV ’23

KIS TUR H C

Community Star: Oya Bain By Sitki Kazanci

ECONOMY Washington, D.C., Turkish Community: Establishing an Intellectual Bridge By Sibel Kulaksiz

From Destruction to Rebuilding: Turkish Philanthropy Funds' Transformative Impact in PostEarthquake Southeast Türkiye By Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz

EDUCATION Nurturing Success: Your Guide To Thriving in International Schools By Dilek Livaneli

40 42

FINANCE Maximizing Your Wealth: A Guide to Money Management By Yasar Daglar

TURKISH CULTURE My First İftar in Türkiye By Tara Alisbah

A TASTE OF TURKISH CUISINE Orange Baklava Portakalli Baklava By Sheilah Kaufman

WOW TÜRKİYE Remembering Perge By Uğur Akıncı

PUBLIC RELATIONS Public Relations: Is It the Magic Wand? By Suheyla Tayla

TRAVEL İznik: An Open-Air Museum By Nil Guler

BUSINESS Choosing the Right Business Certification for You By Sara Jensen

INFOGRAPHIC DID YOU KNOW?

ART + CULTURE Şefika Kutluer: Another Daughter of Atatürk’s Türkiye And World-Renowned Turkish Artist By Erol Guler

TECHNOLOGY A Journey Through Tech Evolution By Guclu Ozenci

LIFE SCENARIO My American Dream By Melisa Gulsun Ozmen

CAREERS Adventurous at Work in America By Kitty Waldorf

28 NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 7

CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS: UNITING THE TURKISH COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF DC

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VOLUME 1, NO 1, NOV 2023 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 600 McLean, VA 22102 www.turknetwork.us (703) 439-0557 EDITORIAL FOUNDER / PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sitki Kazanci MANAGING EDITOR

Elizabeth Adams EDITORS

Sara Jensen David N. Smith Mary McHugh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS In Alphabetical Order by Last Name

Ugur Akinci Tara Alisbah Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz Oya Bain Ibrahim Engin Civan Yasar Daglar Nil Guler Erol Guler Sheilah Kaufman Murat Kolbasi Oguz Konar Sibel Kulaksiz Dilek Livaneli Olivia Nilay Manzagol Mehmet Ali Mynir Kivanc Oguz Guclu Ozenci Melisa Gulsun Ozmen Suleymen Ecevit Sanli Suheyla Tayla Kitty Waldorf PHOTO AND VIDEO DIRECTOR

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PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jennifer T. Gordon SALES / MARKETING

Advertising Department (703) 439-0557 pr@turknetwork.us TurkNetwork Magazine, published monthly by the Creative Edge, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102. Creative Edge and TurkNetwork Magazine, are not responsible for advertisement content and contributors' articles. © 2023 by Creative Edge. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

TURKNETWORK MAGAZINE: CONNECTING TURKS, ENRICHING LIVES IN THE CAPITAL REGION

W Uniting and empowering the Turkish community in DC— TurkNetwork Magazine celebrates our shared heritage and strength!

Welcome to the inaugural issue of TurkNetwork Magazine! We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with you, our vibrant and growing Turkish community in the Washington, DC, area. In the following pages, you will find a wealth of information, inspiration, and opportunities to connect with fellow Turks, and a celebration of our rich culture and heritage. Why do we need this magazine, you may ask? The answer is simple: unity and empowerment. Currently, over 35,000 Turkish individuals live in the Washington, DC, area, which continues to rise steadily. Yet, despite our impressive numbers, many of us remain disconnected from one another. It is time to change that. TurkNetwork Magazine has been created to bridge these gaps, foster a sense of community, and collectively work toward our shared success. Our mission is clear – to provide you with quality content that informs and inspires. Through these pages, we aim to create a platform to get to know each other better, share stories of triumph and resilience, and discover the hidden talents within our community. From spotlights on outstanding individuals to informative articles on Turkish culture and heritage, we are committed to bringing you content that resonates with your interests and aspirations. Our reach extends beyond the pages of this magazine. With an extensive email database, we are dedicated to connecting with more community members in the Washington, DC, area, and this database will continue to grow. Whether you are a Turkish business owner seeking to target a specific audience or a community member eager to access Turkish products and services, TurkNetwork Magazine bridges these aspirations. Together, we can thrive and succeed. Community support and advocacy are at the core of our mission. We believe in the power of collective action. We will work diligently to introduce our rich Turkish culture to the broader community, fostering positive perceptions and promoting the knowledge of the Türkiye brand. Lobbying for our community's needs and interests is a priority, and through this magazine, we aim to create a platform for open dialogue and collaborative efforts. As we embark on this journey together, we invite every member of our Turkish community to actively participate, share your stories, and engage with us. Your feedback, suggestions, and requests are invaluable in shaping the future of TurkNetwork Magazine. Please feel free to reach out to us at pr@turknetwork.us anytime. In closing, we look forward to a bright future where our Turkish community in the Washington, DC, area grows stronger, more connected, and increasingly prosperous. Thank you for joining us on this exciting venture, and we cannot wait to see the positive impact we can make together.

SITKI KAZANCI

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

AGORA RESTAURANT EARNS COVETED SPOT AMONG NORTHERN VIRGINIA'S TOP 50 In Northern Virginia's competitive culinary scene, Agora Restaurant has achieved a remarkable feat by being named one of the "Top 50 Best Restaurants" by Northern Virginia Magazine. Every year, the magazine's critics diligently seek out dining establishments that excel in food, ambiance, and overall dining experience, and Agora Restaurant has earned this prestigious recognition. Congratulations to Agora for this well-deserved honor. It underscores their commitment to delivering exceptional cuisine and creating an unforgettable dining atmosphere for their patrons. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to Agora, now is the perfect time to savor their culinary delights and celebrate their place among Northern Virginia's culinary elite. Don't miss this opportunity to experience their passion for gastronomic excellence!

SPOTIFY APPOINTS MÜZEYYEN SENAR AS EQUAL TÜRKİYE AMBASSADOR FOR REPUBLIC'S CENTENNIAL

TURKISH AIRLINES LAUNCHES CONVENIENT PET TRAVEL BOOKING SERVICE

PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

Turkish Airlines has introduced an easy-to-use online booking service for travelers with pets. This initiative reflects the airline's headquarters in pet-friendly Istanbul. As the world's airline with the most extensive global network, Turkish Airlines now allows passengers to book pet carrier services online through their website and mobile app when booking their own tickets. This service simplifies pet travel for passengers, demonstrating the airline's commitment to enhancing the travel experience for everyone.

Spotify has announced that Müzeyyen Senar, known as the "Diva of the Republic," is the October ambassador for EQUAL Türkiye, in celebration of the Republic's 100th anniversary. Senar, a luminary in Turkish Classical Music, is the 29th ambassador for EQUAL in Türkiye, a project dedicated to advancing gender equality in the music industry. Senar's appearance in New York Times Square further underscores the significance of her appointment, as "The Republic's Diva" shines on the global stage during this milestone year.

COMMUNITY NEWS

FOUNDER INSTITUTE GATHERS DC'S STARTUP PIONEERS FOR AI DISCUSSION In a prelude to the eagerly awaited Fall Cohort, Founder Institute orchestrated a dynamic event that brought together over 100 brilliant minds from Washington, DC's, thriving startup ecosystem. The focal point of the gathering: artificial intelligence (AI) and the wealth of resources our region has to offer. The event featured an illustrious lineup of speakers, including Wa'il Ashshowwaf, Chris Haug, Lisa Garcia, Kathie Callahan Brady, and Seema Alexander, along with select mentors. Their insights shed light on the exciting opportunities and challenges within the AI landscape, setting the stage for innovative endeavors ahead. Hosted at Unstuck Labs' brand-new location, the event was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the local startup community. As attendees soak in the invaluable knowledge shared, the call to stay connected and further cultivate our startup ecosystem rings clear. The Founder Institute event has left us poised to propel the growth of our dynamic startup landscape.

HALAL CITY MARKET OPENS IN FALLS CHURCH Falls Church welcomes a new culinary gem, the Halal City Market. This market is a haven for Turkish cuisine enthusiasts, offering many Turkish products that promise to tickle your taste buds. The Halal City Market showcases an extensive selection of Turkish spices, condiments, snacks, teas, and sweets, making it the go-to spot for authentic Turkish flavours. Whether you are a home chef or want to explore Turkish cuisine, this market covers you. Additionally, the market features a dedicated halal meat section, ensuring high-quality halal meats for those with specific dietary preferences. Step into the Halal City Market to shop and immerse yourself in Turkish culture. The friendly staff is always ready to assist and share their culinary expertise. Do not miss out on this exciting addition to Falls Church's culinary scene. Visit the Halal City Market and savour the tastes of Türkiye right in your neighborhood! 1065 West Broad Street Falls Church, 22046 VA (571) 338-0483 / halalcitymarket.com NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 11

DESIGNING DREAMS:

A CONVERSATION WITH CHAD TURNEY ON YATAŞ BEDDING AND ENZA HOME'S AMERICAN ADVENTURE Our mission is to bring Turkish craftsmanship to American homes, creating comfortable and stylish living spaces. By Sitki Kazanci

n the ever-evolving world of global commerce, the entry of renowned Turkish brands Yataş Bedding and Enza Home Furniture into the American market has undoubtedly captured the attention of industry enthusiasts and consumers alike. As we explore the dynamics of this ambitious expansion in this first issue, we are honored to introduce our distinguished guest, Chad Turney. Holding the esteemed position of USA Director for both Yataş Bedding and Enza Home Furniture, Turney brings a wealth of expertise and vision. Join us as we embark on a journey through the intersection of culture, craftsmanship, and market strategy, and gain insights into how these Turkish brands are poised to leave an indelible mark on the American landscape.

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Can you tell us a little about yourself and how and when you began working with Yataş? I am a 32-year veteran in the home furnishings industry. I was born and raised in High Point, North Carolina, which is considered the Furniture Capital of the World. I have lived in China, Vietnam, and Russia throughout my career. I began working with the Yataş Group in 2020. What is the history of Yataş in Türkiye? Since its establishment in 1976 as the first foam company in Anatolia, Türkiye, Yataş Group has been taking firm steps toward becoming a global brand in the bedding and furniture industries with its stylish, high-quality, and functional products and services. At Yataş, we place customer satisfaction at the core of our business. We

aim to establish long-term relationships by providing them with top-quality products reflecting the latest trends and innovations along with our unmatched customer service. As the leading furniture and mattress brand in Türkiye, Yataş was named the “Superbrand” of Türkiye by the independent brand rating agency Superbrands, which operates in more than 80 countries worldwide. Today, the company continues its rapid expansion in the global arena by bringing its top quality products and superior services to consumers in more than 45 countries, including the United States. Yataş Group products are offered under four leading retail brands: Yataş Bedding, Enza Home, Divanev, and Puffy, and two business-tobusiness brands for the professional world: Yataş Projects and Yataş Foam.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Yataş offers furniture, mattresses, and home textiles. How does your product line differ from your competitors? We pride ourselves on being differentiated from the competition as a leader in quality and style at an affordable price point. At Enza Home, we offer designs focusing on making our homes comfortable, energetic, and more liveable with soft foams to clear lines, from neutral color transitions to striking contrasts, and from dramatic setups characterized by artisanal details to the plain elegance of contemporary design. Our new collection, Visions 2023, combines the innovative and original approach of the Enza Home design team with worldfamous designers. This collection reflects the future vision of Enza Home in its every

detail and echoes universal values in time- accessories and brings different lifestyles less modules by which our consumers can to homes with its modern and innovative reflect their own identity into their living approach. spaces. In this innovative age we are living in, the We differentiate ourselves from the com- unique Visions 2023 collection represents a petitors by proactively creating a need-ori- great combination of aesthetics, needs, and ented product portfolio. Recently, detach- quality without compromising the universal able products in bed bases, bed frames, values of design in the light of its vision for and interior accessories were added to our the future, which is created by adopting the portfolio designed specifically for foreign "human-centered design" concept. markets. For products in the Visions Collections, "design" is highlighted and high comfort, high-quality materials, and quality crafting Can you tell us more about the Enza are paramount. Since the products are not Collection? Enza Home is a concept brand offered by designed as a set but as modules, each sepaYataş Group to create new lifestyles. Enza rate module can be combined with the other. Home shapes lives with its products ranging Enza Home collections are deemed from dining room to bedroom furniture to worthy of many awards in the most

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 13

prestigious design competitions around the world thanks to the innovative visions of our designers and products, which do not compromise aesthetics while addressing the needs of the consumers. If someone is interested, do you offer franchise opportunities? Yes, we have a number of programs for our business-to-business partners, including franchise stores, branded stores, and instore gallery programs with all our brands in North America. Where can our readers find Enza Home and Yataş Bedding products? They can find our products by visiting our website www.enzahomeusa.com or www. yatasbeddingusa.com and selecting one of the many sales points in North America. Is online shopping available for customers? Online shopping is available only through our business-to-business partners directly. What sets Yataş apart from other bedding brands in the market? Yataş Bedding’s sales points are "sleeping health" and "bedroom decoration world," in

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which beds, box springs, pillows, quilts, colorful home textiles, some sofabeds, seating, and bedroom decoration combinations are sold with complementary products. Yataş Bedding, which has the widest target mass in Türkiye, has a large price and variety range. Yataş is the first brand that comes to the minds of consumers in all research on beds and sub-products of beds. Seventy-eight percent of consumers are in search of comfort and quality when buying a

bed. To this end, Yataş, which is the only bed Superbrand in Türkiye, continues bringing firsts and new technologies in its sector with its international cooperation. It has received countless awards for its innovative product portfolio in cooperation with the biggest technology producers of the world, and it has the most varieties in Türkiye. Yataş products are the only products in Türkiye that have the ergonomics certificate of DIN EN 1957-8/00 LGA, which is given only to high safety and quality standards in Germany. It is the only brand using materials from world-famous brands like Woolmark and Dacron as well, as it continues to use a large variety of technologies from Visco products to latex and pocket springs to Bonell springs. Yataş textile group is divided into two groups as white bedding and home textiles. White bedding consists of pillows, quilts, and pillow-mattress protectors, and the home textile line consists of bed linens, bedspreads, and decorative pillows. Yataş, which takes care of its quality with its innovative design understanding in pillow and quilt products, presents multiple choices and beneficial products with Dacron products, which show themselves with standard designs, resistance, and technologies and its

How does Yataş handle customer service and after-sales support in the US? Enza Home International has a customer service department in High Point, North Carolina, where we have a team committed to taking care of our partners 5 days a week.

medical series of products for the body's healing progress. Yataş textile products, which appeal to all tastes and expectations in home textile, do not compromise from its 59-72 wire woven quality. We are visually separated from our competitors with resistance and long life, and we appeal to a wide audience with the appropriate product range. How has Yataş adapted its products to fit the preferences and needs of the North American audience? We develop products exclusively for the North American market that conform to all the federal compliance requirements. We have adapted our products to the American sizing and comfort standards that consumers demand. How do you envision the future growth of Yataş in the North American market over the next 5 years? Over the next 5 years, I see Yataş as becoming one of the well-known furniture and bedding brands for innovative technology and superior quality that is offered at competitive price points in some of the largest and most trusted retailers in North America. Our strong business-to-business partnerships with the best retailers are the key to our

future growth and with improving consumer awareness of our brands. Are there any upcoming product launches or collaborations that customers should look forward to? We are launching new collections and programs constantly so consumers can always expect fresh and new ideas with our products and services sold through quality retailers throughout North America. How does Yataş ensure the quality and durability of its products? All of our Yataş brand products adopt a strict zero-defect policy in production and packaging. Raw material and daily production of each product undergoes tests for density, hardness, sinkage, and strength and is being carefully controlled in accordance with TSE, ISO, and ASTM standards.

How does Yataş stay ahead of the evolving industry trends? Our product development team is always traveling to all our suppliers and product exhibitions globally to find and learn about all the new developments in the industry. What would you like potential customers to know about Yataş and its offerings? If you want the best that Türkiye has to offer in furniture and bedding in North America, look no further than Enza Home & Yataş Bedding USA. Finally, what message would you like to convey to our readers about Yataş’s commitment to the North American market? We are excited to be here; we are here to stay; and we are committed to building brands that become some of the best-known in the North-American market. ■ NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 15

CONSCIOUS COMMERCE CORNER

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS:

A PATH TO SHAPE A BETTER FUTURE Create a business that is good for the planet and the people. By Olivia Manzagol

IMAGE BY FREEPIK

n bustling everyday routines where dreams intertwine and opportunities unfold, a new kind of business is taking center stage—one that is not just about profits, but about creating a better world. It is called sustainable business, and it is a way for all entrepreneurs to chase their dreams while also making a positive impact on the world. So, what exactly is sustainable business? Imagine a puzzle where every piece matters: the environment, the people, and yes, even making money. Sustainable business is like fitting those puzzle pieces together to create something amazing. It is about

running a business that thinks about the planet, treats people well, and still manages to be successful. Now, let us talk about entrepreneurs, especially immigrant entrepreneurs. They bring with them fresh ideas, diverse skills, and a deep connection to their roots. These qualities are like magic ingredients that can make sustainable business even more awesome. Sustainable business is not just good for the planet; it is good for people too. Immigrant entrepreneurs often understand the struggles of building a new life in a new place. When they create jobs and treat their employees well, they are not just building a business—they are building a supportive

community. And that is like planting seeds of positivity that grow into something amazing. Say you started a cleaning company or a clothing line using eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices. You pay your employees fair wages, offers flexible hours, and even provide training to help them succeed. Your perspective helps you see the value of empowering your team, making your business sustainable and inspirational. But what about making money, you ask? Well, sustainable business is not a charity; it is a smart way to make a profit while doing good. Sustainable business does not have to be complicated. It is about making choices that make sense in the long run. It is about valuing the environment, respecting workers, continuity, not wasting valuable resources, and finding ways to keep the wheels of business turning. When we embrace sustainable business, we are not just building companies; we are building legacies. We are showing that success does not have to come at the cost of our world or our fellow human beings. We are creating a brighter future for everyone. So, whether you are opening a bakery, starting a tech company, or bringing a new idea to life, remember that sustainable business is your chance to make a mark. It is a chance to be a changemaker, a trailblazer, and a hero for your community. ■ Olivia Manzagol is an economist, a finance specialist in energy, sustainability and private equity, a university lecturer, a strategist, a mentor, and an author. She has been living in the US for about 25 years.

16 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

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AN INTERVIEW WITH TURKISH-AMERICAN ADVOCATE

G. LINCOLN MCCURDY From Indiana to Istanbul, McCurdy has become a champion for Turkish-American friendship. By Oya Bain

am honored to introduce G. Lincoln McCurdy, who really does not need an introduction. He has been an integral part of the Turkish-American community for decades. His biography shows a man of great versatility in many careers: Diplomat in Türkiye promoting US-Turkish commercial, defense, and cultural relations, then leadership positions as president of the American

Turkish Council (ATC) and later of the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA). For the Turkish community, his most important role was to empower Turkish Americans in the American political system. Under his leadership, our friends in Congress increased to a record level. Turkish Americans understood and appreciated the workings of the complex democratic system of their adopted country. We thank McCurdy for his ongoing efforts, endless patience, and good humor.

■ As president of the American Turkish Council (ATC), along with ATC Chairman Nancy Kassebaum, former US Senator from Kansas, and Hon. Howard Baker, former US Senator from Tennessee and Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, I met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Rahsan Ecevit at the American ambassador's residence in Ankara in 1999.

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Can you tell us about your beginnings? Family, early education, environment, region? My ancestors came to America in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and Norway to seek religious freedom and economic opportunity. Both sides of my family have had roots in western Pennsylvania since the 1700s. I was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, but I also lived in Denver, Colorado, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, as a young child. My parents moved to Evansville, Indiana, when I was four. There, I went to a small elementary school in a rural area where I learned to appreciate the countryside's natural beauty. For my secondary education, I attended a large urban high school. What factors influenced you most in your formative years? My grandmother inspired me to love and appreciate history and to be proud of our heritage. Politics was also an interest for me. As a child, I listened to my parents discuss the problems of the world and other adult conversations on local and national politics. I realized during those times that if you want to get things done, you need to know the decision-makers.

■ Receiving the "Turkiye Dostu Odulu" (Friend of Türkiye Award), presented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for my efforts in promoting Turkish-American friendship for 45 years, at DEIK-DTIK's 10th Turkish World Business Council Congress in Istanbul.

What made you choose to go into diplomacy? To see the world! Even as a very young child, I had an interest in foreign countries, especially France. I was excited in 3rd grade when we had a new student who had lived in Ankara, Türkiye. His father was stationed there with the military. For my classmates and me, this was the first time we heard about the country Türkiye. Leaving aside the Türkiye jokes among my classmates that followed our introduction, I became fascinated with this country. Little be known at the time that I would be deeply involved with Türkiye for most of my adult life!

about Türkiye and the Turkish people. We have two daughters, Selin and Daphne, and two grandchildren, Mira and Emre. You held leadership positions in significant organizations. Please tell us about them. I was the Consul for Commercial Affairs at the US Consulate General in Istanbul and later worked as a consultant for the Bank of Boston in setting up its branch in Türkiye. Upon returning to the United States, I worked for the American Friends of Turkey (AFOT) as executive director and the American Turkish Council (ATC) as executive

Higher education? Where and what did you study? I received a bachelor’s degree in history at Hanover College in Indiana and a master’s in international management at George Washington University. How did you meet your Turkish wife? Could you tell us more about your family? While pursuing my master’s at George Washington University, I met Leyla Hanim, who was in graduate school pursuing a degree in chemistry. She was the first Turkish person I met, and she inspired me to learn more

■ College student

director before becoming ATC’s president. In my last position, I was the president of the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA). I was also instrumental in establishing the Turkish American Political Action Committees. Recently, you received a prestigious award in Türkiye. Please tell us about it. I am honored to have received the “Turkiye Dostu Odulu” (Friend of Türkiye Award), presented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for my efforts in promoting Turkish American friendship for 45 years, at DEIK-DTIK’s 10th Turkish World Business Council Congress in Istanbul in September. I was also one of the 2018 laureates of the Gusi International Peace Prize in Manila, Philippines, Asia’s foremost award for attaining peace and respect for human life. Previously, the US Department of State recognized me for my work in enhancing commercial relations between the US and Türkiye, and I received the Turk of America Outstanding Achievement Award in Leadership & Management. Could you tell us about your experiences in Türkiye? What are some memorable ones? The most memorable one was when I first traveled to Türkiye in August 1974. I had NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 19

■ At the second Turkish American Women in Leadership Retreat in Berea, Kentucky, in 2022, I arranged for the group to participate in a Native American healing ceremony performed by members of the Navajo "Dine" Tribal Nation.

taken the Istanbul Express from Frankfurt, Germany, through the Balkans to Istanbul. It took three days to arrive in Istanbul at dusk. Upon departing the train, I was overtaken by how the city of two continents was so exotic, the friendliness of Istanbulites, and the dynamism of humanity. I realized how ignorant I was about the realities of the world. From that moment on, I started re-educating myself on world history, the diversity of global political perspectives, and

the common denominators all people share. A second memorable experience was when Türkiye had only 67 provinces, and my goal while living in Istanbul was to visit all 67 of them. My last province to visit was Tunceli in 1985. I entered Tunceli on a small mountain top in the early morning of June 20 by car and popped open a bottle of champagne, which I shared with my traveling companions. I also fondly remember meeting Turkish

people from different walks of life. In a week, I could enjoy a glass of tea in a cayhane at a Turkish village in Anatolia, meet with the President or Prime Minister of Türkiye in Ankara, and have dinner with prominent business people/industrialists in Istanbul. Overall, I can say that traveling in Türkiye is magical—feeling the enchanting spirit of Anatolia resonating, with thousands of years of humanity and experiencing a state of peacefulness by watching the flow of the Bosphorus, symbolizing that nothing in life is permanent. Could you tell us about the new book you have been working on? At the moment, it is not planned as a book but as an extensive document on a timeline of major political and military events in Turkish-American relations for the last 100 years to commemorate the centennial of the Turkish Republic. I am also including stories of notable achievements of individuals in both countries who have helped sustain the relationship between the two countries and have fostered the bond between the Turkish and American people.

■ In Madison, Indiana, on the shore of the majestic Ohio River , attending my Hanover College class reunion on October 13. 2023.

20 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

What hobbies and activities do you enjoy in your free time? I enjoy traveling, gardening, yoga, hiking, reading, and arts and music.

■ Meeting with Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th) in Boonsboro, North Carolina, with Ismail Arslan and Nihat Cubukcu representing the American Turkish Association – North Carolina. Congresswoman Foxx, whose two grandchildren are half Turkish, has strongly supported the Turkish-American community.

What is your favorite quote? What is your proudest moment in your life? Who is the most influential person in your life? My favorite quote is “Come, come, whoever you are...” by Rumi, which reflects my philosophy in life to bring people together and bridge cultural differences. My proudest moments are when I accomplish these objectives, such as building connections between Turkish people, American society, and other heritage groups. My efforts may only be small steps toward peace and harmony in a tumultuous world, but combined with the contributions made by others, I believe they will make a difference. Two historical figures who have deeply influenced me are the great leaders of our nations—Türkiye's founder, Atatürk, and the American president, Abraham Lincoln. Incidentally, I grew up in southern Indiana, less than an hour from Lincoln’s boyhood home. What are your recommendations to the Turkish-American Community? Would you like to share any message with our readers? Turkish Americans are exemplary citizens who significantly contribute to the American economy and society. They have succeeded in most sectors, such as academics, business, engineering, science, etc. Unfortunately,

there is still a lack of Turkish American presence in the political arena. Only 14 Turkish Americans have ever been elected to public office, all on the local level. We still have not seen a Turkish American elected to Congress or a state assembly. With polarization and governmental dysfunctionalism becoming more of a threat to American democracy, Turkish Americans can play a significant positive role in resolving the challenges facing the US and the world.

■ Talking with the great Ahmet Ertegun in 2006 about his stories of how he and his family helped break down racial barriers in Washington, DC, during the 1930s and 40s and how he popularized Black music as a founder of Atlantic Records. His legacy later inspired the Turkish Coalition of America to take an active role in building bridges between the African and Turkish-American communities.

Further, Turkish Americans can educate other Americans—without displaying hatred—about the realities in Türkiye's region so there is a balanced, harmonious dialogue on regional conflicts. Rather than standing on the sidelines, now is the time for the Turkish-American community to engage more with other Americans. Otherwise, all of us will witness a deepening in needless domestic disarray and world conflict. ■

■ I am introducing young Turkish Americans to Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD/4th), the Minority Leader in the US House of Representatives, at a political event in New York in 2017. Congressman Hoyer discussed the importance for young Turkish Americans to be politically engaged.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 21

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

BUSINESS

AN ANALYSIS OF

US - TÜRKİYE FOREIGN TRADE

The Turkish American Business Association publishes a valuable trade report with extensive data about the US - Türkiye relationship. By Suleyman Ecevit Sanli

he investments of many Turkish companies and businesspeople in the United States have always been a subject of curiosity. The Turkish American Business Association (TABAAmCham), which serves as a strong bridge between Türkiye and the US in terms of commercial friendship, has also facilitated the entry of many American investors into the Turkish market. TABA-AmCham has played a vital role in the growth and transformation of investment relations between the US and Türkiye over the years. Our organization, which was established by the late President Turgut Özal in 1987, has contributed significantly to opening

22 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

up Türkiye to foreign trade and the facilitation of profitable investments by American businesses in Türkiye. TABA-AmCham, now in its 36th year of business, has organized

T OR

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a number of events in Türkiye and given several Turkish investors the chance to do business in the US. We have also aided the growth of trade and economic ties by assisting Turkish and American businesses for more than 30 years. TABA-AmCham has a family of 421 members made up of both natural and legal persons and continues to operate in four distinct regions of Türkiye. Our members get the chance to take part in exclusive events hosted by TABA-AmCham, and they also have a fantastic chance to grow their professional networks. Turkish businesspeople have the opportunity to network with American companies and businesspeople at the events, meetings, and seminars that TABA-AmCham organizes in Türkiye.

The USA-Turkey Foreign Trade Report, prepared by TABA-AmCham, covers topics like the trade volume, sectoral distribution, export, and import figures between Türkiye and the US. The report also addresses topics like the current state of economic relations between Türkiye and the US, their future potential, trade policies, and barriers. The data presented in the report serves as a valuable resource for decision-making processes and strategic planning within the business communities of Türkiye and the US. The increasing number of similar studies being conducted underscores our pioneering role in this strategically important area and shows how innovative we were in this crucially important field from an economic point of view. The US and Türkiye have a long-standing connection, and they have collaborated in numerous areas. Some topics have warranted debates and divergences in recent years. For instance, the US imposed sanctions on Türkiye in 2018, which strained relations between the two countries. The relationship between the two nations has, however, shown indications of recovery recently. The volume of trade between Türkiye and the US is substantial in terms of imports and exports. Türkiye exported $8.7 billion USD to the US in 2020, and the U.S. exported $15.3 billion USD to Türkiye. The US, which boasts the world's most powerful economy, is also the country with the highest volume of international trade— some $2.9 trillion USD in imports in 2022. They have managed to maintain this position since World War II. In the last 10 years, Türkiye’s exports to the US have increased 250 percent, and our foreign trade volume has grown by 160 percent, making the US a signifcant trade parter for Türkiye despite

TÜRKİYE-US

FOREIGN TRADE REPORT FREE DOWNLOAD

the geographical distance between the countries. We especially saw a significant upward trend in exports to the US starting from 2020. In 2022, the US ranked second among the countries we exported the most to, with $16.9 billion USD marking the highest annual value in our exports to the US. From a sectoral standpoint, it is important to note that Türkiye's $1.5 billion USD in exports to the US in 2022 were dominated by chemicals and chemical products. Following that, exports of automobiles totaled $1.4 billion USD and both ready-made garments and steel totaled $1.2 billion USD. Additionally, $1 billion USD worth of jewelry was exported. Textiles, iron and steel, automobiles, and ready-made apparel all contribute significantly to Türkiye’s exports to the US. The largest portion of American exports to Türkiye, however, comes from industries including aircraft, the defense sector, petroleum goods, and chemical products. The increase in the trade volume between Türkiye and the US contributes to the development of economic relations between the two countries. In this report created by TABA-AmCham, we offer up-to-date data and statistics about

how to increase our products' sales in the US on a state-by-state basis, potential commercial projections in the upcoming years, trade volume, and topics associated with the countries' trade activities. We have offered our opinions and suggestions on the impact of the earthquake as well as specific tax incentives we would like to see implemented under certain headings in the letter, which also includes sectoral information pertaining to the 11 provinces affected by the earthquake disaster that occurred on February 6, 2023, and severely affected our country. We have expressed our perspectives and made recommendations to the US Department of Commerce and other organizations regarding the how the US should help Türkiye in the aftermath of the earthquake. The TABA-AmCham Türkiye-US Foreign Trade Report was prepared under the leadership of Metin Gürler, PhD. I really appreciate his invaluable input, as well as that of our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and the office staff at the association's headquarters during the report's preparation. ■ Süleyman Ecevit Sanlı, born in 1973 in Mersin-Tarsus, has a distinguished career. He served at the Ministry of Finance and Customs for 20 years, rising to leadership positions and leading the Customs Inspection Officers Association. In 2011, he entered the private sector as a General Manager and founded NARİN Customs Consultancy and Elsan Global Logistics in 2013, specializing in customs and logistics services. Currently, he chairs these companies and heads the Turkish American Businessmen Association-American Chamber of Commerce Turkey Representation. Sanlı is a prominent figure in the industry, featured in various media and publications. He's also pursuing further education and speaks fluent English. He is happily married with three daughters.

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●

NOV ’23

KIS TUR H CO

UNITY S T

COMMUNITY STAR:

OYA BAIN

Our award committee selects a "Community Star" for each issue who ardently helps others and actively promotes our Turkish culture. The Community Star has been actively involved in community service for many years. In this issue, we have chosen Oya Bain. By Sitki Kazanci First and foremost, congratulations. You have been chosen as this issue’s Community Star. Before I begin responding to the questions, I want to express my appreciation for being included in the inaugural edition and for the committee's selection of me as a Community Star in your new publication. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you originally from, and where does your family reside now? I was born in Istanbul. My grandmother was a Kazan Tatar; my grandfather was from

■ At Heybeliada beach

24 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

Kayseri; and my father was from Gaziantep. My Kayseri grandfather was the Imam of Heybeliada, and my Gaziantep grandfather was a judge in Istanbul. My lineage stretches from the Urals to central Anatolia to upper Mesopotamia. My father was an architect; my mother was an educator. My parents were the first generation of the Turkish Republic. I grew up in an atmosphere of excitement and idealism. My life and thinking were formed by living through such historic days. My education was mainly in Istanbul's English, French, and American private schools. However, what molded me for life was my early primary education in "Heybeliada

■ Oya Bain with her sister Tuvana

İlkokulu." There, I learned in utter amazement about the early centuries of the Ottoman Empire and the later breathtaking triumph of Istiklal Savasi and Atatürk's reforms. It is no wonder the Turks never had a concept of victimhood. Do you have any relatives there? My sister and her family commute between Istanbul and Antalya, and many cousins and nephews live in Istanbul and Gaziantep. Could you share with us how your American adventure began? When did you move to the US? It was an Anglo-Saxon adventure first, and it started with my education. My mother attended the English High School for Girls in Istanbul and was a lifelong addict of English culture. We had an extensive library at home full of British and American books. An interesting note: The far-sighted Imam from Kayseri sent his daughter to an English school. When he passed away at a young age, his family was left without a primary wage earner. At age 18, my mother became an English teacher and went to Adapazari to teach. This was around the 1930s, right after Atatürk's reforms.

"Medicine was my passion, so I concentrated on clinical pathology based on biochemistry and biology."

When I graduated from the American College for Girls in Arnavutkoy—ACG for short—continuing our education in the US was a dream for many of us. Luckily, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study biochemistry in the US. The year was 1960. I flew to Oregon on a large Pan Am propellor plane for almost 24 hours; it seemed like the sun would never set. My studies were complex, but I was happy. I met my future husband, Ralph Bain, who was working on his PhD in inorganic/radiochemistry. In his military service, Ralph was part of a team of chemists assigned to observe the first testing of the hydrogen bomb in the Marshall Islands. Please delve into your work history. Medicine was my passion, so I concentrated on clinical pathology based on biochemistry and biology. In all my career, I worked in clinical laboratories where I held leadership

■ Primary school Heybeliada

positions. In 1980, when my husband came to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, we moved to this area. I started at the clinical pathology laboratories at Georgetown University Hospital and was quickly promoted to the directorship position. It was a large laboratory with ten divisions spread over two floors. It was a 24-hour, seven-day job, and I loved it. Living in the US, what do you miss the most about your hometown? I miss my sister and her family and my friends. I miss everything, especially the sea and the sun. I was raised on a pine-covered island, Heybeliada. The sights and smells are incomparable. How do you stay connected to your roots while adapting to the American lifestyle? When I married my beloved American husband and decided to stay in the US, I felt sad

■ By their house at the edge of pine forest

■ Beloved husband, whom she lost recently after more than 60 years of a happy life together

■ College years

and guilty about not returning. So, I compensated by immersing myself in everything Turkish in the US, including politics. The US is a unique country in history, formed totally by immigrants. It brings the best out of everyone. It promotes and encourages all kinds of ethnic and cultural activity. I appreciated that very much. Can you share a memorable experience or story since you have been in the US? In 1960–61, my first year in the US, everything was new and noteworthy. I was amazed at the inclusivity and kindness of the US society,

■ With Tatar grandmother and her sister

■ With Former Turkish Ambassador Şükrü Elekdağ

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 25

"My father. He was a very liberal and compassionate man, a true son of Atatürk's Republic."

■ Our daughter Tuvana's, graduation from Georgetown University Medical School

■ With MD Lt. Governor Aruna Miller

■ With lawyer Gunay Evinch and former MD State Delegate Dr Dan Morhaim

especially on the West Coast. A decent standard of living for the masses; some 300 million seemingly endless opportunities to work and flourish; respect for individual freedom and justice; and ongoing efforts to correct the wrongs of its history with progressive laws. I am still amazed as I learn more every day. On the other hand, US foreign policy is something else. I keep the two separate in my mind. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My father. He was a very liberal and compassionate man, a true son of Atatürk's Republic. My outlook on life is based on his values and thinking. Can you tell us your proudest moment? It is my daughter's graduation from medical school.

■ ATADC board 1990s

Do you have a favorite quote that resonates with you? "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice," by Martin Luther King. "Live and let live," by an unknown author. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time? I enjoy reading history and politics, political involvement, classical music, and Turkish parties, where we all dance to Göbek Havası. Would you like to share any message with our readers? Be involved. Do not be passive. ■

26 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

■ With two grandchildren

■ Her husband and daughter

ECONOMY

WASHINGTON, DC, TURKISH COMMUNITY:

Establishing an Intellectual Bridge Professionals oﬀer valuable expertise to those in Türkiye.

By Sibel Kulaksiz

PHOTO BY VLADA KARPOVICH

n Washington, DC, we have an outstanding Turkish-American society constantly working to promote Turkish culture and contribute to ongoing discussions on economic and social development opportunities for Türkiye. As a proud member of this community, I see a lot of love for the country and the united effort to make things better for the people back at home. We are stronger together, sharing the same aspirations pointing at common goals: prosperity and welfare for all. To this purpose, I actively participate in discussions with experts in the United States and Türkiye helping to form an intellectual bridge between the two countries and to provide a platform for public and private sector leaders, civilian society, and academia to exchange views and recommend solutions to seemingly difficult issues. Turkish professionals in DC follow developments in Türkiye closely and offer solutions to problems in their areas of expertise. This is valuable because we have the knowledge and experience to provide a global perspective on ongoing issues. We have many committed Turkish people in DC making a difference in other countries every day and, as global advisers, they know which policies work or do not work in similar settings. This is a great added value to our country because this global experience would shield us from lessons learned in other places. This means better allocation of resources and a higher impact. Turkish

professionals in DC appreciate the chance to contribute to our country’s development in some capacity. As trusted advisers, we enjoy participating in thought leadership to address various issues. Global partnerships result in good economic and political diplomacy, and Turkish professionals volunteer for this diplomacy as front-runners for the benefit of all. Strengthening economic diplomacy between countries is one of the most effective ways of realizing global potential. Individual efforts lead to new economic and social opportunities, which will bring macro and political stability with it.

This is a strong motivation for us all. A good vision with an analytical base can be put into practice through economic diplomacy. ■ Sibel . Kulaksiz is a senior economist with the World Bank Group South Asia Region, based in Washington, DC. She also served as Country Economist for the Middle East and Africa regions, task-managing macroeconomic policy work with a focus on economic growth, fiscal policy, international trade, and regional economic integration issues. Kulaksiz is the Executive Board Member of the Harvard Kennedy School Women’s Network and co-president of the Arya Women International Club. She also sits on the Executive Board of the Istanbul Economy Summit.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 27

FROM DESTRUCTION TO REBUILDING:

TURKISH PHILANTHROPY FUNDS' TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT IN POSTEARTHQUAKE SOUTHEAST TÜRKİYE TPF is committed to helping Türkiye immediately and in the long term. By Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, Ph.D.

urkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has been committed to mobilizing philanthropy to address social challenges of our communities—whether in Türkiye or here in the United States. With a mission to mobilize innovative, high-impact philanthropy, TPF has been an enduring beacon of hope, and its recent endeavors in Southeast Türkiye after the February 6th earthquakes exemplify this commitment. In the picturesque landscapes of Southeast Türkiye, where history and culture blend seamlessly, recent earthquakes have left unforgettable marks both physically and emotionally. During my summer visit to the region, I met a young girl named Elif who showed me the pictures she has been drawing. With sparkling eyes, she narrated how her family's ancestral home had crumbled, burying generations of memories. But, in the same breath, she spoke of her dream to become an architect, inspired to build safer

28 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

homes for her community. I had anticipated witnessing the heaviness of loss, but it was stories like Elif's, filled with courage and hope, that left an unforgettable mark on me. From day one, TPF has been working tirelessly, hand in hand with nongovernmental organizations in the region, ensuring that immediate needs were addressed. Beyond the evident physical destruction, it was the spirit of the people that shone the brightest, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.

I recall meeting Sevda, a middle-aged woman who had once run a local handicrafts store selling traditional textiles. The earthquakes destroyed her store, but not her spirit. She had set up a makeshift workshop outside her tent, uniting other women in the camp. Together, they wove patterns symbolizing their shared experiences and hopes, turning a personal tragedy into a communal beacon of strength. Their products are channeled to markets through a local business who is determined to stay in the region and provide opportunities for the women. While the immediate shock of such catastrophes may have faded for the world, the local communities grapple with the enduring task of rebuilding their lives and homes. Approximately 3 million people moved away, but the 2.5 million who stayed, now residing in tent and container cities, embody the perseverance of these communities. Their unwavering spirit, exemplified by people like Sevda, amplifies our determination to stand alongside them in these challenging times.

TPF's vision, deeply rooted in the empowerment of communities and driving lasting change, becomes even more essential in this journey toward rebuilding. TPF's long-term vision of our earthquake fund, crafted from this journey and deeply rooted in the empowerment of communities, puts sustainability at the center of all of our efforts. The generosity of donors from all around the world has ushered in a dawn of hope for all of us at TPF. In the eight months since the earthquake, we have worked to make sure sustenance needs are continually being addressed. However, the road ahead demands more than just addressing immediate needs. Our holistic vision for the future is centered on: ◗ Empowering Education: True to TPF's commitment to knowledge, we aim not just for academic instruction, but life skills for a promising future. ◗ Reviving Heritage and Livelihoods: We aspire to leverage local businesses to

For 16 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has served our community to channel the generosity of over 100,000 donors to disburse more than $40 million USD. As a community foundation, our intimate knowledge of community needs has fueled innovative solutions to pressing challenges. We have directly impacted over 3 million lives, offering strategic guidance to donors to maximize their philanthropic reach. TPF stands as a collaborative hub where donors, businesses, and nonprofits unite, pooling resources and expertise. Together, we have fostered resilient communities and built a lasting legacy of positive change that all of us are proud of.

30 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

catalyze economic growth, all while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region. ◗ Holistic Psychosocial Support: Recognizing the quake's deep psychological impact, we are actively ensuring mental health frameworks. ◗ Backing Our Children with Disabilities: In line with TPF’s commitment to inclusivity, we stand with those young children who have faced physical losses. We envision two pivotal phases in championing these endeavors: Supporting Newly Established Living Spaces: Our initial focus is on nurturing and sustaining the living spaces created post-earthquake, ensuring they are helpful to the well-being of the community members. During my visit in this region, I was touched by the story of Leyla, a retired school teacher and a volunteer for one of our partners. Leyla started evening storytelling sessions for children right before the movie screenings offered by

our partner. As days passed, it became a gathering spot not just for kids but adults too. People from different tents came together, forming a community around tales of hope, resilience, and shared history. This story showcases the incredible power of community spirit, emphasizing the vital role such spaces play in healing. Revitalizing Cities Economically: Subsequently, we aspire to see these living spaces transition into catalysts for urban revitalization and economic resurgence. Take the story of Kemal, for instance. A chef by profession, he lost his restaurant in the earthquake. Unfazed, Kemal set up a small open-air kitchen in the center of the newly established community. Using local ingredients and his traditional recipes, he started making traditional desserts, which were purchased by one of the community kitchens we have supported. Not only did Kemal manage to keep his culinary passion alive, he also became an inspiration, showing how resilience and innovation can spark economic revival. Kemal's story is a testament to the kind of economic revitalization we aim to inspire and support. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported TPF and illuminated our transformative journey and an invitation to everyone who has not joined our efforts yet—be it through donations, sharing our tales of hope, or spreading the word about the courageous communities of Southeast Türkiye. Please stay connected with us through our social channels to witness firsthand the transformative power of a united community. ■ Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz is the driving force behind Turkish Philanthropy Funds as the Executive Director and a prominent writer, lecturer, and social change advocate. Acknowledged as an International Herst Fellow and Young Society Leader, she contributes to Huffington Post and teaches at Fordham University. Senay earned her PhD in political science from the Graduate Center, CUNY, and holds business certifications from Columbia and Harvard. Beyond her professional accolades, she is a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor, exemplifying a balance of intellectual rigor and holistic wellness.

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EDUCATION

NURTURING SUCCESS:

YOUR GUIDE TO THRIVING IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Improve your child’s wellbeing as they embark on new challenges. INTRODUCTION Hello, I am Dilek Livaneli, and I'm thrilled to embark on this journey of sharing my educational insights with you. With over two decades of teaching experience, I am committed to providing you with valuable guidance that will empower both parents and students. As we embrace the cool air of November, a reflective time envelops households worldwide, bringing a unique blend of contemplation and anticipation. This time of year affects each family differently, and I am here to address the challenges many Turkish families face, especially those living abroad.

By Dilek Livaneli NAVIGATING THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON Schools began recently, and I am eager to share my experiences with you.

Unlocking Motivation One of the keys to a successful academic journey is nurturing a child's motivation. In my years of working with Turkish families

PHOTO BY LONDRA GAZETE

The Transition Challenge The start of a new school year can be particularly daunting for various reasons. Whether it is a child's first venture into school life, a family relocating to a new country, or a student adapting to a different educational

environment, these transitions can pose significant challenges. As Turkish families living abroad, we often encounter the unique dynamics of balancing our children's school life with their home and social environment. How can we, as parents, provide the support our children need during these pivotal moments?

32 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

living abroad, I have discovered several effective ways to boost children's enthusiasm for learning and school life. Let us explore these strategies in-depth: Foster Curiosity: Encouraging your child's innate curiosity is the foundation of motivation. Ask open-ended questions like, "What do you wonder about today?" or "What would you like to learn more about?" When children feel their questions matter, they become more engaged in seeking answers. Example: Imagine your child shows an interest in space. You could take them to local planetariums, read books about the cosmos together, or watch educational videos about the solar system. This not only nurtures their curiosity but also expands their knowledge. Set Achievable Goals: Children, like adults, thrive on a sense of accomplishment. Help your child set realistic goals based on their interests and abilities. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. This instills a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to strive for more. Example: If your child loves painting, set a goal to complete a certain number of art projects in a month. When they achieve this, praise their

dedication and maybe even frame their best work as a visible reminder of their success.

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Instill a growth mindset by emphasizing the value of hard work and determination. Praise your child's effort, even when faced with challenges. Let them know that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Example: If your child encounters a difficult math problem, commend their perseverance in trying to solve it. Discuss the importance of learning from mistakes and trying again. This cultivates resilience and a positive attitude toward learning. Extracurricular Activities: Encourage participation in extracurricular activities aligned with their interests. These activities can boost self-confidence, social skills, and overall motivation. Example: Enroll your child in clubs or sports they are passionate about. Whether it is soccer, chess, or coding, these activities provide opportunities for personal growth and developing a sense of purpose. PURPOSEFUL PARENTING Empowering Parents for Success As parents, our role extends beyond academic support. We play a crucial part in our children's emotional wellbeing and overall development. Here, we will delve deeper into effective parenting strategies and ways to create a harmonious balance between school and home life: Open Communication: Establishing open and honest communication with your child is essential. Create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their concerns and sharing their experiences, both good and bad. Example: Set aside dedicated "talk time" where

PHOTO BY LONDRA GAZETE

Create a Supportive Environment: An environment that promotes learning is essential. Provide easy access to books, educational resources, and a dedicated study space that inspires productivity. Make learning a part of daily life. Example: Designate a cozy corner in your home filled with books, art supplies, or science kits. Encourage your child to spend time there exploring their interests. Make it a habit to visit local libraries, museums, and educational events together.

you and your child can discuss their day. Ask open-ended questions like, "What was the best part of your day?" or "Is there anything on your mind you would like to talk about?" This strengthens your bond and allows you to address any issues promptly. Consistent Routine: A structured daily routine helps children feel secure and organized. Ensure your child has a regular bedtime, time for homework, and opportunities for play and relaxation. Example: Create a visual schedule that outlines their daily activities, including study time, playtime, and family meals. This helps them understand and anticipate what to expect each day.

Stay Informed and Involved: Be actively engaged in your child's education. Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay informed about their progress, and collaborate with their teachers to address any challenges. Example: Regularly check your child's homework and assignments. If you notice consistent difficulties, reach out to their teacher for guidance and support. This collaborative effort demonstrates your commitment to their education.

Lead by Example: Children often emulate their parents' behavior. Model a positive attitude toward learning, curiosity, and resilience in the face of challenges. Example: If you are learning a new skill or pursuing a hobby, share your experiences with your child. Explain how you overcome difficulties, and emphasize that learning is a lifelong journey for everyone.

In this monthly column, I will be your guide on this educational journey, offering advice, insights, and actionable steps. Together, we will pave the way for your children's success in international schools while nurturing their passion for learning. Stay tuned for next month's article, where we will explore strategies for effective communication with your child’s teachers and ways to build a strong parent-teacher partnership. Until then, remember that as Turkish families living abroad, we have a wealth of resources and support to offer our children as they embark on their educational voyage. ■

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that every child has unique strengths and areas for growth. Avoid comparing your child to others, and instead, focus on their individual progress. Example: If your child excels in mathematics but struggles with language arts, acknowledge their math achievements while providing support and encouragement in language arts. Tailor your expectations to their abilities and interests.

Dilek Livaneli has 20 years’ of experience and is a renowned educator and counselor. A Gazi University alumna with a master’s from the Institute of Social Sciences, Dilek has impacted education through her service in Turkish village schools and initiation of substantial projects. She was honored as the Teacher of the Year in 2012 and was a Nobel Global Teacher Prize nominee in 2015. Her “One Wish Is Not Enough” Project was nominated for a UNESCO award in 2018. Dilek is also an Education Ambassador for the Varkey Gems Foundation, continuing to elevate the educational landscape.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 33

IT HAPPENED HERE

DESPINA, A TURKISH SPY IN AMERICA Beauty, wealth, dancing, and languages added to her deception. By Mehmet Ali Mynir

espina Storch, or Despina Davidovitch Storch (1894 or 1895–March 30, 1918), was an Ottoman Greek woman who was alleged to be a spy for Germany and the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Storch was later immortalized as "Turkish Delight," "Turkish beauty," and a "modern Cleopatra" in spy literature. Born in Istanbul to a Phanariote Greek family, Despina married Frenchman Paul Storch when she was 17 years old. Though they later divorced, their marriage created a peculiar situation because Paul served in the French army while his ex-wife was suspected of spying for France's enemies. Later she made her way to the United States accompanied by a German woman, Mrs Elizabeth Charlotte Nix, and a man who purportedly was a French count named Robert de Clarmont. Several factors led American authorities to suspect that Madame Storch was a spy. She aroused the suspicions of the Department of Justice when she lived the life of a very rich lady, paying $1,000 per month for her stay in a New York hotel. Mrs. Nix also received an unexplained loan of $3,000 from Count Bernstorff. She also traveled the capitals of the world, frequently changing her name: "In Paris, for instance, she was known as Madame Nezie; in Madrid and London as Madame Hesketh; in Rome as Madame Davidovitch; at the New York Biltmore, in New York, as Madame Despina.” She also graced Washington with her presence, going by the alias "Baroness de Bellville at the Shoreham Hotel, as the

34 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

■ Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Baroness de Bellville since she was accompanied almost everywhere by a mysterious Baron Henri de Beville (or de Bellville) in the last months before her arrest…." Authorities later seized a safety deposit box held for Madame Storch in a New York bank. It was said to contain important correspondence with notable people from around the world, some of which was coded. Word has it she held famous salons, to which all the important diplomats and

military men were invited, in her rooms at the Shoreham Hotel. It was also allegedly here where she met with the German ambassador to pass on everything she learned at her salons. Storch was a frequent guest at parties because of her remarkable beauty, a fluency in French, and her dancing skills. At this point Storch attempted to send her trunks to Panama, but those were intercepted. Realizing the danger that they were in, the Baron and Storch obtained French passports and made plans to flee to Cuba. After their plans became known to the Justice Department, all four suspects were arrested on March 18, 1918, and sent to Ellis Island. The authorities tried to follow a suspicious money trail left by the four coconspirators but were not able to prove nor disprove that espionage had taken place. Eventually the Baron, Storch, and two others were deported from the US as "undesirable." While on Ellis Island they all became ill; three of them recovered, but Storch died on March 30 of what was described as pneumonia at age 23. At the time of her death,

the authorities believed that she died of natural causes, but some publications later indicated that she could have bitten a poisoned capsule. Her funeral took place on April 1, 1918. The New York Sun wrote: An exquisitely carved white coffin containing the body of Madame Despina Davidovitch Storch, the most romantic spy suspect America has yet known, was placed in a vault on the east slope of Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth, -Queens, yesterday afternoon. With the death of their main suspect, the US government realized that the case would never be solved, although The New York Times reported her alleged confession just before her death. The Washington Times was so enamored with Storch that it ran an 11-chapter series entitled "Mme. Storch – Vampire and German Spy" in the summer of 1918—a full two-page spread each Sunday detailing her career. ■ Mehmet Ali Mynir is a Balkan Turk who lived in Canada and the US for 45 years. He researches Turks in America and writes about local history.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 35

HEZARFEN CELEBI* FLIES OVER DMV

A TURK IN AMERICA: 1978 The Washington, DC, area’s Turkish community has significantly grown in the past few decades.

he year was 1978, and it was my first time visiting the United States and Washington, DC, in particular. It was a beautiful Labor Day weekend as I breathed American air for the first time. I had visited and even lived in Europe before, but one still feels like they are in a different world in DC. I wandered the streets, a little astonished, a little confused, and a little hesitant. I had no problem with English. I am a Boğaziçi graduate, and I completed a master's degree in English in Italy. There was no problem in communication, but people instinctively feel in their hearts that this land is different. It is important to understand what America was like then for the Turks because that difference no longer exists today. We are in another world now. Both America and Türkiye are different. But we are all human; everyone coming from Turkey sometimes falls into the dilemma of “America or Türkiye.” It is natural. My advice to those who are new to these lands is not to prolong this dilemma. Make your decision quickly and do not turn your back. As you know, the worst decision is better than the best indecision. Think! No Internet, no WhatsApp. The Graham Bell landline was the only means of communication. You came to the US and want to talk to your family in Türkiye, so you first call the switchboard and register the Turkish number. Then, the operator calls you back 15 minutes later and connects you with your family in Türkiye. As I said, this was 1978. You would go shopping at Safeway Market and fill the cart for $20 USD. Cigarettes were

36 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

$1 and gas was 95 cents per gallon. I stayed What about restaurants? The first to open in a one-bedroom apartment in DuPont was the Nizam in Vienna. A modest shop in Circle in Washington DC, and the rent was a townhouse, Metro DC met döner. Afterward, Kazan opened in McLean and is still $137 USD, electricity and water included. The American dollar was and still is the king in operating successfully. Nowadays, a new the world order established after World War Turkish restaurant opens every week and II. The Euro currency was not yet born, and tries to elevate Turkish cuisine to the level the US was not the poor landlord it is today. it deserves in the US. What they call the DMV (DC, Maryland, In those days a bright sociology teacher Virginia) is a completely different metropolis named Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı came to Boğaziçi now. At that time, when family members from the US. She did real field research, but we, as students, did not pay much attention came to visit, they brought foods like white because the conversation revolved around cheese, quince, etc. There was not a single Turkish market. But now, dozens of Turkish “which model?” Çiğdem Hodja discovered an interestmarkets serve Northern Virginia alone. ing sentiment in one of her research projects. While abroad, young people’s sense of belonging increases manifolds. Rising emotions are expressed as more nationalist and religious feelings. If a foreign spouse is involved, the rising emotions increase exponentially. I understood the meaning of that research when I met American land, as opposed to the Hania or Konya provinces. In that spirit, I went and joined the Board of the American Turkish Association of Washington DC (ATADC). ATADC comprised a small group of Turks. Engin Holstorm was the president. She was a true Atatürk follower because the late Atatürk personally sent her father to France for education in the field of wine and winemaking, the science of oenology. At that time, I made suggestions to the ATADC Board to buy an old school and hospital building with about $100,000 USD on hand and create an environment that would bring Turks together. We also got ideas from the late Hüdai Bey, one of the most influential names in bargain real estate in the CREDIT: ANNE H. HELWIG, NCPC

By Ibrahim Engin Civan

region, and he defended this idea as well. Such a property could create the opportunity for the association to be independent from the state in Turkey and therefore from the policies of the government. ATADC was such a modest organization that the Republic Ball would be held in homes. However, today DC's biggest and most successful festival is the Turkish Festival. As I said from the beginning, the US is different now, not just for Turks but for everyone. If we look at numbers from the last Turkish election, 134,000 voters cast ballots from the US. According to Voice of America news, participation from New York was 50 percent. If we extrapolate from that data, we can say that 320,000 Turkish citizens are in the U.S. It is debatable, but that is all the data we have. I mentioned that DC’s small Turkish population has changed. I would like to talk about them a little bit. There used to be Turkish doctors in the DMV area. There were also Turkish people working in international institutions, and there were people from Turkey on official business. Today is different. There is a sector we now call “stonesmiths” who have the advantage of being from the Anatolian peninsula, which is mostly a marble extension. So the kitchen, bathroom stone, and kitchen cabinets industry is essentially under the control of the Turks. In short, the US and the DMV have undergone a major social transformation in the last four decades. While DC used to be a sleepy southern town, it is now a world metropolis, and the profile of the Turks living here has changed. Now, whatever social strata we have in Turkey also exists in the DMV area. Whatever rifts you have in the Motherland are also now in DMV-land. In other words, one does not have to take a 12-hour flight to experience Türkiye. It is all here. I hope the US atmosphere, as the oldest democracy in the world, with her freedom of speech and expression, will inject the psychology of living together in peace to all Turks in the region. ■ Hezarfen Celebi flew from Galata Tower with wings he designed and built and landed in the Asian side of Istanbul in the 17th century. He was later exiled to Algeria by the sultan pressured by bigots.

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NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 37

FINANCE

PHOTO BY MLADEN ZIVKOVIC

Here is the truth (you might not like it): After many trials and tribulations, I now know that is not the case. We do not have to be the victims; we do not need to be in a constant battle. That is why, when I was asked to write for the Community Magazine and was given the liberty to choose my own topic, the subject of financial literacy was the first thing that came to my mind. As the Turkish community grows roots in the US, one of the most important skills to acquire will be understanding the concept of leverage. Investopedia defines leverage as follows:

THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY You are not alone in your American credit journey. By Oguz Konar "Your balance is $1,275, and it is two days overdue," she said. "No, that cannot be true. I have been making the minimum required payment. It should be a lot less than that," I replied confidently.

owever, I soon found out that the lady from the credit card company was right (as they often are). My monthly minimum payment was only covering the interest on my balance; the principal (what I basically spent) was not getting paid down. What a strange concept, I thought. That is just not fair. However, my opinion and feelings about the financial system in the United States held very little value to anyone. It was obvious that I knew little to nothing about how credit,

38 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

lending, and money worked in this country and had been digging myself into a financial nightmare. Like most immigrants from Turkey, I was not brought up learning about financial success even back home. There was very little talk about financial success in my family, to be honest. However, as the years went by, I noticed a very concerning pattern. Most people I knew personally were exactly in my shoes. They had bad credit, a lot of credit card debt, and no plan to improve their situation. Not only did they all live paycheck to paycheck, but they also developed the belief system that it is them versus the "system." They believed the system was created to make them lose, feeling it always had to be a battle against the financial rules and the people who made them.

"Leverage refers to the use of debt (borrowed funds) to amplify returns from an investment or project." That sounds a tad bit complicated, so let me simplify: Leverage basically means using other people’s money to grow your money. But how? And whose money? Well, it is basically using the power of credit (other people’s money). That is why it is extremely important for you to learn how credit works, how to use it, and how to turn it into more capital. In the following issues, I will go over some of the key concepts to help you expand your financial literacy. That way, it does not become you versus the system. Instead, it can be you, powered by the system. That is a better option! ■ Oguz Konar has been featured in many publications such as Forbes, Inc., USA Today, and Entrepreneur Magazine for the work he has done in the lending industry. His company, Business Lending Blueprint, has made the Inc5000 list (America's Fastest Growing Private Companies) 2 years in a row. His videos and educational materials have been seen by more than 20 million people. You can find more about his work at businesslendingblueprint.com.

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INSPIRATION OF NOVEMBER TEN Atatürk: Diplomat, Reformer, Visionary, and Champion of Progress and Peace By Metin Camcigil

any people who commemorate Atatürk on November tenth recall him within the confines of Turkey and/or his specific achievements. Yet, remembering his intellect that drove him to all those achievements would be a more appropriate and accurate recollection of him. For recalling his military successes,

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alone or foremost, is only a recognition of his achievements in his profession. Whereas, he exemplified, not only military leadership, but also diplomatic and political leadership by lifting a nation from the ashes of an Empire to the heights of a modern nation-state. His diplomatic skills were instrumental in defeating the three WWI victorious colonial powers occupying his country. He took France and Italy out from the battlefield

to the negotiation table, neutralized them and even gained some of their support for defeating the third occupying power. This maneuver isolated the only inimical power who stubbornly continued fighting through her surrogate Greek forces. England was ultimately humiliated to the degree of asking for truce and ousting her wartime government, while dragging along her surrogate to a similar ending.

His acceptance of Russia’s Bolshevik government’s financial and military material assistance in the liberation war while disallowing the Bolshevik attempts to open offices in the country is another example of diplomatic prowess. His exemplary diplomatic achievement was, of course, to have the victorious powers of WWI to recognize Türkiye. The Ottoman Empire was the only defeated power in WWI, which ultimately came out victorious under Atatürk’s leadership, by replacing the never- effectuated death certificate of the Ottoman Empire, the Sevres Treaty, with the birth certificate of a nationhood and a republican regime, the Lausanne Treaty. This was a historically unique diplomatic feat followed by the Montreux and Hatay Treaties, which peacefully complemented the Lausanne Treaty. The world has not observed such peaceful solutions to international conflicts since, which conversely witnessed and continues to witness numerous regional conflicts. His all-other achievements are researched and etched in myriad of books for perpetuity, the edifice of “the Republic” is on the sole world map for eternity. As to his political prowess, we need to recall the transformative leadership he exhibited in lifting an entire population from an apathetic state to the dynamism of the modern world. His passion was to bring a society neglected during the dysfunctional second half of the six-hundred-year empire to participate in contemporary civilization. This monumental objective required selfgovernance, thus self-awareness of society, which in turn necessitated educated, freethinking, enlightened citizens, not by way of a chaotic revolution, of which history witnessed many. Social and cultural transition for becoming a contributory participant in the advanced world necessitated fundamental reforms, like the revival of the national history, national language, national identity for self-awareness, and then a general mobilization for education; all were to replace the previous religiousbased Arabic-influenced system. Then came the freedom of individuals. First and foremost was the gender equality; the emancipation of women was ahead of its time when compared to the practices of several contemporary advanced countries. Accordingly, public education and science were assigned priority in the reformation efforts.

After such fundamental and sweeping social and cultural transition, the sustenance of a republican democratic regime may only be secured if the transitional changes were thoroughly absorbed, established, and matured in the society, which requires the perseverance of several generations on the democratic reform track. An obvious example is the more than four centuries from medieval to modern times that took the Western transformation to settle in. That is why Atatürk attributed all achievements to the people for internalizing, for personal ownership of the reforms, although they have always emanated from his mind. The sustenance of a republican democratic regime also needs dynamism to be able to stand at the frontier of progress where the future can be visioned to conform to the requirements of evolving times. He must have been cognizant of this when he inculcated the continuity and constancy of advancement and progress. He repeatedly and strongly condemned dogmatism and ideology. He bequeathed the sustenance of the republic to the youth to ensure the dynamism of the democratic regime.

This fundamental transition was put into effect while observing lawfulness and moral values, like patiently carrying out consultation, discussion, and persuasion even with opponents in search of a general agreement peacefully and lawfully. This is a leadership characteristic to be emulated by those who claim such a position. A final and very important note to add to this system of thinking is that no progress could be achieved without the presence of a peaceful environment. Accordingly, he expressed his conviction that a nation could progress only together with all others. Hence, he perceived and conceived progress in concert with the entire humanity. In sum, he should not be remembered in abstract events or times, actions or statements. Every one of his successes is the product of the same mind, and for a given ideal or objective. They did not occur at whim or incidental to events; they are all related and consequential of each other; they are part of a sum, which is more valuable than the unit. Atatürk would be remembered best as a system of thought of human progress and peace. The Atatürk Society of America endeavors to disseminate this intellectual perspective of Atatürk. The Society was helped in its endeavors over the years with speeches, lectures, articles or books by renown academics like Profs. Bernard Lewis, Leslie Lipson, Talat Halman, Behram Kursunoglu, Turkan Saylan, politicians like Senator Robert Byrd, Secretary Chuck Hegel, and researchers like Andrew Mango, to name a few. And, of course, there are also a multitude of scholarly publications analyzing his intellectual aspect. The centennial celebration of the Republic this year may be another occasion to remind the world of Atatürk's intellectual legacy. ■ Metin Camcigil is a graduate of Ankara University Law School. He had a long career in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a senior legal officer, Director of Personnel, and Special Assistant to the Director General. He represented the IAEA in litigations before the UN Administrative Tribunal and in numerous international conferences. After retirement, he provided legal services to various international projects in the nuclear field. After active service, he started writing on current political subjects of international concern. He is the co-founder of the Humanities Institute in California. He was the President of the Atatürk Society of America from 2000 to 2003. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Atatürk Society of America.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 41

IMAGE BY SHUTTERSTOCK

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TECHNOLOGY HELPED COFFEE BECOME A PART OF DAILY LIFE AND THE COFFEE CULTURE TO RISE Turkish coﬀee’s long history and unique process add to its importance worldwide. By Talip Murat Kolbaşı

e do not know when or how coffee was first discovered. According to a myth, the first discovery came after shepherd Kaldi’s goats, tired and sluggish, got refreshed once they ate the fruits of the coffee tree. Coffee was first introduced to Turkish culture in 1543, when Özdemir Pasha, the Governor of Yemen, fascinated by its taste, brought coffee to Istanbul.1 Turkish coffee certainly holds a special place in Turkish culture, with its unique grinding, brewing, and presentation. We re-experience this coffee culture with each cup of coffee we drink while making important decisions, asking for a father's permission to marry his daughter, welcoming guests, or refreshing after a tiresome day.

Brewing Automation of Turkish Coffee Took Many Years It took many years for an automatic brewing process for Turkish coffee to come to fruition because of the complex grinding and unique brewing techniques, such as being the only coffee brewed with ground coffee and served unfiltered, requiring fine grinding of the beans. In the earlier periods, Turkish coffee was brewed in kettles and

coffee pots, and the automation started with electric coffee pots. Arzum manufactured the first standard-compliant electric Turkish coffee pot in 2002. This was followed by the automation in 2004. Arzum developed the Arzum Okka Turkish Coffee machine in 2014, the first in its field with direct-to-cup serving and self-cleaning features, which greatly contributed to the innovation of automated brewing. Our contribution to the automation of brewing Turkish coffee continued with the innovations we developed over the years. With Arzum Okka, we have developed coffee machine features such as brewing on embers and Auto Brewing Altitude Detection, which adjusts the boiling point of water according to the pressure based on the altitude of the relevant location. While technology and automation have destroyed numerous traditions, they had the opposite effect on Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee culture has spread much faster and become a part of daily life. Per capita coffee consumption rose from around 350 grams 10 years ago to over 1.2 kilograms today. Turkish coffee accounts for 70% of the consumption. We can say that the coffee machines helped a lot with this increase. But it would not be correct to say we owe this increase only to automation. People working

for the promotion of coffee culture and institutions, especially the Turkish Coffee Culture and Research Association (TKKAD), made valuable and important contributions. We Worked Hard to Promote Turkish Coffee Culture around the World At Arzum, we worked hard individually and together as an association to promote the Turkish coffee culture around the world. In that regard, one of the initiatives that will always bring me pride is the establishment of TKKAD, of which I am a member of the Board of Directors, and the following work I have done. The association was founded in 2008 by volunteers who wanted to help raise awareness about the cultural value of Turkish coffee on a national and international scale. TKKAD organized many festivals, training sessions, panels, and interviews and published six books to keep this tradition alive for future generations. Our association has also made great efforts to get Turkish coffee on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Turkey list and for the declaration of December 5 as World Turkish Coffee Day. Our association also supports relevant projects, including the Safranbolu Turkish Coffee Museum, Istanbul Coffee Festival, Kahve Zirvesi (Coffee Summit), and Turkish Coffee Lady. NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 43

Arzum Okka Took the Stage at New York’s Times Square We made dozens of projects with Arzum Okka to promote Turkish coffee culture around the world. We carried out two Turkish coffee-themed projects in New York, the first in 2020 and the second in 2021. We affixed an Arzum Okka wallscape on the NASDAQ building, one of the most famous structures in New York’s Times Square, in 2021 and promoted our brand. We cooperated with the Turkish Coffee Lady Foundation in line with the same mission. In 2022, we worked hard to promote the documentary The Beginning: Stories of Turkish Coffee from Anatolia, filmed by the Foundation in eight cities in Türkiye, and became its main sponsor. It was screened in Hollywood. The documentary was promoted with events held in Los Angeles and San Diego during the “Turkish Cuisine Week” as part of its world tour. We held a premiere on May 20, hosted by the Consulate General of Los Angeles. We presented the documentary to American coffee lovers at the Turkish Festival in Long Beach on May 22 and San Diego on May 24–25 in cooperation with the House of Turkey. The coffee-themed presentations by the famous micro art and miniature artist Hasan Kale, where he combines Turkish coffee with art, enriched all the screening events. Arzum Okka carried out numerous activities in 2022 for the World Turkish Coffee Day. Together with Turkish Coffee Lady, we held Turkish coffee-tasting events, where we brewed coffees with Arzum Okka. Furthermore, we held a three-day coffee-tasting event at ICoffee branches and a special event in Germany, where world-renowned German

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public sector’s specific attention to the coffee culture, which is an integral part of our identity, may lead to positive developments in promoting Turkish coffee culture across the world. Collaborations between brands may be an alternative method to follow for that purpose. Brands that develop products and services in areas such as brewing, grinding, and presentation of coffee can collaborate to promote our culture to wider audiences. They may cooperate to organize projects and promotional events abroad. Turkey has strong brands in the Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, porcelain, and especially the consumer electronics industries. We have a favorable geographical location for tourism, and we host millions of tourists from all over the world every year. We can take advantage of our tourism by promoting our coffee culture to broader masses , without the need to reach people abroad. But we have to work for it. I have two recommendations in that regard: I believe that all Turkish citizens living or visiting abroad can help our coffee enter the menus of cafes and restaurants around the world by requesting Turkish coffee even when they do not see it on the menu. I also recommend that all our companies that have offices around the world and are run by Turkish people offer Turkish coffee to guests in their offices and stores. Furthermore, our world-renowned celebrities should become ambassadors for the promotion of Turkish coffee culture. Their posts on social media and even the Turkish coffees they serve guests can be the first step toward that goal. Today, the first thing that comes to mind about Italy is pizza, closely followed by espresso. We can have similar recognition with Türkiye and Turkish coffee, but we have a long path ahead. ■

chef Alex Wahi made tiramisu with Turkish coffee. We held a social media event with the famous model Tülin Şahin, as well as Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). In the highly acclaimed event, two celebrities drank Turkish coffees brewed with Arzum Okka and shared their experiences on Instagram. We organized a “Turkish Coffee Tribute Event” and re-enacted the “Coffee Ceremony in the Ottoman Empire” in Beta Han, home to the first coffee roastery in Istanbul. We supported the translation of Cenk Girginol's award-winning book, Topraktan Fincana (From the Field to the Cup), into English and worked with our Vienna, Seoul, and Beijing Embassies to help spread our coffee culture. We also attended numerous popular events and introduced Turkish coffee to visitors from all around the world. Arzum Okka became the main sponsor for the 2023 SCA Türkiye Cezve/Ibrik National Championship organized by SCA Türkiye as a part of Coffex Istanbul 2023, and we were the sponsor of Kevser Atmaca, the winner of the event. We also became the diamond sponsor for the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship held in Athens on June 21–24 as part of the Athens World Coffee Championship 2023.

REFERENCES 1. History of Coffee. https://www.kuzeybey. com/mobil/kahvenin_tarihcesi_ing.html.

Brands Should Direct Their Efforts toward Turkish Coffee We have taken significant steps to promote Turkish coffee, but I do not think Turkish coffee attracts the interest it deserves worldwide. I believe that all brands, regardless of the industry, should promote Turkish coffee and the 500-year-old culture that spread across the world from our country. Also, the

Murat Kolbaşı, a Marmara University business grad, began at Arzum Elektrik in 1988, eventually becoming general manager and Board Chairman. In 2008, he facilitated a 49% share transfer to Turkish Household Appliances B.V., bolstering Arzum's industry standing. His pivotal role in the 2013 sale of 49% to SDA International and successfully going public in 2020 underscore his dedication to elevating Arzum globally. Since 2015, as Chairman, Kolbaşı continues driving Arzum’s ascendancy in the global market.

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ART + CULTURE

ŞEFIKA KUTLUER: ANOTHER DAUGHTER OF ATATÜRK’S TÜRKİYE AND WORLD-RENOWNED TURKISH ARTIST Accomplished ﬂautist brings pride to the Turkish community. "She makes music because she has to; it is something she can't really choose. It is a divine gift of God, a means of touching the divine that only a relatively few people are given on this planet. It is very rare and precious, she is blessed to be one of the chosen ones." This is how American Record Guide describes world famous Turkish flautist Şefika Kutluer.

By Erol Guler

n general, we are so busy with daily issues that we sometimes cannot find the time to appreciate the values our fellow citizens create. Şefika Kutluer is one of the precious Turkish musicians who have worldwide recognition, and my aim is to bring her to your attention. My hope is that you eventually listen to her enchanting music and be proud of her. Kutluer studied 10 years at Ankara State Conservatory and graduated with honors and awards in 1979, skipping three years because of her advanced skills. She achieved her soloist career in Vienna and Rome and taught at the Ankara Conservatory for several years. She won first prize in the International Flute Contest in Vienna and received the 2000 Inter-Lyra prize from the Hungarian

46 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

Foundation for Performing Arts. After win- Şefika Kutluer is known as the “magic ning several international competitions and flute” in the world music scene. launching her truly international career as Kutluer, known as the “magic flute” in the world music scene, has performed on varia soloist, she was awarded the presidential medal in Türkiye in 1985, the highest honor ous international TV and radio channels. She that the country bestows on an individual. made concert tours and CD recordings with In 1998, she became a State Artist. She has several famous conductors and orchestras, been decorated with Cavaliere dell’Ordine including Zubin Mehta, Sir Charles Mackerdella Stella della Solidarieta’ Italiana—the ras, Peter Breiner, the British Royal PhilharState Medal by the President of Italy; the Aus- monic Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, trian Gold Medal of Merit by the president the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Tokyo of Austria; the Cultural Medal of the Repub- Symphony Orchestra, the Northern Symlic of Kazakhstan; and the Golden Medal phony Orchestra, the European Union Chamof Honour, which is the Slovak Republic’s ber Orchestra, the Lithuanian Philharmonic, special award. the Virtuosi Di Praga, the Slovak PhilharShe has performed concerts at the Palais monic Orchestra, Zagreb Soloists, the City of des Nations in Geneva on the 60th anniver- London Sinfonia, the Festival Strings Lucerne, sary of the United Nations; at the Palace of the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, and the St. Spain in the presence of the king and the Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. queen; and in Tokyo under the auspices of Ian Anderson composed a piece titled “Sefika’s Tango” especially for her, and she Prince Mikasa.

toured with Jethro Tull playing this piece, as well. Akin to her honor as the State Flute Soloist of the Turkish Ministry of Culture, Kutluer is also the permanent soloist for the European Union Chamber Orchestra. Kutluer has a large repertoire extending from the Baroque period to the Romantic period and from mystical music to crossover works from the East and West. She has released 17 albums recorded with orchestra, piano, and guitar accompaniment, including recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic and the British Royal Philharmonic orchestras. Her albums have been released by Pan Classical, Sony Classical, Naxos, and Gallo International. Her CDs are distributed all around the world, and her discography receives reviewers’ and music-lovers’ great appraisal. Sony awarded her the Carmen Fantasy CD, which includes all French repertoire, with a Golden CD Prize. Her "Bach Sonatas" album has been chosen as one of the best CDs of the year by the reviewers of the American Record Guide. She also received the Gallo Golden CD Collection award from Gallo International, based in Switzerland. For her exemplary efforts in classical music, Gallo awarded her the honor of having all her albums designated as “Golden Edition” issues. Her “Fado” album has recently been released internationally, which is a first for the classical flute playing Fado. Recently, she released a solo album that includes her composition that she wrote for her beloved mother. Şefika Kutluer is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. As UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador, Kutluer helps the children of the world with several projects and concerts. In this context, a compilation of the world’s favorite lullabies, performed by Kutluer, was released in 2005. It was recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and features 15 new renditions of traditional lullabies from around the world, such as Ireland, Brazil, America, Italy, Türkiye , France, Poland, Japan, Russia, Germany, China, England, Austria, and Scotland. New and old songs are featured, including favorites such as John Lennon’s “Imagine”—with special permission given to Kutluer by Yoko Ono—and a variation on Mozart’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

Kutluer put her international reputation to the benefit of Türkiye by establishing an International Festival series. She also started an international festival in Ankara called “The International Şefika Kutluer Festival - East Meets West” (www. sefikakutluerfest.com) in 2010. The festival continues every year during late fall. The International Şefika Kutluer Festival was chosen as the first in the "Best Festival" category at the Ace of MICE Awards 2020, which is accepted as the Oscars of the meetings and events industry. Thirteen years ago, Ankara started to again become a cultural capital, as Atatürk had planned it to be! With the help of Kutluer’s international relations, internationally acclaimed artists from Western and Eastern countries are brought to Türkiye. The concept of the festival is “East meets West,” and the festival has gradually spread out to different cities of Türkiye. The festival has been continuing without interruption, even during the pandemic period. The 13th year of the festival took place on December 13–20, 2022, at the recently opened Presidential Symphony Orchestra’s Hall in Ankara.1 She was designated as the “magic flute” by New York Times critics after her New York debut concert at the Carnegie Hall: Here is a “Magic Flute” from Türkiye... I am

impressed; she is a master technician who also has great musicianship. The audience was thrilled by the technical excellence displayed by Kutluer; she has a delicate control of tone color. Her articulation of “Flatterzunge” or flutter tonguing is superb. Her fingering is the best, but flute players know that fingering is perhaps half the effort. The remainder is the responsibility of the lungs and diaphragm and the throat, lips, and tongue. Kutluer has all these components completely under control and she imparted a shimmering brilliance to the music....” –New York Times Kutluer continues her enticing work with concerts, recordings, master classes, and social responsibility projects all over the world. And her country is proud of her! ■ REFERENCES Hakkimizda. CSO ADA ANKARA. https://csoadaankara.ktb.gov.tr/tr/page/ detail/71/115/hakkimizda. Erol Guler, PhD, is the co-owner of GT Consultants LLC in Virginia. Previously, he was the co-owner of the ELC Group in Istanbul, Türkiye, for 20 years, which was acquired later by the global consulting engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV. He has served as the principal geotechnical engineer to more than 200 projects in Türkiye and many different countries. He is also a retired professor from Bogazici University where he dedicated 37 years. Since 2017, he has served as an affiliate professor at George Mason University.

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A JOURNEY THROUGH TECH EVOLUTION Monthly tech talks will focus specifically on the Washington, D.C. ecosystem. By Guclu Ozenci

ife sometimes feels like a sci-fi movie with layers upon layers of stories. In my 25 years in the tech industry, I have seen it all—the amazing and the frightening. The world has transformed drastically since 1995. I have been fortunate to witness and be part of this tech revolution that has changed how we live, learn, work, and play. Back in '95, I came to the US for an MBA. That was when the Internet buzz began. As a grad assistant, I helped students on old green-screen computers. Just a semester later, everything changed. PCs got color screens and connected to the Internet, thanks to the World Wide Web. We went from waiting ages for a news site to load to having the web's vast information at our fingertips. Little did we know how much our lives would change. This was Web 1.0, the age of reading.

After college, I worked at big tech names like Hewlett-Packard and Cisco for 15 years before becoming a tech entrepreneur in 2013. In 25 years, tech transformed everything. Today, no industry remains untouched by technology's reach. The speed and connectivity explosion brought Web 2.0. At this point, not only computers but "smart" devices talked to each other and the cloud. This was the era of reading, writing, creating, interacting, and socializing. From ordering groceries online to attending virtual courses, this era made life easier. Now, we are in Web 3.0. It is about a decentralized web where data is key. New jobs and new businesses emerge daily. Even universities are adapting to the constant learning needed in this era. Whether it is Web 3.0 or beyond, one thing is clear: continuous learning is vital.

As lifespans increase, knowledge-life gets shorter. Adapting and learning are our survival tools. I am excited to be hosting tech talks monthly in Washington, DC, Join us in November to dive into these interesting topics with the tech ecosystem in our region. Let us ride the tech wave together. ■ Guclu Ozenci, a renowned technology entrepreneur, boasts a career marked by blending business needs with tech innovations. With roles at Cisco, HP, and Vodafone, he honed his adeptness in operations and relationship building. In 2013, he cofounded a B2B SaaS startup, leading it to a 2020 acquisition. Currently, as the managing director at the Founder Institute in Washington, D.C., Guclu focuses on aiding pre-seed startups. He is launching Axent Ventures, specifically supporting immigrant founders, by providing capital, networks, and expertise, reflecting his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Learn more about Ozenci at www.linkedin.com/in/guc.

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IMAGE BY CHAKIS ATELIER

TECHNOLOGY

MY AMERICAN DREAM A journey of self-discovery in a materialistic world. For many Americans and millions of immi- “The United States of Money,” a phrase that grants all over the world searching for hope, I heard in the American film “Fathers and ccording to a study done in 2013 by “America” is a dream of material wealth, Daughters,” which I watched many years the American Enterprise Institute security, prosperity, and freedom. For some ago when I was still living in Türkiye. At that for Public Policy Research,1 75% of people, the American dream means owning time, I doubted whether this phrase truly Americans defined the American a big house, driving a nice car, and having a defined America, but when I moved to the Dream as having the freedom of choice in prestigious career; for others, only having U.S., what I witnessed showed me that it how to live one’s life; 68% defined it as being a secure job that rewards them for their was precisely true. rewarded for hard work; and 61% defined it hard work can provide material freedom Dollar bills boast the phrase “In God We as owning a home. So, how might the Ameri- for them and their families. Our harsh capi- Trust.” Sometimes, I wonder which God this can Dream, which is mostly associated with talistic economic system makes material- is. Is it the holy God of religions or the green materialistic wealth and freedom, have been ism a critical value in the general perception scrap of paper itself that this phrase is writdefined by those who did not respond with of the American Dream. I call this country ten on? It is not a coincidence that the US is one of the above answers? the richest country in the world and some The definitions of the words wealth and of the richest people in the world are Amerifreedom vary from person to person. Many cans. Since I came to the US, and especially people associate freedom with materialistic through my coaching experiences, I have wealth and believe that if they have enough observed that the majority of people living or more-than-enough money, they could in America, whether immigrants or those be free. In contrast, I understand wealth born and raised in the US, are forced to make as the unique innate talents and potential their life choices solely in regard to money and materialistic security, while largely ignorthat people bring to this earth in their soul, ing their emotional needs, values, and their and freedom as people’s ability to actualize soul’s desires, deep down believing that they their authentic selves regardless of cultural traditions, religious dogmas, government have no other chance to survive in this counregulations, or societal and family prejudices. try. In the end, what you believe determines Simply put, wealth means connecting with what you receive! the inner resources of the soul, and freedom Despite the generally accepted beliefs means actualizing these inner resources. about wealth that are stamped in the

By Melisa Gulsun Ozmen

PHOTO BY DILOK KLAISATAPORN

50 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

consciousness of humanity, on a spiritual level, wealth is the potential that someone has inside, not outside. Every soul is born with unique talents, energy, characteristics, spiritual karma, and a physical appearance to actualize its life mission. True wealth is created by knowing the authentic self; by having free access to discover one’s authentic talents; and by presenting them for the good of collective humanity. Poverty, the opposite of wealth, is the prevention of this free access to innate talents and is caused by not being aware of the potential that innate talents would create if they were fully activated. If all individuals are given the opportunity to discover their innate talents and potential regardless of external conditions and are given the opportunity to use them in the service of humanity, they would never live in poverty. Wealth would be a natural consequence of what they do to serve humanity by using their unique innate talents. Nature rewards souls who decide to walk on the path of their mission and the energy of money flows to these souls effortlessly. This is where freedom begins for a soul: people being aware of their authentic self, knowing who they are and trusting their innate talents to make them secure in the

materialistic world. Finding a productive way to share these talents with the outside world and actualizing their life mission creates a feeling of freedom in the soul. Before I moved to the US, my American Dream was more oriented toward extending my inner potential and discovering more of my innate talents, which I was not totally aware of in my country because of a restrictive environment, family conflicts, economic problems, and limiting societal prejudices. By knowing my potential, by expressing my authentic self and talents in the outer world, and by actualizing my life mission, I could have won the opportunity to actualize my American Dream. To do this, I needed an environment free of the judgments of society and family, allowing me to be and act as who I am. Being an alien and immigrant created many physical challenges at the age of 42, which is not such a young age to adapt to a totally new environment and culture. However, the abrupt disconnect with my previous life in my country and the void of having no roots and no emotional history in America provided me a huge space for healing from my childhood, past traumas, and subconscious beliefs, which were causing obstacles to connecting with my authentic self and discovering my innate talents serving for my life purpose without any outer distraction and conditioning.

On this journey of self-discovery, having an opportunity to become a transformational life coach contributed to actualizing my American dream to some extent. Although I have not yet bought a townhouse, a luxury car, or earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in the US; in my soul, I definitely have the sense that I am on the right path and am supported by the universe in my spiritual journey. And on this journey, I will be continuing to actualize my American Dream by having free access to my inner resources and actualizing them. How about you? Have you achieved your American Dream? ■ REFERENCES 1. Bowman K. What Does the American Dream Mean? AEI. 16 Dec 2014. www.aei.org/research-products/ report/american-dream-mean. Melisa Gulsun Ozmen is an economics graduate with two decades in Turkish business. She relocated to the US in 2018, seeking personal growth. Immersed in a distinct culture, she discovered inner transformation’s paramountcy, inspired by Osho’s wisdom. This revelation led her to the Transformational Life Coaching Program, graduating in 2020 and cementing her life's purpose. Melisa is a lifelong learner and coach, continuously exploring political science, psychology, and astrology, while also illuminating her journey of self-discovery and enlightenment through perpetual learning. Learn more about Melisa and visit her blog: https://yasamsenaryosu.blogspot.com.

PHOTO BY DLEWIS33

PHOTO BY RARRARORRO

LIFE SCENARIO

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CAREERS

ADVENTUROUS AT WORK IN AMERICA Align your Turkish values and skills with movie-worthy jobs.

By Kitty Waldorf

PHOTO BY ALEJANDRO BARBA

elcome to the United States of America—the land of freedom and opportunity. It is also the land of unusual and extraordinary jobs as depicted in many Hollywood movies. Tell me who has not been moved by the wicked smart computer hacker characters in action movies or by horse whisperers on tremendously large farms? It was one of those promised careers, aka "coaching," that attracted me to the US, most specifically to Washington, DC, which is considered to be the capital of the training for the endless federal government potential. What I am hearing from my clients and newcomers from Türkiye is they also have been attracted by the promise that a dream career could also be theirs. The good news is as odd as these jobs may sound: if you get job-specific training, you really can work in these roles. In my first article for my column in Turk Network magazine, I thought it would be fitting to talk about some of the extraordinary job opportunities as well as the skills sets and strengths an individual must possess to pursue these jobs. While there are many other extraordinary jobs in the US, I tried to highlight the ones that I thought would align with values and skill sets of those with Turkish heritage.

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1. BEREAVEMENT COORDINATOR

Primary Duties: This role involves helping families with terminally ill or recently deceased loved ones and is usually a consulting service. Bereavement coordinators manage everything a family is supposed to take care of in the event of a death or the

2. COLOR EXPERT

Primary Duties: This is a role that does not require a college degree or any kind of training. You are expected to know about contemporary color trends and statistics to suggest the best colors for people’s homes, companies, brand logos, and events. You also need to be design-software savvy to be able to develop layouts and designs. One of the advantages of this job is you can either become a freelancer and work with as many clients as you like via platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr, or you can choose to do work at a design company with a fixed salary and promotions. Workplace Setting: This role requires that you are in direct communications with the customer in home or office settings. Values fitting with your Turkish heritage: A color expert must be able to listen and be a quick learner. Average Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a color expert is $61,554.

3. HIPPOTHERAPIST

Primary Duties: A hippotherapist is a role that combines therapy with horseback riding. While this therapy technique can be used for adults and children alike, to have this job, you need to be a certified therapist with a background in various forms of disabilities. Your riding skills are not expected to be equal to an equestrian’s, but you must be comfortable in the presence of horses. In this job, you will be expected to be a part of a team of highly trained experts and help your patients create action plans and goals.

PHOTO BY CLARK TIBBS

approaching death of a loved one, such as filling out legal paperwork, making appointments, and handling the funeral service. Workplace Setting: Workplaces can vary from hospitals to nursing homes to hospices. Values fitting with your Turkish heritage: Naturally, every individual raised in Turkish culture enjoys connecting to others in their tough days. So, showing up as kind and connected while showing the empathy your clients need will not be a problem for you. Average Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a bereavement coordinator is $47,660.

If you do not enjoy team work or strategizing, this job is probably not for you. Workplace Setting: Hippotherapists will be in outdoor settings where there are trained horses such as farms, equestrian riding centers, or countryside spa centers. Values fitting with your Turkish heritage: Horseback riding is definitely an ancestral sport for many Turkish people. Combining the values of accommodating the needs of others and kindness, it is a perfect job for newcomers to the US that already have a clinical psychology degree and experience with horses. Average Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a hippotherapist is $74,434.

4. COMPUTER HACKER

Primary Duties: Have you ever dreamed of being a computer hacker who does good? Yes, it is possible in the US where your hacking skills can be used by tech companies who want to test their software to ensure security in their products. These computer hackers working at tech companies are called “white hat hackers.” By accepting to work as a white hat hacker, you will be an ethical computer expert who is paid legally. Although this job typically requires a college degree in a related technological field, there are now one-yearlong federal-government funded courses to prepare you for this job as well. Workplace Setting: Federal government and/ or contractors working for federal government will be in office settings. Values fitting with your Turkish heritage: Since it is a cultural heritage to have STEM skills in Türkiye, you will likely find that the federal-government funded courses are quite straight-forward and easy. Average Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a computer hacker is $93,861.

5. PODIATRIST

Primary Duties: This is a medical professional role, and to do this job you need a degree from an accredited podiatric medical college. Podiatrists are trained medical professionals who diagnose and treat abnormalities on the feet as well as suggesting manipulative techniques to help prevent and correct deformities, relieve pain in the feet, and treat infections. Workplace Setting: Podiatrists work in spa centers, beauty clinics, dermatologist branch offices, or in your own private practice. Values fitting with your Turkish heritage: Podiatrists value cleanliness and the nobility of having a medical profession. Average Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a podiatrist is $90,795. I hope this article has given you a good overview of some of the extraordinary job opportunities available in the US, as well as the skills and values that align well with Turkish heritage. I would also like to add that there are many other extraordinary job opportunities available, and that you should not be limited to the ones I have mentioned in this article. If you are interested in learning more about any of these jobs or you feel that you have a unique skill or talent, I encourage you to reach out to professionals like me who are currently working in these fields to help you discover your potential. The most important thing is to be open-minded and to explore all of your options in the US because it is truly a land of infinite possibilities. I wish you all the best in your job search. Good luck! ■ Kitty Waldorf is a self-excellence professional with more than 14 years of experience in MENA and US markets, focused on education, healthcare, and security and defense. She has been voted as the Best Life Coach of the Nation’s Capital since 2019. In 2023, she was named the Winner of the Best Life Coaching Category in Washington City Paper readers’ poll. Connect with Waldorf via Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kitty-waldorf.

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CAREERS 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Start building your connections today—your next opportunity could be just a handshake away. Reaching Out and Making Connections Once your network starts taking shape, actively engage with it. This can mean sending out emails, social media messages, or even making calls to share your job search status, seeking referrals, industry insights, or information about specific roles. Be clear and concise about your goals, qualifications, and what you bring to the table. Also, do not underestimate the value of face-to-face interactions; attend industry events, job fairs, or volunteer in organizations within your field of interest.

BUILDING AND CULTIVATING A ROBUST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK Networking is more than just a job search tool; it's about creating long-term relationships for continuous growth and opportunities in your career. By David N. Smith

he adage “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know” has never rung truer, especially considering that a staggering 85% of job positions are reportedly filled through networking channels. This insight suggests a significant number of job openings are often filled internally or through referrals, highlighting the importance of networking. Although job boards and online listings are valuable, integrating networking into your job hunt strategy is critical.

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Kickstarting Your Networking Journey Your networking journey typically begins with your immediate circle and gradually extends to more distant professional contacts. Start by jotting down names of people you already know, like friends, family, former colleagues, classmates, etc. Next, broaden your circle to include secondary connections linked through common acquaintances, professional memberships, or educational backgrounds. Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, tapping into alumni networks, and asking for introductions are effective strategies to connect with these broader networks.

Organizing and Leveraging Your Network A well-organized approach can significantly enhance your networking effectiveness. Use tools like spreadsheets, email organizers, or simple notebooks to keep track of your contacts and your interactions with them. Reach out to them for various purposes, including gaining insights into your industry, setting up informational interviews, seeking introductions to key industry players, or learning about new job opportunities. Maintaining and Nurturing Your Network To maintain a robust network, identify key individuals pivotal to your job search and others for potential re-engagement. Make efforts to keep in touch, whether through a quick catch-up call, a thank-you note, or a regular check-in. Remember, networking is not only about fulfilling immediate job search needs. It is about fostering long-term relationships for ongoing guidance, support, and mutual benefit. In summary, a well-built and meticulously maintained professional network is an invaluable asset in your career. It opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden, providing insights and support that go far beyond the immediate job search. Start building your network today, and nurture it consistently for lasting career benefits. ■

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FINANCE

MAXIMIZING YOUR WEALTH:

A GUIDE TO MONEY MANAGEMENT

This guide provides practical tips to improve your financial wellbeing.

and secure our future. Proper money management is the foundation for financial success and stability. Whether you are looking to save for retirement, buy a home, or invest in your children's education, managing your money efficiently is the key to achieving these goals.

Understanding the Importance of Money Management Money is an essential aspect of our daily lives, serving as a means to achieve our dreams

Setting Clear Financial Goals The first step in effective money management is setting clear financial goals. These goals will serve as a roadmap for your financial journey. Ask yourself, what are your short-term and long-term financial aspirations? Do you want to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or save for a dream vacation? Having well-defined goals will help you stay focused and motivated.

By Yasar Daglar

n today’s fast-paced world where information is just a few clicks away, managing your finances effectively has become an imperative task. With an abundance of websites offering advice on money, I understand the need to provide you with comprehensive and valuable insights on the subject. In this article, I will delve into the art of money management, offering you practical tips, strategies, and expert advice that can truly make a difference in your financial life.

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Budgeting: Your Financial Compass Creating and sticking to a budget is a fundamental aspect of money management. It allows you to track your income, expenses, and savings, providing you with a clear picture of your financial health. Start by listing your sources of income and your monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and entertainment. Your budget will help you identify areas where you can cut back and increase your savings. The Importance of Emergency Funds Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. That is why having an emergency fund is crucial. An emergency fund serves as a safety net, providing you with financial security in case of unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job loss. Experts recommend having at least three to six months' worth of living expenses saved in your emergency fund. Paying Off Debt Debt can be a significant roadblock to achieving your financial goals. High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can quickly accumulate and drain your finances. To achieve financial freedom, prioritize paying off your

debts. The debt snowball and debt avalanche methods are popular strategies for systematically eliminating debt. Investing for the Future Investing is a powerful tool for growing your wealth over time. Consider allocating a portion of your income to investments that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Whether it is stocks, bonds, real estate, or a diversified portfolio, investing can help your money work for you and generate passive income. Building a Retirement Nest Egg One of the most critical long-term financial goals is saving for retirement. With the uncertainty of government-funded retirement programs, it is essential to take control of your financial future. Contribute regularly to your retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor to optimize your retirement savings strategy. Seeking Professional Guidance While this article provides a comprehensive overview of money management, it is worth noting that seeking professional guidance can be highly beneficial. Financial advisors, accountants, and investment experts can offer personalized advice based on your unique financial situation and goals.

Yasar Daglar, born in 1975, is a seasoned financial consultant residing in the United States since 1993. Passionate about helping others achieve financial success, he entered the finance and consulting arena in 2003. Over two decades, he has offered invaluable guidance to individuals and businesses on money and credit matters. Yasar Daglar's commitment to empowering others through sound financial practices has earned him respect as a trusted advisor in the world of finance and credit consulting.

PHOTO BY SIBERIAN STOCK

In Conclusion Effective money management is not only about accumulating wealth but also about achieving financial security and peace of mind. By setting clear financial goals, budgeting, maintaining an emergency fund, paying off debt, and investing wisely, you can take control of your financial future. Remember that financial success is a journey, and it is never too late to start managing your money more effectively. ■

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PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

WOW TÜRKİYE

REMEMBERING PERGE Learning about an ancient city helps you learn about yourself. By Uğur Akıncı

he ancient city of Perge—15 kilometers east of Antalya along Türkiye's Mediterranean coast; the beauty of Pamphylia, as the region was called thousands of years ago—it is a miracle, a complete city, where the lizards dash here and there across its deserted streets: now you see them, now you do not. Mute and impressive columns defy the scorching summer sun. Your ears ring with eternal silence. But you can nevertheless divine that Perge has got a lot to tell. Once upon a time, Pergians were strolling along these buckling stone boulevards hot enough to melt your sandals in the July inferno. Then Alexander the Great of Macedonia took over; Jesus was not yet born. The Romans showed up next. And here I am, with my wife, sister, and her husband. We are also at Perge, trying to understand the meaning, story, and if there are any secrets of these wide and long avenues, columns, fountains, and canals, now dry but which used to offer a cascading public spectacle of frothing waters.

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I have a special weakness for archeological sites where life and death coexist. Can you be both alive and dead at the same time? At a unique place like Perge, my answer is yes. I was climbing slowly up the steps of the stadium by torturing my seventy-year-old knee joints. The Romans had healthy legs, knees, and ankles, no doubt. Here they sat on these marble blocks covered with lichens; red poppies raising their delicate heads from every crack. They enjoyed chariot races, watched acrobats and jugglers succeed in their trade, listened to politicians deliver speeches that were applauded and booed, and then they disappeared without graves, leaving behind this humming silence. A 2,500-year-old dream lived well. I stumble upon a German tourist group wearing hats. Their guide is sharing something with effusive hand gestures. I quietly slip away from around them and head for the double-columned road housing the relics of residences and stores long gone. What interests me are not learned expositions and historical analyses but things much more minute and mundane—the hollow

impressions left in the stone walls by door and window hinges, for example. Once upon a time long ago, there were wooden doors and shutters mounted into these hinge cavities. Wood is organic matter, just like humans. They have crumbled and melted away over the last thousand years, leaving behind these L- and T-shaped sockets—evidence that supports the somewhat disturbing hypothesis that people just like you and me once lived here. God knows who lived in these shops and houses, I find myself ruminating, with rivulets of sweat trickling down my temples. The weight of my backpack feels like a ton in this merciless heat. I am like the poor Sisyphus who had to repeat rolling a heavy boulder all the way up to the top of a mountain, forever and ever. Just when I start to feel that I am deciphering the invisible code of this place, I find myself again at the foot of a mountain of unknowns, staring at the furnace of a sky with more questions than before. What did they look like? What did they wear? What jokes did they crack on any given day? How many of them were poor and how many filthy rich? What were the names they

PHOTOS BY UĞUR AKINCI

gave to their pets? Where were their songs, books, letters, and documents? Ordinary citizens, working stiffs, artists and poets, pompous characters, career climbers, political opportunists, and wine and olive oil merchants who swam in money lived in these houses with doors and windows long turned into dust. They ate, drank, made love, picked fights, took baths in Perge’s many public baths. They exercised in the gymnasium to get ready for the sporting events. They burned candles and incense and made offers on the altar of the Basilica. They tried to make a name for themselves and become somebody without ever considering that they would die one day. That is just like the way we live today. Without a doubt, there were those among them wielding all the status, money, and influence. “Do you know who I am?” is perhaps how they flaunted their power, stopping their four-horse chariot in the middle of a street and confronting the average Joe of that day. An unfortunate instant of social trauma that probably happens today as well. And perhaps the most mischievous of Perge’s citizens shot right back: “O Marcus Antonius the Great, if you do not know who you are, how the hell would I know the answer?” There were writers in this city. “Who the heck is Ovid? I write better poems even in my dreams!” is how they bragged, trying to impress their lovers, all residents of these ruins with only impressions left behind in disintegrating walls. A famous mathematician lived in Perge by the name of Apollonius. He was renowned for his discoveries of the various properties of cones. Well, all cannot be wine merchants, correct? They obviously needed a mathematician privy to the secrets of ellipses and circles and to construct all these arches, stadiums, and viaducts. Now you cannot tell, but the streets of Perge were festooned with statues—those of the governors, patrons of public works, prominent bureaucrats and their wives. Today all those statues are kept with care and displayed tastefully in Antalya Museum of Archeology. If you leave without stopping by at the Antalya museum, you would miss half of Perge. It is a must-see destination. A bone-white gathering of mute witnesses to the past. God knows what they would say if only they could speak.

At least two Christian saints visited this city dedicated to Artemis: Paul and Barnabas. Paul the Apostle arrived through Aksu River, likely on a flat-bottomed boat. The Romans were a worldy, rather profane, and witty sort of people, the kind today we would call “street smart.” I wonder how they reacted when Paul tried to proselytize and convert Pergians to his new religion. Did they say “My word, is this Saul of Tarsus who was a Jew until yesterday!? What happened to this guy on the road to Damascus?” Religion preoccupied people a lot in the city of Artemis. Just like today. We surrender Perge to purple thistles and critters buzzing in the tall grass around sunset. We leave before sweltering darkness claims back this marvel of a handsome ruin. I wonder what this mute but proud city looks like and feels like under the stars?

After the last oil lamp is extinguished, which Pergians were snoring peacefully settled in the protective arms of Artemis? And which ones brooded until the wee hours of the morning wondering: “What will come of our city?” We must travel, for sure. Not to visit a destination on a map, but to get to know ourselves. ■ Uğur Akıncı, PhD, is a writer who worked for Fortune 100 companies including ADP, Fannie Mae, and Honeywell. During the 90s, he published the first Turkish bi-weekly newspaper in the US, The Turkish Times. He also worked as the Washington Bureau Chief of Turkish Daily News. A member of ATA-DC, he contributed to the Turkish-American community in various capacities as a writer and a board member. He is married with one son. You can email him at writer111@gmail.com.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 59

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

IS IT THE MAGIC WAND? The Turkish diaspora should choose topics to share throughout the world. By Suheyla Tayla

ublic relations (PR) is a much-talkedabout but not well-known subject. Theoretically, it is a management science. The main goal of PR is to influence public opinion on specific issues or to introduce an institution to the public in convincing ways and to gain public support and trust in that organization or issue. Whoever the client—an individual, company, or country—the goal is to increase the brand value, the reputation, and the perception of society about that subject. Given the significance of geopolitics, PR has been one of the most important professions of the last century. It will likely grow in importance this century. Look at international relations and today’s geopolitical map. Underneath everything lies a visible difference between those who have received PR influence and those who have not benefited from PR work. Today, perceptions and reputations are shaped by relevant, expert, and widespread interest groups that include commercial partners, academics, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as conventional and digital social media groups. These groups operate in a

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"cross-interaction space" where ideas are constantly exchanged and re-examined. Of all the communication disciplines, PR is the only one that can develop and maintain fully trusted relationships with and between these groups. Public relations is at the center of this world. Despite misconceptions, PR and “propaganda” are two separate concepts that are often confused. Another concept that is often confused with PR is publicity, which means systematically distributing information about an organization or a person and explaining some issues from one's own point of view. This is different from PR, which is a two-way activity. Essentially, PR has a “listening” aspect. A good PR program has a balance between telling and listening, giving and receiving information. Both propaganda and publicizing are one-way efforts, whereas PR is multi-directional. Another point to be emphasized in the field of PR is the ethical aspect. Claims that PR services are just a façade have led many to view PR with suspicion. It should never be forgotten that honesty is a fundamental principle in PR, as in all human relations. Those working in PR services should adopt this principle as a basic rule of behavior and should not refrain from

speaking the truth, even in difficult situations. Rumi says, "Either appear as you are, or be what you appear.” This is an invaluable rule for those working in the field of PR. PR professionals must constantly follow the countries and the sectors that are relevant to their work. It is a very broad field, and you need to understand management, statistics, and economics, among other topics. You need to be able to see the whole picture and determine a strategy. You need to improve yourself constantly; you need to read a lot. It is not all that surprising that PR jobs are considered some of the most stressful; PR professionals juggle tons of activities all at once, all the time. They constantly work under tight deadlines. They deal with endless changes, whether client turnover, staff changes, or emerging new technologies. From new clients to new communication tools, they are constantly learning. PR professionals tend to be news junkies, constantly following the news for the latest developments that impact their clients and the profession. They are always up to date on current events and trends. And let us face it: they tend to be control freaks. Yet, while PR is one of the highest-stress jobs out there, it is anything but boring. PR can

be a truly rewarding profession because it can make an impact and difference. Crises demonstrate just how needed PR pros are. Public Relations for Turkish American Diaspora Turkish diaspora members play an important role in PR. Members of the diaspora are the bridges between their home country, Türkiye, and the countries in which they live. The promotion of Türkiye and the introduction of Türkiye’s assets is very important for the Turkish diaspora. It is a great strength and opportunity for Türkiye to have a worldwide diaspora. As diaspora members, we should be able to speak about Türkiye to the whole world. We need to address past misconceptions and highlight the important contributions the Turkish diaspora has made around the world. Why should they still see us as “those dangerous Turks” they feared? Why should being a Turk be defined according to distorted information and false perceptions? We have an opportunity now. Türkiye is a hidden secret; there is no other country like it. From a PR perspective, the Turkish diaspora needs to choose topics where Türkiye's strengths can be shown, like sports, art, culture, and tourism. Our food is

also different. We have extremely successful businessmen, entrepreneurs, scientists, academicians, artists, and musicians. We need to get together and prepare a program to discuss and implement how to promote Türkiye. We have to care about the history of everything and promote it. As the proverb says, "if no one has heard the bird singing in the forest, it is as if the bird has not sung." As Turkish-Americans, if you cannot make your words be heard, you are not speaking at all. First, you need to know your purpose. Second, when you speak, you must convey what you say according to a goal. Overcoming difficulties and opening doors is all about reaching that goal. We need to be one big body together. Everyone should know their purpose and work toward that purpose to be indispensable. The Turkish diaspora needs to attach importance and put weight on PR efforts because they would help enhance Türkiye’s brand, and PR would remind the US public, policymakers, and think tank community of the contributions that Turkish Americans make to US society. However, these efforts do not happen quickly. As explained above, this process starts with research, followed by preparing a strategy and a plan. Strategic

reputational engineering is very difficult, time consuming, and requires continued effort. There is a need to develop effective messaging and engagement strategies to alter perceptions, change behaviors, and win. There is also a need to reach out to third-party influencer groups like think tanks and NGOs, which can sway perceptions via their research, events, media appearances, and congressional testimonies. PR is the difference between being ordinary and being exceptional. Türkiye is not an ordinary country; Turks are not ordinary people. I hope as Turkish Americans we will enjoy the days when we can tell the US that Turkish Americans are an inseparable part of the American nation, that we are indispensable, we contribute, and we matter. ■ For 30 years, Suheyla Tayla was a senior political strategist at the US Embassy in Ankara, advising 10 ambassadors through significant regional events, including wars and political upheavals. She held roles at the Anatolia News Agency and led the Embassy's Local Employees Association. Honored with multiple awards for her exemplary service, Tayla now serves as Vice President at Mercury Public Relations. An Ankara University alumna with advanced studies in International Law of the Seas, she is a revered figure in international relations.

PHOTO BY DEYAN GEORGIEV

IMAGE BY METAMORWORKS

PUBLIC RELATIONS

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 61

TRAVEL

■ Panoramic view of İznik with Lake İznik in the background.

İZNİK: AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM Visit this deeply historic and important city in western Turkey. By Nil Guler

his summer we went to see İznik for the first time. It is a two-hour drive from Istanbul and a province of Bursa. If you want to shorten the distance, you can use the Osmangazi Bridge which is a suspension bridge spanning the Gulf of İzmit at its narrowest point, 2,620 m (8,600 ft). The bridge links the Turkish city of Gebze to Yalova and carries the O-5 motorway across the gulf. It is the longest suspension bridge in Turkey. Of course, it is also a toll bridge. The ancient city of İznik is located on the eastern shore of Lake İznik and was known as Nicaea in old times. There has been human settlement in İznik since prehistory, as witnessed by discoveries of several graves around. The city has kept its original identity dating back thousands of years. İznik, which has been preserved for centuries with its city walls stretching for 5 km, is both the first Turkish capital in Anatolia and one of the few cities considered sacred for Christianity by the Vatican. The city walls have different construction phases dated to the seventh, tenth, and twelfth centuries. The city still retains its urban grid plan, the two main streets running north/south and east/west. The four monumental entrance gates of the city, which are called Lefke (east),

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İstanbul (north), Göl (west), and Yenişehir (south) were originally built by the Roman Emperors Vespasianus and his son Titus. The city itself has preserved all its relationship with the lake. The surrounding rural areas are covered mainly with olive trees. The city exists today in an unchanged form. İznik is still enclosed within its ancient walls and oriented across the town hall at a right angle. The political importance of İznik is shown by its selection as a capital for different cultures. Furthermore, it has been an important center for the production of pottery for long periods.1 SOME OF THE INTERESTING SITES AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ARE LISTED HERE. Sunken Basilica The basilica is believed to have sunk after an earthquake in the eighth century and its remains are still visible to the naked eye.

İznik Archaelogical Museum A bit more about İznik's role in the history of Christianity and Ottoman and Selcuks can be found in the İznik Archaeological Museum. This museum only opened in 2023 and occupies a huge modern building. It seems to have been modeled after the one in Troy. The sarcophagus (a stone coffin) belongs to Antigonas, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. Archaeologists found the 2,500-year-old love message in the sarcophagus. See picture 1. Depictions of life, wars, and mythological figures were engraved according to their status on the sarcophagi of the people who died in ancient times. See picture 2. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum İznik The museum displays ceramic findings from the excavations in İznik as well as various antique and ethnographic objects recovered in archaeological excavations in and around İznik. The museum also presents animations of the life in those times. See picture 3. There is a section showing Ottoman metalwork and Turkish lifestyles from nomads to nineteenth century city living.2 See picture 4. Hagia Sophia, İznik The Church of Hagia Sophia is located in the center of İznik. It served as the venue of the

■ Picture 2

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

■ Picture 1

Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787. It originated as an early Byzantine basilica perhaps dating to the second half of the fifth century. Significance in Christianity İznik is the place 228 bishops from all over the world attended in 325 AD and where the basic principles of the Christian religion were discussed and decided. It is thought that Emperor Constantine attended the first religious meeting of the Christian world and the council held in İznik. İznik Tiles With its roots in the Seljuk empire and a development that spans centuries, the traditional art of İznik had its peak during the Ottoman empire. These iconic tiles decorated with turquoise and red tulip patterns were so popular they covered historic mosques all over Istanbul. The below picture is a famous pattern of İznik tiles called “The Tree of Life.” Also, the interior of the famous Blue Mosque is covered with İznik tiles.

■ Picture 3

■ Picture 4

Importance in Agriculture Last but not the least, İznik is a home for olive trees. All kinds of fruit are grown: apple, pear, plum, cherry, quince, etc., with the exception of bananas, oranges, apricots, and of course, tropical fruits. Twenty-five thousand tons of olives are produced annually from 1,600,000 olive trees within the borders of İznik. A UNESCO World Heritage List for 2024 This is a historic and peaceful town with spiritual values and important archaeological and historical findings located on the lake with outstanding natural beauty. It has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. İznik is definitely worth visiting. Go and see it before it gets too crowded! ■

References 1. İznik. UNESCO: World Heritage Convention. https://whc.unesco.org/en/tenta tivelists/5900. 2. Discover Islamic Art. Museum with No Frontiers. https://islamicart.museumwnf. org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL; tr;Mon01;18;en&cp Nil Guler is a graduate of Robert College and METU in Türkiye. She got her BSc in civil engineering and carried out extensive academic and administrative work in national and international fields together with her social work for students and women. She took part in many international and national conferences as a speaker. In 2003, she became a full professor. Between 2008 and 2015, she served as the Dean of Maritime Faculty of Istanbul Technical University. She retired as a professor from Istanbul Technical University.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 63

TURKISH CULTURE

MY FIRST İFTAR IN TÜRKİYE Mardin is a welcoming city that changed my opinion about Türkiye. By Tara Alisbah

n 2004, about 4 months after I came to live in Türkiye, I traveled to Mardin in the southeastern corner for a slightly trumped-up work visit. In fact, I was researching nongovernmental organizations serving children and youth “at risk,” and I could have gone to any city in Türkiye, but Mardin had been calling to me ever since I arrived. I had no knowledge of the city at the time, except as a place on the map, but whenever my eyes wandered to the right side of that map, they did not seem to want to go any farther. My great grandfather was from Damascus, apparently, and one can see

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the lights of Syria across the flat expanse that separates the two countries late at night. Perhaps it is his spirit in me that pulled me there, but since that first visit, which happened to take place during Ramadan, I have been back with my son and plan on going back again and again. That visit showed me a Türkiye totally at odds with what I knew from Istanbul. It was not the conglomeration of villages that is Istanbul. It was more than coexistence. It was an actual melting pot, a place where several cultures and languages were all mixed up together without borders. On the streets, wandering from sand-colored Madrasa to sand-colored Monastery, I heard people

speaking a language I did not know and kissing each other 3 times in greeting. I found out they were Suryani, ancient Christians speaking a modern form of Aramaic, the language of Jesus. I heard Arabic. I heard Kurdish. I heard Turkish. I heard all three issuing from the mouth of one person, or two from the mouth of many. At the time, I had no experience of fasting and imagined it to be a very difficult thing. I also had little awareness of what Ramadan actually signified or the customs involved. Also, being a big fan of Turkish cuisine in general, I knew that I must have içli kofte while in Mardin, and I tried to order some at the rather nice hotel where my Brazilian

counterpart and I were housed. I soon discovered that Mardin is not the place to sneak a daytime meal during Ramadan, not even in a fancy hotel. Again, this was not Istanbul; this was the real thing. They made us menemen (scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers) and I felt guilty and secretive as I ate it. My Brazilian friend did not feel guilty in the least, mind you. It was that the second-to-last-day of Ramadan, and we were wandering the streets marveling at the architecture and colors when we heard the evening call to prayer and the end to another day of fasting. We began to follow the general crowd, a slow march to a place we did not know. On the way, a young man in the middle of the road watched a day’s work come unfurled as the ropes around his cardboard-laden mule loosened and his karton came tumbling down. He stood stricken for the longest of seconds. Then he looked up to the heavens and cried: “I am H U N G R Y!” Other than my son’s tears, it was the saddest sound I had ever heard. My Turkish was better than my Arabic, in which he had uttered his plaintive cry, so I offered to help him in Turkish. He told me that it was no work for a woman and too heavy and I would not know how to tie the ropes. I ignored him, as I often do with such comments, not understanding if they come from a place of machismo or chivalry, and piled his mule back up and tied the ropes just fine. Then I continued to follow the crowd into a giant tent and wandered over to the counter to see what was going on. Someone apologized for it being the

dregs and handed me a bowl of soup. I tried to refuse, feeling like an impostor because I had already eaten that day and did not deserve such an offering, and a free one at that, but the server just waved me away. That was the other thing about Mardin, I felt less a foreigner there than in Istanbul. The guy at the Iftar Cadiri (the breaking-thefast tent set up by the municipality) did not

even look at me twice, or wonder what I was doing in there, or even ask me anything personal. He just served me as he served the person before and after me, and I am blond, blue-eyed, and look people square in the face, all of which usually award me the notice of the average Istanbulite. In fact, since being asked where I come from 40 times a day is possibly my least favorite part of living in Türkiye, my anonymity in this true cradle of civilization made me love Mardin even more. So, I thanked the municipality in my heart and the people of Mardin who had made me so welcome. I raised my cup of lentil soup in deference to Ramadan and the melding of faiths and cultures I felt all around me, and I enjoyed my first Iftar in Türkiye. ■ Tara Alisbah is the author of Turkish Hands, Gesturing Your Way Home, a short and amusing book documenting the hand (and facial) language that Turks use to communicate with each other in place of words.

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 65

A TASTE OF TURKISH CUISINE

ORANGE BAKLAVA PORTAKALLI BAKLAVA

This baklava recipe is good enough for a queen. By Sheilah Kaufman

azan is a special chafing dish used long ago to prepare food for the sultan. It is also the name of a very well-known Washington, DC, area Turkish restaurant owned by Zeynel Uzun. This orange baklava recipe is from the Kazan restaurant.1 It was first prepared in 1973 by Uzun in the Istanbul restaurant Konyalı (where he worked) for her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and served to her at Topkapı Palace. She loved it, and so will you! Syrup: 3 cups sugar 2 cups water Juice of 1 or 2 lemons

Baklava: 4 large oranges 2 1/2 to 3 cups sugar (1 pound) 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed and at room temperature 1 pound unsalted butter, clarified Garnish (optional): Whipped cream Mint leaves

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Make the syrup: Place the sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to medium and cook syrup, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, mix well, and cook another minute or two. Remove from the heat, let cool, and then refrigerate. Using a small sharp knife, slice the peel from the oranges in 6 pieces (from top to bottom), leaving the orange intact. Place the peel in a large pot with cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes. Place the peel in a colander to drain. Place peel in a bowl of cold water and let sit for an hour, then drain. This helps remove any bitterness from the peel. Drain well, and then place the peel in a food processor and chop. Slice the oranges into half-inch slices and cut again into half-inch pieces. Place the pieces of orange in a large bowl with the sugar and chopped peel. Mix well and let the mixture sit for an hour. This allows the pieces of orange to absorb some of the sugar. Place the orange-sugar mixture in a pot and cook 15 to 20 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and let cool. This can be made ahead in large batches and stored in the refrigerator.

Place a sheet of phyllo on a work surface, covering the rest of the phyllo with a very slightly dampened towel to keep it from drying out. Brush the sheet lightly with the melted butter and fold the sheet in half to form a sheet approx. 13 by 8 in. Turn the phyllo so the long edge is facing you and place a long row of the orange filling about one and a half inches from the edge. Brush the phyllo above the row of filling lightly with melted butter. Then, bring the long edge over the filling and continue to roll the phyllo up like a log or jelly roll. Carefully begin to coil one end of the log, continuing until you have a “rose.” Place on a lightly greased jelly roll pan and brush the rose with a little melted butter. Repeat, making and coiling the remaining baklavas. Preheat the oven to 400⁰ F. Bake the baklava for 20 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Check and make sure the bottoms are lightly brown, also. This is very important. Remove baklavas from the oven and pour the chilled syrup over the baklava. Serve with a dab of whipped cream topped with a mint leaf on top, if desired. This recipe makes 24 baklava pieces. Uzun noted: Either the syrup must be cold and the baklava warm or hot, or the baklava must be cold and the syrup hot. If both are the same temperature, the dessert will get mushy. ■ References 1. Ilkin N, Kaufman S. Orange Baklava à la Kazan. A Taste of Turkish Cuisine. www.amazon.com/ Taste-Turkish-Cuisine-Nur-Ilkin/dp/0781809487. Sheilah Kaufman is the author of 28 cookbooks and is a popular lecturer for organizations and clubs around the country (including the Library of Congress, The National Book Festival, Epcot, the Textile Museum, the Turkish Embassy, diplomatic groups, and senior residential centers). Cookbook topics include culinary histories, some with tastings (like her popular History of Chocolate), and other histories (such as the history of words, phrases, and nursery rhymes). Kaufman and Paula Jacobson (www.cookbookconstructioncrew.com) edit and proofread cookbooks, novels, and websites; they test recipes; and more.

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BUSINESS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUSINESS CERTIFICATION FOR YOU

Certification is a strategic decision for business progress and success. By Sara Jensen

PHOTO BY SORA SHIMAZAKI

chieving certification as a minorityowned business can offer a multitude of advantages, granting you access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and funding that

can fuel the growth of your small business. However, determining which certification best suits your specific business needs can be a challenging task. This article aims to provide you with an informative overview of the various certification options available:

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THE 8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The 8(a) Business Development program is designed to facilitate the growth of socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses by limiting competition for specific contracts to program participants. This exclusivity enables them to establish a strong presence in the federal marketplace. Businesses enrolled in the 8(a) program can: ● Compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts within the program. ● Access the guidance of a business opportunity specialist to navigate federal contracting. ● Form joint ventures with established companies through the Small Business Association (SBA)'s Mentor-Protégé Program. ● Receive comprehensive management and technical assistance, including business training, counseling, marketing support, and high-level executive development. ● Compete for contract awards under various socio-economic programs as applicable.

To be eligible for this program, business owners must have been active in the market for a minimum of two years and possess the following qualifications: ● No prior participation in the 8(a) program. ● Ownership and control by US citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, accounting for at least 51%. ● A personal net worth not exceeding $750,000, adjusted gross income below $350,000, and total assets not exceeding $6 million. ● Demonstrable good character.

HUBZone PROGRAM

To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must meet the following criteria: ● Be classified as a small business per SBA size standards. ● Be at least 51% owned and controlled by US citizens, a community development corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe. ● Maintain its principal office within a HUBZone. ● Employ a minimum of 35% of its workforce from the HUBZone.

CERTIFICATION FOR MINORITYOWNED BUSINESSES The landscape for minority-owned businesses is flourishing, with over four million such companies in the US, collectively generating annual sales nearing $700 billion. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is a prominent organization that provides certification for minorityowned businesses, connecting them with supplier diversity opportunities. While there are other certifying bodies for minorityowned businesses, the NMSDC's criteria are representative of industry standards.

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The government reserves certain contracts for businesses located in historically underutilized business zones, known as HUBZones. These zones often encompass Native American territories and rural areas. Additionally, HUBZone-certified businesses receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.

To qualify for this certification, your business must meet the following requirements: ● The business owners must hold US citizenship. ● The business must be at least 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled. Minority status typically encompasses at least 25% Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Native American ownership. Certification entails screenings, interviews, and site visits. For publicly owned businesses, a minimum of 51% of stock must be owned by one or more minority group members. ● The business must operate for profit and have a physical presence in the US or its territories. Minority owners must actively participate in the daily management and operations of the business. It is important to note that individual organizations typically oversee minority-owned

business certifications, and while they can facilitate access to funding opportunities, they themselves may not be governmentfunded. These organizations collaborate with extensive networks of corporations and entities offering contracting and mentoring opportunities. Moreover, a minority-owned business certification can be complemented by certifications for disability-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled owned, women-owned, or LGBTQ+ owned businesses if you meet the respective criteria. Holding multiple certifications can significantly broaden your pool of resources and opportunities for business success, with similar qualification criteria and application processes. In conclusion, regardless of your choice, obtaining a small business certification is a strategic decision that can greatly contribute to your business's overall progress, opportunities, and success. ■ Sources: SBA, Score, Department of Transportation

NOV 2023 | TURKNETWORK 69

WE FINANCE UP TO

BUSINESS PROFILE FURNITURE

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The Largest Turkish Furniture Collection THE LARGEST TURKISH FURNITURE COLLECTION

urkish furniture is designed and made from the highest quality materials to ensure comfort, performance and attractive appearance for a very long life. Different styles are produced such as classical, traditional and contemporary. With its designers and architects combined with its ﬂexible production capacity, the Turkish furniture industry is able to satisfy the requirements of all individual markets all over the world. Today, with all these aspects of the furniture industry, Turkiye is among the most promising furniture suppliers in the world.

Craftsmanship and Quality Turkish furniture is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Turkish furniture manufacturers use the best materials, including high-quality woods, metals, and fabrics to create furniture pieces that are both beautiful and durable. The manufacturers take pride in their work, and it shows in the quality of their products. Unique Designs Turkish designs are known for their unique appeal. Turkish furniture amanufacturers offer a wide range of furniture designs that cater to various tastes and preferences. From classic to contemporary designs, Turkish furniture adds character to any interior

space. Each piece of furniture is masterfully crafted to bring out the natural beauty of the materials.

Comfort and Ergonomics Turkish furniture is not only visually appealing but also comfortable and ergonomically designed. Turkish furniture manufacturers understand the importance of ergonomics and have carefully designed furniture pieces that follow the natural curves of the human body, ensuring maximum comfort for the users. From furniture that adds chic and aliveness to your house to accessories that complete your designs, it is possible to find anything you need in WinWin Furniture for your home. WinWin Furniture, produced with first-class quality materials and top-notch technologies, will not only add elegance to your home with its designs but will also allow you to use it for a long time with its durability. When you experience the comfort of comfortable armchairs, functional coffee tables and the best beds for your body, you will realize our difference and enjoy the endless comfort. Experience the beauty and elegance of luxury Turkish furniture by contacting us or visiting our showroom. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and helping you find the perfect pieces for your home.

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WIN WIN FURNITURE Woodbridge Store: 2571 Dynasty Loop Woodbridge, VA 22192 Manassas Store: 9109 Mathis Ave. Manassas, VA 20110 (571) 348-4880 / info@winwinfurn.com / www.winwinfurn.com

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Yataş Group grows in North American market Yataş Group, a leader in design and quality, is making strides in North America with brands like Yataş Bedding and Enza Home.

ataş Group has a well-deserved reputation for not only being a design and technology-led company but also for its uncompromising production quality. Notably in the mattress sector, it is one of Europe's largest manufacturers with an annual production capacity of one million. Relentlessly pursuing innovative and inspiring ideas from upholstery to complementary products for all living spaces, Yataş Group is committed to building trust-based, long-lasting relationships with all its stakeholders. The Group is taking firm steps forward into the future with its strong corporate structure and continuous investments in its brands worldwide.

Enza Home International has an extensive sales professional network that concentrates on sales and retail training and a USA office staff who are committed to excellent customer service and sales support. While the company ships in full and mixed containers direct from its factories in Türkiye, it also ships a majority of its North America assortment from a 70,000-square-foot distribution center in North Carolina. The company is committed to becoming a well-know brand in the North American market.

Yataş Bedding, as a well-established brand specializing in sleep health, comfort, and bedroom elegance, offers a wide range of mattresses using the most advanced technologies and carefully selected materials. Its textile collections also stand out with their innovative features and fashion-forward designs. Enza Home, inspired by people in its designs, designs furniture with high aesthetic quality and living in life. Adopting the principle of qualified craftsmanship, uncompromising attention to detail, and extraordinary material selection, Enza Home continues to collaborate with awardwinning designers worldwide. Turkish furniture manufacturer Yatas Group made inroads into the North American market in 2020 by establishing Enza Home International in High Point, North Carolina. As part of that initiative, the 47-year-old vertically integrated manufacturer has set up a North American marketing arm which is led by industry veteran Chad Turney the North America Director. Turney, a long-time furniture executive in the industry has developed a furniture and bedding company that is specifically designed and scaled for this market.

ENZA HOME INTERNATIONAL (336) 307-450 info@enzahomeusa.com www.enzahomeusa.com

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DID YOU KNOW?

PHOTO BY PETEK ARICI

THE TURKISH NEW LIRA, NOW KNOWN AS THE TURKISH LIRA, FEATURES UNIQUE CURRENCY SYMBOLS, SUCH AS .

THE TURKISH GRAND BAZAAR IN İSTANBUL IS ONE OF THE OLDEST AND LARGEST COVERED MARKETS IN THE WORLD.

WHIRLING DERVISHES ARE PART OF TÜRKİYE'S CULTURAL HERITAGE, KNOWN FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL DANCE.

TÜRKİYE IS HOME TO ONE OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST SHIPWRECKS, DATING BACK OVER 3,300 YEARS, DISCOVERED OFF ITS SOUTHWESTERN COAST.

THE FAMOUS PAMUKKALE TERRACES ARE FORMED BY MINERAL-RICH THERMAL WATERS, CREATING STUNNING WHITE TRAVERTINE TERRACES.

THE TRADITIONAL TURKISH MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CALLED THE "SAZ" RESEMBLES A LONG-NECKED LUTE. THE TURKISH LANGUAGE USES A LATIN SCRIPT, UNLIKE MANY OTHER LANGUAGES IN THE REGION. 72 TURKNETWORK | NOV 2023

TÜRKİYE'S DIVERSE GEOGRAPHY AND ECOSYSTEMS MAKE IT A HOTSPOT FOR BIRDWATCHING, WITH OVER 460 BIRD SPECIES RECORDED IN THE COUNTRY.

THE ANCIENT CITY OF TROY, WHERE THE LEGENDARY TROJAN WAR TOOK PLACE, IS LOCATED NEAR THE DARDANELLES STRAIT.

THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG IS A LARGE AND POWERFUL BREED NATIVE TO TÜRKİYE, OFTEN USED TO GUARD LIVESTOCK.

Residential and Commercial

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