TURKNETWORK MAGAZINE / APRIL 2024

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ISMAIL SHAHTAKHTINSKI

COMMUNITY STAR Dr ESMA AKIN

A DEEP DIVE INTO TÜRKİYE’S DIGITAL EDUCATION PLATFORMS

CELEBRATING APRIL 23 NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY

TurkNetwork

MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY-BASED MARKETING: THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS

Advertise with us and reach 35,000+ Turks in the Washington, DC, area!

Elevate your brand’s visibility and impact within this vibrant community through our diverse publication platforms.

Do not miss this targeted opportunity!

Contact us now!

For more info

MEDIA KIT

"A MAN WHO STOPS ADVERTISING TO SAVE MONEY IS LIKE A MAN WHO STOPS A CLOCK TO SAVE TIME."

– Henry Ford

The Turkish Business Directory is the ultimate premier publication for our thriving Turkish community. In the upcoming 2024-2025 edition, we are taking it to the next level.

Stand Out: Advertise in the 2024-2025 edition and receive complimentary promotions on our website and social media for two years!

Boost Your Sales: Tap into the thriving Turkish community in the Washington, DC, area and attract new customers year-round.

Limited Space: Act fast and secure your spot before it is gone!

Do not wait for success – Elevate your business now and watch it soar!

Hurry now and reserve your space! >

Free Business Listing >

Get Free Business Directory >

Kit

36

Empowering

PSYCHOLOGY

EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive

The

EDUCATION

Grocery List for Mental Health: Fruits and Vegetables By

42

IT HAPPENED HERE

From Historic Ties to Modern Bonds: The Evolution of Türkİye's Diplomatic Presence in the United States

46

Troy:

50

INFOGRAPHIC

TWO SPECIAL ISSUES ARE UPCOMING

MAY 2024 REAL ESTATE

JUNE 2024 TURKISH RESTAURANTS

Unveiling the Future: Exclusive Insights and Opportunities in Our Upcoming Special Issues!

Dive into the heart of innovation and tradition with our upcoming special issues dedicated to reshaping perspectives on Real Estate and celebrating the rich flavors of Turkish Cuisine. These editions are meticulously designed to serve as your ultimate guide, whether navigating the real estate market or exploring the culinary wonders of Türkiye in the DMV area.

WHY YOU CANNOT MISS THESE ISSUES

Real Estate Insights: Unlock the secrets of the market with exclusive listings, expert analyses, and a guide to navigating investments and financing.

Turkish Restaurant and Turkish Gastronomy: Journey through Türkiye's gastronomic landscape with interviews, recipes, and features on trends, from street food to gourmet delights.

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS

● In-depth explorations of market trends and culinary innovations

● Personal stories from Turkish realtors and restaurant owners

● Guides on investment, buying, and selling in the real estate realm

● A culinary tour from traditional recipes to modern Turkish dining trends

SPECIAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Align your brand with our influential content through unique, budget-friendly advertising options.

Secure your spot in these groundbreaking issues and connect with us at pr@turknetwork.us for more details.

Prepare to be inspired, informed, and indulged like never before with our special issues. Your reference for excellence in real estate and culinary exploration awaits.

Sara

David

Mary

Mehmet

Tara Alisbah

Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz

Oya Bain

Yasar Daglar

Erol Guler

Nil Guler

Melisa Gulsun Ozmen

Serra Karacam

Sheilah Kaufman

Murat Kolbasi

Oguz Konar

Sibel Kulaksiz

Dilek Livaneli

Olivia Manzagol

Kivanc Oguz

Güçlü Özenci

Suheyla Tayla

Kitty Waldorf PHOTO

Ekrem Baskan

Advertising Department

(703) 439-0557

pr@turknetwork.us

CHARTING THE FUTURE: FROM GROUNDBREAKING GATHERINGS TO UNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATIONS

IIn March, we celebrated an extraordinary occasion that underscored the spirit of empowerment and solidarity among women—the International Women's Day Power Network event. It was not just an event; it was a testament to the strength and resilience of women across various spheres of life. Hosted at the enchanting East West Café in Arlington, this gathering brought together nearly 100 individuals, encompassing entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders, all united in their commitment to celebrate and uplift women.

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to all who participated, making this event a resounding success. Your presence and enthusiasm contributed significantly to the vibrant and inspiring atmosphere that pervaded the day.

We were privileged to have three remarkable speakers grace our event: Elvan Demirkan, Ayca Karayel, and Guclu Ozenci. Each, a luminary in their field, shared insights and stories of perseverance, success, and inspiration. Their contributions were invaluable, and we are deeply thankful for their involvement.

Special recognition is due to our "Community Stars," Ayca Karayel and Guclu Ozenci, whose contributions to the Turkish community have been exemplary. Your efforts and dedication are truly appreciated, and we thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our next event scheduled for May 19. This promises to be an unforgettable gathering, coinciding with the commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. We urge you to mark your calendars and join us in what will undoubtedly be a memorable celebration.

Uniting for progress, celebrating achievements, and anticipating the unforgettable—our journey together continues.

In the coming months, our magazine has planned special issues that are sure to captivate and inform. May will see the publication of our Turkish American real estate and services issue, followed by our Turkish restaurant and gastronomy issue in June. These editions will delve deep into their respective themes, providing readers with unique insights and information. We are confident you will find these issues both enlightening and enjoyable.

We are proud to present an issue filled with 80 pages of engaging content, crafted with you in mind. Our team is dedicated to bringing you stories, information, and insights that resonate and inspire. If you have ever considered joining our magazine or event team, we would love to hear from you.

Lastly, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our YouTube channel. This new venture will allow us to share special content designed to inform, entertain, and inspire our audience. Stay tuned for updates, and do not forget to follow us for exclusive content you are sure to love.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported our endeavors and contributed to our community. Your participation and enthusiasm are what make our events and publications truly special.

SITKI KAZANCI

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY POWER NETWORK EVENT MARKS A MILESTONE IN MARCH

March witnessed a groundbreaking International Women’s Day Power Network event, celebrated with immense zeal and participation. Hosted at the charming East West Café in Arlington, the event unfolded as a vibrant gathering, drawing in nearly 100 guests, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders, all coming together to honor and empower women in various sectors.

The event was graced with the insights and stories of three distinguished speakers, each a beacon of success and inspiration in their respective fields. Elvan Demirkan, a best-selling author renowned for her profound works on emotional fitness, captivated the audience with her expertise, enlightening many about the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing in the corporate world. Ayca Karayel, the visionary founder and CEO of Newmoon Blinds, shared her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of leading a successful business. Guclu Ozenci,

celebrated for his accomplishments as a tech entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, offered valuable advice and insights into the technology sector, further enriching the event's diverse discourse.

The gathering was not just about speeches; it was a dynamic networking hub where guests seized every opportunity to connect, share, and learn from one another while enjoying an exquisite selection of Turkish cuisine that added a flavorful touch to the event.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Community Awards, a testament to the remarkable contributions of individuals to the Turkish community in Washington, DC. The awards were presented by notable figures, with Oya Bain, a respected community leader, bestowing the February Community Star award to Guclu Ozdenci for his outstanding service and contributions. In a similar spirit of recognition and celebration, Elif Gursoy, Chief Commercial Counselor at the Turkish Embassy

in Washington, DC, honored Ayca Karayel with the March Community Star award, acknowledging her exceptional impact and dedication to serving the Turkish community.

The event's success was further amplified by the skilled moderation of Serra Karacam, who seamlessly navigated the proceedings and ensured an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees.

The International Women’s Day Power Network event served as a platform for recognition and networking and as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging continued support and empowerment of women across all sectors. The community looks forward to more gatherings that celebrate achievements, foster connections, and contribute positively to the broader society. Congratulations to all the stars of the Turkish community; your hard work and dedication truly deserve recognition. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a resounding success.

SERTAB ERENER'S GRAND EUROVISION RETURN: CELEBRATING 21 YEARS WITH A MUSICAL REVIVAL

After a 21-year hiatus, Turkish pop icon Sertab Erener is set to return to the Eurovision stage, marking a significant comeback since her 2003 victory with "Everyway That I Can," Türkiye's first and sole win in the contest. Invited to perform at this year's Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden, on May 7 and 11, Erener's participation is eagerly anticipated. Recently, she captivated fans at the Atatürk Cultural Center's Türk Telekom Opera Hall, where she performed her hits with the same passion that won Europe over two decades ago. Reflecting on her journey, Erener shared her deep connection with the Atatürk Cultural Center, a place that fueled her dreams during her student days, and expressed her excitement about returning to Eurovision.

Erener will introduce a new rendition of "Everyway That I Can" for the event, promising a fresh take on the song that clinched the

2003 Eurovision title in Latvia, co-created with Demir Demirkan. Her career, which took off in the 1980s after working with Sezen Aksu, Türkiye’s renowned singer, saw "Everyway That I Can" achieve chart-topping success

across Europe. The song's legacy continued as it was voted the ninth greatest Eurovision song of all time in 2006, commemorating the contest's 50th anniversary, cementing Erener's status in Eurovision history.

CELEBRATION OF MARYLAND- KOCAELI SISTER STATES AT THE ANNAPOLIS INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION

Turkish American Community leaders participated in representing Türkiye in the 2024 Sister States International Legislative Reception in Annapolis, showcasing Turkish coffee, Turkish wines, desserts, boreks, handcrafts, travel brochures, cookbooks, and various posters. The highlight of the reception was the demonstration of Turkish folk dances by Kardelen dancers, and all the reception attendees happily joined the dance.

The American Turkish Association of Washington, DC (ATA-DC), Maryland American Turkish Association (MATA), Turkish American Steering Committee (TASC), Turkish Coffee Lady Foundation, and Kardelen dancers provided the volunteers, food, entertainment, and materials

for this highly successful program. Delicious food donations by Rudy's Mediterranean Grill in Columbia, MD, and East West Cafe in Washington, DC, were appreciated.

Kocaeli became Sister States with Gunay Evinch's initiative in 2017. Gunay Evinch and Berker Hazar are the cochairs of the MD Sister States Committee. Evinch is a political appointee in the Governor's Middle Eastern Communities Commission. The Sister States Program is the conduit for the formal Governor-to-Governor relationship between Maryland and its international Sister States. The Program oversees various global exchanges, promoting a balance of business, educational, and cultural interests. Visit the website. / By Oya Bain

PHOTOS

BBVA OPENS MIAMI OFFICE TO CATER TO HIGH-NET-WORTH CLIENTS; MURAT

KALKAN APPOINTED AS HEAD

The Spanish conglomerate has proudly announced the leadership for its recently inaugurated Miami-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), appointing Murat Kalkan as the helm on March 15, 2024. This initiative is primarily aimed at Latin American clients seeking international investment advisory services in the United States. It targets non-US resident clients with assets under management of at least $500,000. Clients of BBVA Global Wealth Advisors will benefit from various services, including non-discretionary portfolio management, as well as advisory and wrap fee accounts.

Murat Kalkan will direct a team of local advisors and market experts in this new endeavor. He stated, "Launching our US-based investment advisory service represents a vital addition to our offerings for the group's high-net-worth clientele. By entering the world's largest wealth management market, we aim to enhance our overall service portfolio and meet the extensive demands of our clients from different regions."

Prior to his role as CEO of BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Kalkan contributed five years to BBVA, initially joining in 2019 as the head of mortgage banking in Houston. He later transitioned to New York City to spearhead new digital projects. Kalkan, who exemplifies the potential for young executives to achieve C-suite positions in their early 30s, boasts an impressive background as a McKinsey alum. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Bogazici University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His education was further enriched at Galatasaray Lisesi in Istanbul and Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris, and he is fluent in English, Turkish, and French. We extend our best wishes to Murat Kalkan in his new capacity. For Latin American clients eager to explore confident investment strategies in the US, partnering with GWA offers a promising opportunity. Investment advisory services are provided by BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. (“GWA”), a registered Investment Adviser with the Securities & Exchange Commission and a fully owned subsidiary of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. "BBVA Global Wealth Advisors" is a registered trademark of BBVA.

IFTAR MENU AT OTTOMAN TAVERNA

Ottoman Taverna presents a special iftar menu featuring four courses. Reservations are recommended

FREE RAMADAN DINNER

Taste of Istanbul offers a free Ramadan dinner daily throughout Ramadan, with owner Kadir Vural extending his generosity to the Turkish community.

RAMADAN PIDE TRADITION

A cherished tradition during Ramadan, fresh Ramadan Pide is available daily at Akkiva Grill in Alexandria and Taste of Istanbul in Reston. Visit their websites for more details: Akkiva Grill / Taste of Istanbul

ALA RESTAURANT'S NEW BETHESDA LOCATION

Ala Restaurant welcomes guests to its new Bethesda venue, offering a Michelin-rated Levantine dining experience. This encounter celebrates the art of flavor, tradition, and modernity within a captivating setting. Experience the excellence of Levantine cuisine that has rightly earned its place in the esteemed Michelin guide. For more, visit Ala Bethesda.

THE WORLD'S TALLEST MAN AND THE WORLD'S SHORTEST WOMAN

Turkish Sultan Kösen, with a height of 8.23 feet, is the tallest living man in the world. Standing at 2.07 feet, the world's shortest living woman is Indian actress Jyoti Kisange Amge, in front of the Giza Pyramid.

ILKER ÇATAK'S "THE TEACHERS LOUNGE" NOMINATED FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE AT THE 96TH OSCARS

Hearty congratulations to Director İlker Çatak for his extraordinary success with "The Teachers Lounge," which has earned a prestigious nomination for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards!

TÜRKİYE'S HOUSING MARKET SPRINGS BACK

Türkiye's housing market demonstrated resilience in February with a 17.3% year-on-year increase in home sales, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). The nation witnessed the sale of 93,902 homes, recovering from consistent declines observed from August to December 2023 and a 17.8% drop in January 2024. February's sales not only surpassed January's 80,000 transactions but also spotlighted a shifting landscape with only 9.4% of sales being mortgaged homes, a significant reduction from the previous year. Mortgage sales have fallen by over 56% in the first two months of 2024, amidst rising interest rates on housing loans which have escalated from below 30% in July 2023 to 40.88% by March 1, 2024.

Istanbul emerged as Türkiye's leading property market, with 16,344 homes sold in February, while Ankara and İzmir followed with 8,300 and 5,168 sales, respectively. Despite the overall market rebound, sales to foreigners dipped by 44.9%, with Russians being the top foreign buyers despite a marked decrease in purchases across key cities like Istanbul and Antalya.

VALUE MORTGAGE:

REVOLUTIONIZING HOME BUYING WITH COMPETITIVE RATES AND TAILORED SERVICES

Value Mortgage, founded in 2023, offers a tailored customer experience for new home buyers. Utilizing the latest technology and collaborating with a range of local and national underwriters, the company ensures buyers receive the most advantageous rates and affordable closing costs. CEO Emrah Dilsizoglu commented, “Last week, for an FHA Loan, we offered a 5.00% interest rate and a 5.875% interest rate on a conventional loan. These rates are the lowest we've seen in the past 18 months, offering encouragement to those who have been waiting for better rates to become homeowners. Now might be the time.” With the summer season approaching, Dilsizoglu advised, “To avoid the competitive rush for a limited number of houses, consider purchasing a home before the July-August timeframe,” highlighting the competitiveness of home purchasing bids during the summer. Based in Vienna, Virginia, the company caters to both Turkish and international clients. Offering turnkey solutions for visitors to become homeowners has given the company a competitive edge, enabling it to work with non-visa holders on investment opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency.

Phone: (202) 766-7030 / Email: info@valuemortgage.co

TURKS' SCIENCE CAMP IN ANTARCTICA EXPLORES NEW RESEARCH

Türkiye is pioneering in both space and Antarctic research, as Turkish scientist Ersan Başar revealed. The nation conducts simultaneous projects in these realms, proudly flying the Turkish flag in both locations. This effort is part of the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition, where a team of scientists, under the coordination of the Turkish Presidency and the Industry and Technology Ministry, engaged in research on Dismal Island before establishing a base on Horseshoe Island. The expedition, also involving maintenance on Türkiye's first Global Navigation Satellite System station outside its borders, showcases Türkiye's expanding presence in global scientific research while ensuring safety measures against bird flu. This initiative highlights Türkiye's dedication to contributing valuable insights in both the Antarctic and space exploration.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES OR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE WOMEN

Women have historically been key advocates for sustainability and environmental concerns, yet their efforts have frequently been underestimated or sidelined.

By Olivia Manzagol

Women exhibit higher levels of socialization towards caring for others and adopting socially responsible behaviors. This inclination leads them to be more concerned about environmental issues and more willing to engage in environmentally friendly practices. In 2016, the Journal of Consumer

Research reported that men might be motivated to avoid or even oppose green behaviors to protect their gender identity. Until roughly a decade ago, engagement in social and environmental issues within the business sector was predominantly a female domain.

Currently, as we address climate change, green initiatives, and issues of social and governance equality, the significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has surged in both the business realm and our daily lives. This shift underscores a growing acknowledgment of the need for sustainable and responsible practices. While women have historically been key advocates for sustainability and environmental concerns, their efforts have frequently been either underestimated or sidelined. Particularly noteworthy is the ascent of the ESG investment sector, where women have proven their critical role. However, this sector remains largely male-dominated, with women representing a minority among investors, decision-makers, and asset managers.

Regardless of their country or business sector, a toast to all women! For the strength you demonstrate, the grace you embody, the beauty within your heart, and the gentleness of your soul. ■

Hamdi Ulukaya Chobani

Ahmet Bozer

Zeynep Tüfekçi New York Times

Cenk Sidar Enquire AI

Timur Cüceloğlu Yarnall Amazon

Esas Sosyal

n Cömertoğlu Google

Tammy Glazer Microsoft

Applied Technology Council

Jeff Schlegelmilch Columbia University

INNOVATION AND SOCIAL IMPACT SUMMIT

We see challenges like inequality, poverty, and environmental degradation not just as problems but as opportunities for innovative action, requiring bold and creative solutions.

By Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, PhD

At Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), we see issues like inequality, poverty, and environmental degradation not merely as challenges but as opportunities for innovative action. We believe that the complexities of these issues requires bold and creative solutions, pushing us to think and act differently. Our goal is to foster a community committed to building a brighter, more equitable future together.

I am excited to share details about an upcoming event that perfectly aligns with our commitment to driving change: the TPF Innovation and Social Impact Summit. The TPF Summit embodies our mission of being changemakers in all we pursue. We plan the event as more than just a gathering; it is an unparalleled opportunity to network for senior professionals, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and anyone passionate about making a difference. We will bring together our dynamic community of change-makers poised at the cutting edge of what is next.

The Summit is scheduled for April 23rd at the NY Times Center in NYC and promises unparalleled networking opportunities. It is a chance to form connections with senior professionals, thought leaders, and pioneers at the forefront of social innovation. Its agenda is meticulously designed to delve into pressing topics. It will feature discussions on how

cutting-edge technologies like AI and other technological advancements can serve as tools for improving communities and pushing the boundaries of global progress. This is a unique chance to engage with a network of individuals at the forefront of social change, offering insights into how corporations and individuals can contribute to creating a significant social impact.

The necessity for corporations to actively engage in creating social impact has never been more critical. In an era where consumers increasingly align their loyalties with brands that demonstrate genuine responsibility toward societal issues, the corporate world stands at a crossroads. The TPF Innovation and Social Impact Summit aims to highlight the significance of these entities' significance in spearheading innovations and applying these advancements for the greater good. By focusing on market-based solutions, we strive to explore how the private sector's resources and capabilities can be harnessed for the public good. This approach addresses social challenges effectively and ensures sustainability and scalability, which are critical elements for long-term impact.

Please mark your calendars for April 23rd and join us at the NY Times Center in NYC to tap into this extraordinary network and dive deep into discussions. Use discount code TURKNETWORK10 for an exclusive ticket rate for the TurkNetwork Magazine community. ■

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds

For 17 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has served our community to channel the generosity of over 100,000 donors to disburse more than $40 million. 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 is a collaborative hub where donors, businesses, and nonprofits unite, pooling resources and expertise. Together, we have fostered resilient communities and built a LEGACY of positive change that all of us are proud of.

www.tpfund.org

LinkedIn| Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

Read TPF Earthquake Fund 6th Month Impact Report

Read TPF’s Most Recent Annual Report

Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz leads Turkish Philanthropy Funds as its Executive Director and has been instrumental since its inception. She is also a writer, lecturer, and advocate for social change. Honored as an International Herst Fellow by the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society and a Young Society Leader by the AmericanTurkish Society, Senay frequently writes for the Huffington Post and teaches at Fordham University and the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society. Senay has a PhD in Political Science from Graduate Center, CUNY, and business certifications from Columbia and Harvard Business Schools. Additionally, she is a trained yoga and mindfulness instructor.

DBy Oya Bain

r Esma Akin, chief

COMMUNITY STAR:

ESMA AKIN, MD

For each edition, our award committee honors a "Community Star," spotlighting someone committed to assisting others, vigorously advocating for Turkish culture, and achieving professional success. Dr Esma Akin stands out for her active involvement in the Turkish community and generous support of significant activities and charities.

Therefore, we are delighted to recognize Dr Esma Akin in this issue.

as twins. I had a happy childhood, surrounded with a loving family, cousins, aunts and uncles.

of

Nuclear Medicine at The George Washington University Hospital, holds two full professorships at the George Washington University School of Medicine.

She is the recipient of many awards and has also been honored with the coveted Fellowship in the American College of Radiology. Beyond her highly successful career, she finds time to be involved in the Turkish community, generously supporting important activities and charities. She excels in her profession and volunteerism.

TurkNetwork thanks Dr Akin for her valuable time for this interview.

Can you tell us about your early beginnings? Your childhood? Original birthplace? Your parents, siblings?

I was born and raised in Ankara, Türkiye. I consider myself a true “Ankara’li.” My mother held a master’s degree in English literature from Dil Tarih ve Cografya University in Ankara. My father held a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from what was then Robert College (Now Bogazici University) in Istanbul. I have one brother who is the graduate of Bogazici University, also a mechanical engineer, and although he is younger, we grew up as close

What factors influenced you most in your formative years? Early education?

I went to Ayse Abla Ilkokulu, then T.E.D. Ankara Koleji for secondary school and high school. I knew I wanted to study medicine pretty early on, around age 7. I was always interested in how the human body worked. My pediatrician, Dr Meliha Kaygisiz, as well as my physician uncle Prof. Dr Samer Islam and Aunt Prof. Dr Sawsan islam, were role models who also fueled my interest in the field.

Higher education? Where and what did you study?

After I graduated from Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara, I came to Washington, DC, and started my residency in Nuclear Medicine at Georgetown University. In addition, I also completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Georgetown, and am board certified in both Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology. I have been the Director of Nuclear Medicine at The George Washington University for the past 24 years. I have served as a director of the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, the president of the American College of Radiology Washington, DC, Chapter, and currently serve in various

leadership roles in the American College of Radiology and The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. I was awarded fellowship by the American College of Radiology, an honor bestowed on only 15% of all board certified radiologists in the nation. I was honored to receive the Gold Medal Award by the American College of Radiology District of Columbia Chapter (DCMRS), in recognition of excellence and service in the field of Radiology. I was elected and served as the president of the Georgetown Clinical Society in 2022-2023.

I was awarded the titles of Professor of Radiology as well as Professor of Medicine by The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. I was also awarded the Golden Apple Teaching award by my residents at The George Washington University.

How did you choose your career path?

I was always interested in science and medicine. Physics was another field I liked. One of my other role models was Prof. Dr Gunaydin Erbengi who was the chief of Nuclear Medicine in Hacettepe University. She, as well as Prof. Dr Fevzi Renda, another nuclear medicine physician, were pivotal in my interest in the field of molecular imaging, which I realized was the perfect fusion of medicine and physics. To this day, this makes my

Awarded fellowship by the American College of Radiology, an honor bestowed on only 15% of all board certified radiologists in the nation.

work pleasurable. During medical school, I rotated at Johns Hopkins University and sat at the view box with Dr Henry Wagner, and Dr Cahid Civelek, both masters of the field. I then rotated at Georgetown University with Prof. Dr Olcay Cigtay who was a key figure in my life, and the reason I chose to pursue an additional specialty in diagnostic radiology.

Could you tell us about your experiences in Washington, DC? In the US, in general? What are some memorable ones?

I first came to Washington, DC, in my early twenties and spent most of my time in Georgetown where I lived. During most of my twenties I was busy, on call in the hospital, or

studying. DC had a vibrant Turkish American social scene and I quickly became a part of it after residency. I got involved with almost all of the Turkish American organizations and felt this was my duty. I served on the board of trustees of ATAA. I was actively involved in my community as well as my children’s education. I served on the Board of Trustees at the Maret School in Washington, DC, for two consecutive terms. During my time in DC, I did not encounter many prejudice-based obstacles to achieve a successful career.

Tell us about your current family. Do you have family in the US?

I have two daughters, one of whom is in medical school and one who is a researcher in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery. I lost my father in 2012. He was my hero and my king in every sense of the word. I am happy that after a long hiatus, my beloved mother finally moved to the US and lives with me. I also have other family in the US, aunts and cousins who live in various states. My aunt, Dr Sondos Islam, is the chairperson of The Department of Urban Public Health in Charles R. Drew University in Los Angeles. She has been and continues to be a role model to me in her love of science and unparalleled work ethic.

■ Gold Medal recipient of the ACR DCMRS.

What issues have you been working on?

I have been trying to live in the moment and not take anything I have been blessed with for granted. This includes health, nature, friends and family and the gift of each new day we are lucky enough to wake up to. My profession taught me early on not to take one’s health for granted even for a moment. Further, teaching and helping young physicians get their sea legs as successful radiologists have been incredibly rewarding.

What hobbies and activities do you enjoy in your free time?

I love walking and reading. In particular, I love biographical books and finding out about the lives and experiences of figures I find interesting in history and today. I also very much value time with family and friends, which I believe is therapeutic.

Could you describe your daily routine for us?

My daily routine is pretty unvaried, but I revel in routine! My day starts with checking email and holding teaching sessions with my residents. Clinic is usually busy during the day and starts to wind down around late afternoon. My day is usually filled with meetings during the times I am not in clinic. I like to take walks at the end of my work day, and then I catch up with family. I try and have restful weekends without too much running around.

What is your favorite quote?

Favorite English quote: "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again."

Favorite Turkish quote: "Zararın neresinden dönülse kârdır!"

What is your proudest moment in your life?

When I realized that my daughters would rather spend time with me catching up on life than with anyone else!

Who is the most influential person in your life?

Without a doubt, my late father. I often wished I could just clone his brain and put it into my skull. He was the greatest of all time, and a true original. He was brilliant, a winner, and had an incredible sense of humor. He was a great judge of character. He was selfless to a fault when it came to his family and those who were less fortunate. He was incredibly charitable, yet always remained anonymous. There is not a day that passes that I do not miss him terribly. I truly wish he could be there when I was granted not one but two professorships, but I know he is watching.

Is there something that the readers of TurkNetwork magazine might be surprised to learn about you?

I was classically trained in opera singing and am a soprano. I also was a gymnast growing up.

What are your recommendations to the Turkish-American Community?

Be effective Turkish Americans and raise effective Turkish Americans. Get involved and stay involved. This starts with volunteerism. I feel that we as Turkish Americans are lacking in

engagement with these organizations these days, relative to the increased number of us living in the DC metro area today. Engagement with our organizations is so important in maintaining a strong grassroots as Turkish Americans. Do not underestimate the importance and influence of the Turkish American community in your local politics. Do not hesitate in supporting your local US representatives who are friends of Türkiye, through volunteerism or financial support.

Would you like to share any message with our readers?

Unity of the Turkish American community is more important than ever. We should be supportive of young Turkish Americans and encourage them to get involved in key professions that influence public opinion such as positions in government, journalism, film making, authorship, law, and public service. There should be more Turkish American judges, journalists and government servants, software and web developers, and network administrators, which ultimately serves the ethnic identity of our future generations. We thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. ■

Oya Bain is a retired biochemist from Georgetown University Hospital. She has been a long-standing activist in the Turkish community, both in cultural and political affairs. She has served and still does on the boards of many Turkish American organizations. She believes in strong ties between Türkiye and the US and strives to promote Turkish history and culture at every chance.

■ Leadership acceptance speech at the American College of Radiology.

ECONOMY

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO ELIMINATE WORLD HUNGER?

With direct cash transfers and pinpoint poverty maps, ending world hunger is an achievable reality, not a distant dream.

By Sibel Kulaksiz

Is it administratively or logistically complicated to end world hunger once and for all when we know where the impoverished people are thanks to poverty maps generated for every country at municipality levels? Direct cash transfers are proven to be the most effective way of reaching beneficiaries. The Center for Global Development found that ending poverty costs $160 USD per person/year. For example, if we transfer $500,000 USD directly to the community―preferably under the leadership of the women community leaders―this money could take 3,125 people out of poverty overnight. This could be delivering cash to impoverished people and letting recipients decide how best to meet their needs. Of course, the one-time transfer is insufficient to keep people out of poverty, but we must first eliminate world hunger. It is unacceptable to allow famine in this era when it does not take much logistical time to reach these communities. This is an obligation of us all. Once we ensure that there is no hungry person left, ending poverty is the next priority toward which many organizations are already working tirelessly.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of undernourishment has been increasing every year. The number of impoverished people has climbed from 572 million in 2017 to 735 million in 2023. This disgraceful situation exists despite significant efforts by humanitarian organizations. But maybe we need a new and more practical approach to

end world hunger. According to the United Nations, hunger is when people experience severe food insecurity—meaning they go for entire days without eating due to lack of money and access to food. Women, children, and the elderly are disproportionately affected by this situation as they are the poorest of the poor in any community. They usually do not get equal access

to the resources. The solution to address this issue is not complicated. Economic literature shows that both conditional and unconditional cash transfers can make a substantial positive impact on people's lives. World hunger is preventable. According to the United Nations, there is no global food shortage because we produce more than enough to feed everyone. We make

ECONOMY

so much food globally that one–third of it―1.3 billion tons―is wasted. And yet, 14 million children suffered from severe acute malnutrition in 2023. Around 45 percent of child deaths worldwide are due to hunger and related issues. One in ten people worldwide go to bed hungry each night, mainly driven by external shocks and chronic inequality. This is all happening during our watch. The chart below shows the world’s hunger hotspots based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations; and World Food Programme (WFP). Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the worst hunger crisis, with 26 million people severely hungry.

Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP Early Warnings on Acute Food Insecurity

Every day we do not address world hunger, child protection problems are becoming more acute and widespread. According to Plan International, 45 percent of children between six months and four years old are malnourished. In Mali, stunting affects over

Syrian Arab Republic

Afghanistan

Ethiopia Somalia Nigeria Kenya

South Sudan

Myanmar Pakistan

Key

30 percent of children under five. In Zambia, more than a third of children under five are stunted. Despite global surplus, the situation is worsening while we are watching. In Guatemala, two-thirds of the population lives on less than $2 USD a day. In Sierra Leone, 66 percent of the population cannot meet their basic food needs. In Bangladesh, 40 million people are food insecure. In Burkina Faso, 3.3 million people are suffering from extreme hunger. Of course, cash transfers and food delivery will not solve all the problems, but these are the first steps to eliminate world hunger. Then, in parallel, we can talk about practical solutions to address poverty, such as educating children, providing access to clean water, ensuring primary health care, and creating economic opportunities for the population.

Cash transfers to disadvantaged people give them tools to invest in their future. It has a multiplier effect. A study by the University of California at Berkeley found that every $100 USD given directly to the poorest households generated between $250 USD and $270 USD in GDP. That is a fiscal

multiplier between 2.5 to 2.7―around 18 months after the money was spent. They also found that cash transfers benefited the entire local economy, not just direct recipients, as money made its way through the area; both families who did and did not receive cash ended up substantially better off. Cash transfers are often more efficient and effective than other aid forms. Administrative costs are much lower, and resources directly reach the right people. Households could decide and prioritize their recovery with a transparent, simple system showing where the money is spent. ■

Sibel Kulaksız is a Senior Economist with the World Bank Group South Asia Region, based in Washington, DC. She also served as Country Economist for Middle East and Africa regions taskmanaging macroeconomic policy work with a focus on economic growth, fiscal policy, international trade and regional economic integration issues.

Ms. Kulaksiz is the Executive Board Member of the Harvard Kennedy School Women’s Network, and Co-President of the Arya Women International Club. She sits on the Executive Board of the Istanbul Economy Summit. She is also the Washington, DC, representative of the World Turkish Business Council.

Haiti

REGIONAL RISK Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali)

Yemen

Democratic Republic of the Congo

REGIONAL RISK Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua)

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; and World Food Programme.

RETRACTABLE

BOOKLETS/CATALOGS

BANNERS

FLYERS

FOAM BOARDS

WINDOW CLINGS

FROM BAKU TO THE AMERICAN DREAM: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND SUCCESS

Exclusive Interview with

ISMAIL SHAHTAKHTINSKI

Despite growing up in a time of transition and turmoil, I have learned that adversity can shape you into a person of strength, ready to tackle the world's challenges head-on.

By Sitki Kazanci

In this engaging and enlightening conversation, we explore the remarkable journey of Ismail Shahtakhtinski, whose roots in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the challenging times of the Soviet Union's collapse, have shaped a path of resilience, academic excellence, and professional success. From his early education amid economic crises to his impressive accomplishments in the United States, including a significant legal career and dedicated volunteer work within the Turkish community, his story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of family and community, and the enduring spirit of achieving the American Dream.

Can you tell us about your beginnings? Family, early education, environment, region?

I was born in Baku, Azerbaijan in a professor family, during the Soviet Union, which collapsed when I was in middle school. It was a difficult time; the country was in transition and at war with Armenia supported by Russia.

There was a massive economic crisis with shortages of food and basic supplies, and long lines everywhere. After graduating from high school, I went to college in Baku and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international economic relations. I worked for several years in foreign oil companies and banks before moving to the United States at the age of 20.

How did you come to the United States?

My older brothers already lived in the US, and I was planning to move here to study law in a US law school. Luck had it that I won my US permanent residency (green card) in a Diversity Visa lottery, which at that time was being conducted only by mail. My brother here in the US helped me to apply via mail when I was 18 years old, but at that time, I did not really know what it was. When my brother called me from the US to tell me that I was selected my first reaction was—can I sell it to someone. I was doing very well in Azerbaijan, a happy teenager feeling myself on top of the world and did not really understand how hard it was for many to attain permanent residency in the United States. Luckily, my brothers explained

the importance of it, and I ended up going through the entire process and getting my green card before moving to the US.

What factors influenced you most in your formative years?

Of course, my parents and my older brothers influenced me a lot, along with the socioeconomic context. I spent my teenage years during the transition period from the socialist system of the Soviet Union to the creation of an independent republic, transforming from a socialist system to western capitalism.

Higher education? Where did you study?

High points? Were there low points?

I finished my undergraduate degree in Baku, Azerbaijan, before moving to the US and starting law school. I got my Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What made you choose to go to law?

Multiple factors. My father, who is a physics professor, used to always tell me that I will become a “prosecutor” partially because of

My journey from Azerbaijan to the United States is a testament to the fact that, with determination and the support of family, achieving the American Dream is not just a possibility but a reality.

my character, and I was initially thinking about enrolling in law school for undergrad in Baku. But the times were rough, and there was pervasive corruption in the legal system of Azerbaijan, not only in practice but also in education. Sadly, it continues to this day. So, I decided to do undergrad in something more neutral but with a plan to do law school somewhere abroad, which ended up being my Juris Doctor degree in New Orleans, Louisiana.

How did you meet your wife? Children?

The marriage, family, and home life?

My wife and I met through a common friend. My wife was born in Minsk, Belarus. We had somewhat similar journeys moving to the US and similar upbringing in educated mid-income families of different republics within the Soviet Union. We met in Virginia in 2008 and have been together since. We have two daughters — Camilla and Milana.

Could you share how your career has evolved? I understand you are involved in volunteering within the Turkish Community and other groups. Could you tell us more about your experiences there?

Before my legal career, I worked in many fields. I started working as a salesperson in a tech department store when I was 13 years old, making $15/month, which for a middle school

kid was plenty. I remember, I would take the first $5 of each month’s salary and spend it on fun stuff like video games, gum, etc., spend $5 for more useful stuff like books or memberships in the library, and put off $5 as savings. Fifteen dollars was a lot of money for those days! I remember when I had my first $100 saved from salary, selling some video games, and some given to me by my uncle for my birthday; I thought I was the richest man in the world!

When I started my undergraduate degree, I began working as an interpreter for a British timeshare company in Baku, where I met lots of foreigners working for oil companies that came to Azerbaijan for oil exploration after Azerbaijan gained its independence. Soon after, I transitioned to working for a US oil company called Santa Fe as a translator. I was responsible for translating their safety manuals from English for oil rig workers in Azerbaijan. I used to spend days and nights in the office translating manuals and other written materials from English to Russian language.

There was a DHL delivery man who would often deliver packages to the office late at night and he would always see me there alone working after hours. I was 17 years old at that time. One time, he brought some packages very late in the day, and when he saw me there alone translating documents, he approached me and told me: “I see you here every evening late at

night, and I know this is a nice job and you are probably making good amount of money for your age. But look, one day you will grow up and you will have a lot of money but wish you could return to this age and spend your nights not at the office but having fun and doing what youth at your age should be doing. You will want to give everything you have to return to this age, spend it with friends, and enjoy life.” These words stuck with me for the rest of my life. I still have this DHL man’s image in my mind and hear his voice in my head every time when I find myself doing more work than enjoying life or spending time with my family and friends.

Shortly before moving to the US, I began working as a finance clerk and administrator at a British Bank, which was part of HSBC. Once I moved to the US, using my experience in finance/accounting, I began working as an accountant immediately before going to law school. I was working full time and taking evening classes at the law school, taking short naps in between. At the second year of my law school, I began clerking for a small law firm in New Orleans which practiced immigration law. My work at that firm, as well as my background, significantly influenced my decision to become an immigration lawyer, which I am today.

I am also proud to have served on the board of American Turkish Association (ATA-DC) for several years, where I was involved in promoting Turkish culture and organizing the largest

Embracing the challenges of my early years in Azerbaijan taught me the invaluable lesson that our greatest trials can lead to our most significant triumphs, fueling my journey to success in America.

and best ethnic annual festival in the heart of Washington, DC. Our law firm has been a proud sponsor and participant every year for the last 15+ years.

Could you provide us with some details about your law firm? What areas do you specialize in, and how many people are on your team?

I started my law practice approximately 18 years ago, focusing on immigration law and personal injury. Initially a solo endeavor, I eventually hired a paralegal I met during my Virginia bar exam. She later became a lawyer with her own successful practice, and we still collaborate. Over the years, my practice expanded to include multiple lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. We currently have a team of seven, and our primary focus remains immigration law and personal injury. Our staff members come from diverse backgrounds and collectively speak nine different languages.

Describe a routine day in your life as a very busy lawyer.

My day typically begins with breakfast with my family before the kids head off to school. Then, depending on my schedule, I might work remotely from my home office, go to the office, or travel to courts and immigration offices for hearings or client interviews. Most of my day is spent interacting with clients, conducting consultations, and reviewing memos, briefs, and court filings. I am fortunate to have an excellent team and support staff without whom I could not manage this practice even for a day.

What activities and hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

I am an avid outdoorsman and enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, farming, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. Our family owns a 60-acre farm in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia, where I often engage in gardening, planting crops, riding ATVs, using my tractor, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

What is your favorite quote? What is your proudest moment in life? Who is the most influential person in your life?

My favorite quotes center around resilience and progress. One is attributed to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, another to Muhammad Ali, and the third, though debated, is often attributed to Nelson Mandela:

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

– Martin Luther King Jr

"Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

– Muhammad Ali

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

– Nelson Mandela (disputed)

My proudest professional moments are when my team and I positively impact people's lives by helping them establish themselves in the United States or obtain fair compensation for their suffering. It is incredibly rewarding to

make a practical difference and see immediate changes and results. For example, knowing that there is a generation of immigrants born in the US who will lead peaceful and prosperous lives because our team secured their parents' immigrant status or asylum in the US is incredibly fulfilling.

Is there something that the readers of TurkNetwork magazine might be surprised to learn about you?

Not really, I am a simple plain-ole AzerbaijaniAmerican-Turk. What you see is what you get.

Your future plans?

Continue growing professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What are your recommendations and message to the Turkish-American Community?

Stick together, support one another, and socialize. While there may be political differences in every community, it is important not to let them divide us. The Turkish community in the US has been strong and united, and I hope it remains so. I am proud to be a part of it! ■

THE MARVEL OF APRIL: UNVEILING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF APRIL 23

NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY ON ITS 104TH ANNIVERSARY

Atatürk's visionary declaration of April 23 as National Sovereignty and Children's Day underscores the belief that children are not merely our future, but the very essence of our existence, marking a commitment to nurturing the next generation as the torchbearers of hope and unity worldwide.

By Dilek Livaneli

C"hildren are not only the promise of our future but also the essence of our existence," articulated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary behind the Republic of Türkiye. Elevating the status of children to that of paramount importance is not just pivotal for their individual growth but also for the collective destiny of a nation and the

globe at large. Recognizing this profound truth, Atatürk bestowed upon April 23rd the distinction of a day dedicated solely to children. Let us delve into the profound meaning and significance of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

A Day Enshrined for the Young Ones April 23rd, 1920, marks the inception of the First Grand National Assembly and the declaration of Turkish people's sovereignty.

Exactly four years later, on April 23rd, 1924, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ordained this significant day to be celebrated as a holiday. Another five years down the road, on April 23rd, 1929, he enshrined this day to honor children. Thus, April 23rd, 1929, became synonymous with National Sovereignty and Children's Day. The tradition of seating children in parliamentary chairs and welcoming students and families from Ankara to partake in the festivities commenced in

1929. The official recognition of this day transpired with the enactment of the "Law on National Holidays and General Holidays" on May 27th, 1935. It was not until 1979 that this celebration attained international recognition. UNESCO's proclamation of 1979 as the "Year of the Child" propelled the global observance of April 23rd with children worldwide. Initially embraced by six nations, this holiday now sees participation from children in over forty countries. The significance of April 23rd reverberates deepy; Türkiye is the sole nation to dedicate a holiday expressly for children. Atatürk's gesture symbolizes an unwavering faith in the youth as the torchbearers of the nation's future. Thus, it stands as a pivotal opportunity for successive generations to comprehend the importance of April 23rd and for custodians of the republic to nurture conscientious citizens. Beyond its national boundaries, this auspicious day serves as a conduit to fortify the bonds of affection, camaraderie, and unity among all children worldwide.

As Turkish expatriates, let us instill in our children the profound significance of this special day and kindle in them the fervor to commemorate it with zeal adorned with flags.

The torchbearers of our Turkish language and culture in the familial sphere are none other than parents. It is through them that national sentiments are nurtured and perpetuated across generations.

Pictured are my Turkish students at the International School of London, where I take pride in serving as a Turkish Teacher amidst a diverse student body representing 27 different native languages. I have devised a Turkish Mother Tongue Teaching Program tailored for Turkish children residing abroad, providing bespoke instruction to my students. I am deeply privileged to

be a member of the esteemed ISL community, renowned as one of the foremost schools globally.

My two decades plus of teaching experience has been dedicated to fostering children's happiness, for a joyful child is an avid learner. In moments of despair, I often seek solace in the innocent gaze of a child—a reminder of three invaluable lessons: the capacity for unadulterated happiness, the art of continuous engagement, and the unwavering determination to pursue one's aspirations. It is from them that I draw inspiration to tread onward. Teaching, after all, is an odyssey…

Every child learns, albeit through varied avenues and at their own pace. Regardless

of geographical location, let us steadfastly uphold and preserve our mother tongue, for it is the conduit through which we express our deepest emotions and anchor ourselves to our cultural heritage. ■

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.

IMAGE BY PIKISUPERSTAR ON FREEPIK

EMPOWERING THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION:

A DEEP DIVE INTO TÜRKİYE’S DIGITAL EDUCATION PLATFORMS

Bridging cultures through digital learning: Türkiye's commitment to the TurkishAmerican community shines in its innovative digital education platforms, ensuring the vibrant preservation of Turkish language and culture across generations.

By Ali Kılıçlıoğlu

In the age of globalization, maintaining a solid connection with one's cultural heritage and language is both a challenge and an opportunity, especially for diaspora communities. The TurkishAmerican community, vibrant and diverse, faces the unique task of preserving its rich cultural heritage while navigating the educational landscape of the United States. Recognizing this, the Ministry of National Education (MEB) of Türkiye has innovatively stepped forward to bridge this gap. By launching comprehensive digital education platforms, MEB is democratizing education for Turkish citizens worldwide

and ensuring that the Turkish language and culture remain vibrant threads in the fabric of the Turkish-American community's identity. This initiative is a testament

to Türkiye’s commitment to educational equity, offering a wealth of resources that cater to learners of all ages, from early childhood to adulthood.

EDUCATION

DIGITAL EDUCATION PLATFORMS: A LIFELINE FOR THE TURKISHAMERICAN COMMUNITY

Platforms for Children:

Nurturing Early Connections

Understanding the importance of early education, MEB has developed platforms targeting children aged 3-6. These platforms are crucial in introducing young learners to the Turkish language and cultural values, laying a solid foundation for their future education.

365 Gün Oyun emerges as a standout, leveraging the power of play, an essential element in a child's development. It provides a variety of games that enhance cognitive skills, motor abilities, and emotional growth, making learning both fun and impactful.

Similarly, 365 Gün Öykü is a digital library of stories and fairy tales, meticulously crafted to support Turkish language learning. This platform not only aids in linguistic development but also fosters a deep-rooted connection with Turkish culture, offering stories that reflect the moral and ethical values of the Turkish heritage.

For a more interactive experience, the interactive games platform introduces various applications aimed at enhancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. These tools are designed to be engaging and educational, suitable for children at different learning levels.

In our commitment to supporting our children's Turkish language and cultural education in the region, we have launched the "America Turkish School" on weekends through online classes. This initiative aims to further the learning and preservation of the Turkish language and culture among the Turkish-American community, ensuring that our children stay connected to their roots while growing up in a multicultural environment.

Youth Education Support:

Shaping Future Leaders

MEB provides platforms for school-aged children and teenagers that support educational journeys through interactive

content. EBA stands at the forefront, offering many vetted educational materials suitable for different grade levels. This platform continues to evolve, incorporating the latest in educational technology and pedagogy, thanks to contributions from experts and leading global educational firms. EBA's rich content pool is further expanded by the active participation of teachers and students, creating a vibrant online learning community.

Moreover, OGM Materyal and Dersler Cepte further complement these efforts by providing interactive textbooks, question banks, and lesson-specific resources for middle and high school students. These platforms are instrumental in reinforcing classroom learning and addressing knowledge gaps, offering a structured and comprehensive educational support system in the Turkish language.

Adult Education Platforms: Embracing Lifelong Learning

Acknowledging that education is a lifelong journey, MEB has introduced platforms like HEMBA and Dijital Ebeveyn to

cater to the adult segment of the TurkishAmerican community. These platforms offer various online courses covering vocational training, digital literacy, and more, underlining the principle that education transcends age and geographical boundaries. Through these resources, adults can continue their education, acquire new skills, and stay connected with their cultural roots.

Values Education Platform

In addition to academic and skill-based learning, MEB places a strong emphasis on values education. The Din Öğretimi Portalı is designed to instill national, moral, and humanitarian values through a curriculum that includes cultural and religious education. This approach aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who are aware of their cultural heritage and ethical responsibilities.

Vocational and Technical Education Platform

With an eye on the future workforce, MEB’s MET-UP platform facilitates the creation of AR and XR vocational education

EDUCATION

lessons. This initiative supports the professional development of Turkish-Americans, offering them the tools to succeed in a competitive global market while remaining connected to their homeland's educational resources.

Moreover, we have taken significant steps to distribute Turkish language and culture storybooks to children in our region. These storybooks are not just educational tools; they are bridges to our rich cultural heritage, designed to instill a sense of identity and pride in our young learners.

In addition to these educational programs, we have also contacted Turkish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the region, supplying them with Turkish language and culture textbooks. This initiative has opened the door for NGOs under their umbrella to offer Turkish language courses, expanding educational support for the Turkish language and culture beyond our direct platforms. By

collaborating with these organizations, we are building a robust network that ensures the Turkish language and cultural education is accessible to all community members, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cultural continuity.

These efforts, collectively, represent a comprehensive approach to supporting the Turkish-American community's educational needs. By leveraging digital platforms, distributing educational materials, and partnering with local NGOs, the Ministry of National Education is dedicated to nurturing a well-educated, culturally aware, and connected Turkish diaspora in the United States. This strategic blend of resources and community engagement ensures that our heritage and language flourish across generations, reinforcing the ties that bind the Turkish-American community to their ancestral homeland. By providing accessible, comprehensive, and culturally relevant educational

resources, MEB ensures that TurkishAmericans can thrive academically and personally, strengthening their ties to Türkiye’s rich cultural legacy. As these platforms continue to grow and evolve, they promise to be a beacon of learning and cultural connection for Turkish communities worldwide, reinforcing the belief that education knows no borders. ■

Born in Istanbul with roots in Artvin, Ali Kılıçlıoğlu embarked on his academic journey in 2009 at Galatasaray University, focusing on Digital Diplomacy. His career includes pivotal roles at COJEP International in Strasbourg, enhancing Turkish cultural visibility in Europe, and at SETA Foundation, exploring Turkish Media and Polarization. As project manager for the "Istanbul Youth Capital" initiative and later at Türk Telekom, he led significant advertising and digital projects. His achievements continued at Istanbul Airport, winning recognition in advertising competitions. In 2022, Kılıçlıoğlu joined the Ministry of National Education as an advisor, spearheading digital education projects like DİYALEKT, MET-UP, and HEMBA, before his 2023 appointment as Education Attaché in Houston.

GROCERY LIST FOR MENTAL HEALTH: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Nutrition is the foundation of our mental well-being. With the right fruits and vegetables, we can feed our brains as well as our bodies, fostering a healthier mind in a healthier body.

By Burcin Ogrenir, PhD

It is becoming widely accepted in the scientific community that the gut is our second brain, if not the first. This means that our cognitive functions and emotional well-being are significantly influenced by what we eat. However, when we face mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, which are standard nowadays, the first response from the medical community is often a prescription for medication. While medication can be necessary and effective in some cases, it is also known today that nutrition is the foundation of our mental well-being. In other words, the notion of "you are what you eat" is becoming increasingly important with the recent rise in mental health struggles. Although current science

and medical practice are far from prescribing food or lifestyle changes for mental health, we can start by using it to strengthen our minds and possibly prevent any cognitive or emotional disorders. With the incoming spring and the availability of fresh products, I wanted to write this April article about

fruits and vegetables for our mental health. Below, you will find five essential nutrients for mental well-being. While this list is not comprehensive, it is a good start for your next visit to the grocery store.

PHOTO BY PEOPLE IMAGES

Our cognitive functions and emotional well-being are significantly influenced by what we eat. Embrace the power of nutrition to strengthen your mind and possibly prevent cognitive or emotional disorders.

Vitamin C

It is the first vitamin we reach for when we come down with a cold and the first to prevent it. But did you also know that vitamin C is necessary for stress management? It protects our cells from oxidative stress and aids in synthesizing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood. So, first on your list are citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and kiwis, which are excellent sources.

Folate

Folate, a natural form of vitamin B9, is essential for brain function, contributing to the synthesis of DNA and neurotransmitters. Mood disorders such as depression are also linked to low levels of folate. So, leafy greens, avocados, and bananas are second on your list.

Potassium

This mineral impacts stress regulation and mood by helping regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. It is found in some of the most delicious fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, oranges, and sweet potatoes.

Fiber

Fiber fuels the digestive system to move smoother and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, linked to (guess what?!) improved mood and cognitive function. So, next time you reach for berries, pears, and broccoli, remember that you also support your mental health.

Antioxidants

Inflammation is one of the leading causes of mental health disorders. Antioxidants like flavonoids and beta-carotene prevent oxidative stress and inflammation. Springtime is great for some berries, carrots, and spinach, which are full of these protective compounds.

Did you notice the trend? Some fruits and vegetables are mentioned repeatedly above. These help multiple brain functions, which in turn help with mental health. So, the champions are berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

The choices you make daily really do affect you inside and out. Here is another reason to avoid unhealthy fast food and processed ready meals. We must eat fresh vegetables and fruits for a healthy mind. Make sure to incorporate one to two from each nutrition category above into each meal. Add some berries or a banana to your breakfast, have some salad with leafy greens for lunch, and include a portion of sweet potatoes for dinner. For a snack, have an orange or some dried fruits. As with any food, stay with a healthy portion. Too much fruit can lead to excess sugar, which in turn can cause mental health problems.

While some of this may not be news to you, accessing and affording fresh produce can be a challenge with the current economy. Try to get them when they are in season. Dried or frozen fruits and vegetables can also be cost-effective.

There is no magic pill that will turn you into a superhuman guarded against any physical or mental disorder. But if there are few definite lifestyle choices for maintaining mental wellness, one of them is nutrition. Is it not amazing that all these delicious vegetables and fruits nourish our bodies, mind, and soul? So, go ahead and, this time, do your grocery shopping for fresh produce for your mental well-being. ■

Dr Burcin Ogrenir, a Family and Parenting Coach and the Director of April Institute, specializes in child development, personal growth, family dynamics, and education. She pursued her graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Penn State University. As a former Assistant Professor at the City University of New York, her influence reached international audiences through her teaching and scholarly presentations. Dr Ogrenir's mission centers on serving diverse populations, making knowledge in child development, family relationships, and personal wellbeing accessible to all.

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO BY PETAR CHERNAEV

IT HAPPENED HERE

FROM HISTORIC TIES TO MODERN BONDS: THE EVOLUTION OF TÜRKİYE'S DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES

From the establishment of the first diplomatic ties in 1830 to the vibrant consular presence across the US today, the journey reflects Türkiye's enduring commitment to fostering connections and supporting its community abroad.

By Mehmet Ali Munir

Empire’s First Steps

The first diplomatic convention between the US and the Empire was signed on May 7, 1830. This treaty explicitly stipulated that the “Sublime Porte may establish şehbenders (Consuls) in the United States of America.” This opportunity would take a few decades to establish, while Protestant ministries wasted no time organizing their activities with support from the new US Consulates.

When the empire sent its first envoy to Washington, DC, in 1867, the Embassy was classified as "second class." The Washington mission was only upgraded to the Embassy level in 1912.

Apart from New York and Boston, more consuls were appointed, such as William Grange, with trade connections in Istanbul and Izmir, to Baltimore and James Oscar Nixon, publisher of the local Daily Crescent, to New Orleans.

The Ottoman immigration to America increased “…from 5,255 in 1895 to 26,799

by 1900.1 Between 1880 and 1920, 325,000 immigrants whose country of last residence was recorded as Türkiye were admitted to the United States.” [**]. Though imperfect as data, possibly about 30,000 Turks reached the shores of the US. They were predominantly male, working in heavy industries near Chicago, auto industries in Detroit, tailor shops in Rochester, or seeking fortune in San Francisco, Boston, and New York.

To serve this influx, the Empire established consulates. After 1902, the Ottoman Empire had consuls in Boston, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Boston Consulate

By 1891, American Protestant missionaries in Anatolia founded 9 colleges in Ottoman lands. Boston quickly became an important destination for graduates, giving a new propaganda boost in America against Turks. The Empire only established an official Boston Consulate-General in 1910 to monitor these activities in the US.

However, diplomatic presence in Boston preceded Washington, DC, with the assignment on April 17, 1845, the First Ottoman şehbender Abraham Zapçıoğlu mainly to facilitate the maritime opium trade from the Empire at the expense of the British. Zapçıoğlu, a Bornova, Izmir-born non-Muslim merchant, was already living in the US. Interestingly his berat (edict) title identified him as

■ "Barque 'Osmanli,' Alfred Kenrick Master, Lying at Smyrna April 1851" by Raffael Corsini (Turkish, active Smyrna, 1830-1880). Owned by Boston consul Yusufaki, Osmanli, and Stamboul were sister ships with almost identical features placed under the command of two brother captains, the Kendricks.

IT HAPPENED HERE

The transformation of Türkiye's US diplomatic missions, from initial consular roles to today's extensive network, reflects a history of deep engagement and significant contributions to the Turkish-American community.

şehbender to the country and did not name Boston. He quickly established a successful shipping company with an American partner, spending more time in Izmir, where he would die and be buried.

The next consul in 1852 was Yazıcıoğlu Yusufaki, a “Smyrniote Greek Armenian” sea merchant and a longtime Bostonian with a French wife. His family kept this title for nearly

half a century until 1897. After Yusufaki, his oldest son Oscar and his younger brother became consuls.

Frank G. Macomber, another Bostonian in the marine insurance business, was the next consul, followed by Avram Farhi, a Sephardic Jew from Istanbul. Vahid Bey also assumed duties of Chancellor as the first Muslim official to serve in Boston at the consulate office at

141 Milk Street. Farhi served in Boston until 1914, ending the unpaid positions of Honorary Consuls.2

When the young Turkish Republic reestablished relations in 1927, three years later, Boston would host an honorary consul again.

Established in 2010, the Consulate General of Türkiye in Boston is one of the six Turkish consular missions in the US, along with Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami. There is also a Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.3

New York Consulate

The first Ottoman consul, J. Harford Smith, was assigned to New York on March 20, 1856. He was a merchant not subject to the Ottoman state. In 1860, he managed to become the US consul general in Istanbul.

The Porte’s interest in monitoring anti-Ottoman activities in other parts of the USA was high in the diplomatic agenda. New York City was an important location as the main port of entry. A Consulate-General was established after the 1880s.

Phanariot Greeks dominated significant Ottoman posts, such as the Ottoman legation in Washington for 19 of 32 years, by benefiting from the Ottoman millet system, which gave religious entities autonomy within their community.

During his (1887-1896) Washington, DC, ambassadorship, Alexander Mavroyeni Bey4, a Greek Orthodox Ottoman bureaucrat from Istanbul, noticed the increased immigration with more and more seditious activities and transferred his secretary Baltazzi Efendi as a career consul to New York replacing the honorary position. Baltazzi kept this position until he died in 1895. Ottoman diplomats tried to overcome the political tide. Middle Ambassador Mustafa Şefik Bey requested Primary Consul Aziz Bey in November of 1901 to research similar activities in Boston reporting to New York.

The differences between the Turkish and English versions of the 1830 treaty caused further problems and kept Ottoman diplomats busy. Reaching 70,000 at the beginning of the 20th century, Armenians naturalized

■ Portrait of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman by Mathew Brady, c. 1864 United States.

IT HAPPENED HERE

as American citizens returned to Ottoman lands permanently for business and, from time to time, kept asking the interference of American consulates to escape from Ottoman justice.

However, on the diplomatic front, Armenians routinely gained positions in New York. Cemil Özyurt, in his article, identifies “…an ad placed in a New York Times newspaper dated November 22, 1863, was ... an announcement that (Hachadoor) Hatchik Oscanyan (18181895), the author of a book entitled The Sultan and His People would be giving a lecture…”

In 1868, Oscanyan was appointed to head up the first New York City Consulate of the Ottoman Empire. He was assigned by the Porte as the sultan's representative in entertaining Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman during his visit to Türkiye5 as part of the ten-month trip he made to Europe and the Holy Land in 1872. After his nonsalaried post ended in 1874, Oscanyan became a writer and passed away at his 1002 Fulton Street home in Brooklyn on August 1, 1895.

Kayseri, born Vahan Cardashian (1882–1934) was, initially serving as a counselor and statistician to the American Chamber of Commerce for the Levant, established in 1911 with branches in Istanbul, Selanik, Patras, Izmir, Beirut, Athens, Cairo, and in the US during the dollar diplomacy era. The Chamber’s intention of organizing the trade and businesspeople

eventually failed against German trade interventions in the Empire, sharing the fate of the Chester Railroad Project.

Cardashian managed to stay initially as a counselor for the Ottoman Embassy in Washington, DC, and then to the Ottoman Consulate General in New York from 1910 to 1915. In early 1919, he established the predecessor of the Armenian National Committee of America. He continued his anti-Ottoman and later anti-Turkish efforts until his death. Although he was helpless in shifting US policy against collaboration with the Turkish Republic, he helped US President Woodrow Wilson push for Armenia in the Treaty of Sevres, White House recognition of the Armenian Republic, and block American ratification of the Treaty of Lausanne.

Most Honorary Consuls also quickly turned their interest to business deals. The Ottoman official Consulates could have been more effective in changing the perception of Turks in the US, but their funding was always inadequate.

The United States did not officially join the Great War (1914-1918) until 1917 when it ended all US diplomatic representatives, their businesses, missionary associations, and commercial organizations. Ottoman diplomatic relations with the US, including all consulates, were also terminated.

It will take until 1925 for the Republic of

Through the evolving landscape of diplomacy and community engagement, figures like Oscanyan and Cardashian exemplify the rich tapestry of roles and contributions Armenians have made within the Ottoman Empire's diplomatic missions in New York, setting a foundation for future diplomatic relations.

Türkiye to re-establish a Consulate-General in New York with the appointment of Celal Münif Bey. After serving in Budapest, he was sent back to New York for a second time as Consul General in 1926 and remained in this post for two years until his death on January 14, 1928. ■

Reference:

1. Kemal Karpat, 1985, p. 190

2 Ömür Budak, OTSA Winter 2020

3. The US has an embassy in Ankara and consulates in Adana, Istanbul and Izmir.

4. The Washington Post; Oct 11, 1895

“Mavroyeni Bey, the minister from Turkey who has made such a reputation as a princely host at the northern resorts, has returned to Washington. Since the minister's absence, the legation of Türkiye has been removed from Q to R street, a larger house being found necessary for the social requirements of the embassy.”

5. From General Sherman's Tour of Europe. In Spain, Italy, Egypt, And Türkiye. Extracts From the Diary of General W. T. Sherman.

“CONSTANTINOPLE, April 9. …This morning, Mr. Escanyon (sic), who is appointed to look after our comfort, ordered the carriages from the Sultan's stables, and we started in full uniform, with outriders, etc., called for the minister and afterward for Mr. Brown, and proceeded to the palace on the Bosporus, just above Galata…The Sultan met us at the head of the stairs and invited Mr. Boker, Fred Grant, Mr. Brown, and me …the Sultan received Fred Grant, not as an officer of my staff, but as the son of the President, and consequently as a real prince…The Sultan wore red fez but otherwise had European clothes on. His beard is full and gray, and he is rather corpulent…”

Mehmet Ali Munir is a Balkan Turk who has lived in Canada and the US for 45 years. He researches Turks in America and writes about local history.

■ The Sultan and His People (468 pages) by Hachik Oscanyan, b. 1818

12 BOOKS TO READ IN 2024

Embarking on 2024, the literary landscape brims with an array of must-reads poised to enlighten, provoke thought, and captivate readers. Below is a list of 12 books to add to your reading list for 2024. For more details and to purchase from Amazon, please click on the book covers.

TROY: THE CITY WITH A 3,200-YEAR-OLD STORY

Go see the city of Homer while it is still there.

By Uğur Akıncı

Troy, Troia, or Ilium, is a world-class site to visit that should be on your bucket list.

For a good reason—Troy is a unique archeological site with a story (a 16,000 line epic, actually), a tale every child learns at school in the West: the story of Iliad by Homer.

The Story in a Nutshell

All this happened around 1200 BC according to Iliad which was written in the 8th century BC.

For thousands of years, the story of Troy was taken as a myth, a fable with no counterpart in reality.

Enter Schliemann, the Bull in History’s China Shop

About 3,200 years later, a German businessman and adventurer named Heinrich Schliemann decided that the story is more than a tale and is true.

He started the Hisarlik excavations in 1870. He ravaged the current site (the village of Hisarlik in Türkiye’s Balikesir province) by

using dynamite in his haste, but by 1873 he uncovered all nine cities of Troy.

Just before the day he was going to stop the excavations in 1873, Schliemann found “Priam’s Treasure” of golden necklaces and diadems.

He gave the treasure to his wife Sophia as a present, with total disregard for the historic significance of the find.

Since then a total of nine different city layers were found, all from different eras going all the way back to 3500 BC.

Troy is the kind of place that forces you to question your assumptions about what is real and what is not. If Homer’s Troy was not pure fiction, what about other “tales” like “Atlantis” or “Shangri-La”? Can they also be true but waiting for their own Schliemann?

PHOTO BY ERDEM ERDEMLI

Helen (wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta) is an irresistible Greek beauty kidnapped by Paris (son of Troy King Priam). A Greek (Achaean) fleet under the coalition command of Agamemnon sets sail and attacks King Priam’s Troy to get Helen back. They fight for ten years. Trojans (led by Hector) lose the war when Greek warriors steal their way into Troy hidden inside a wooden horse designed by Odysseus (whose harrowing ten-year struggle to go back home to Ithaca, Greece, is the subject of Homer’s second volume—Odyssey)

■ Heinrich Schliemann (1822–1890)

My Visit

I visited Troy in May 2022 on a hot day with insects buzzing in the lush groundcover surrounding the new Troy Museum.

The museum rises from an orchard of olive trees with its rust-brown massive bulk without any stylistic apologies, driving home a silent declaration: “I am Priam, the King of Troy, I am here still in my power and glory!”

The actual ruins themselves just a few miles ahead are another spectacle altogether.

The four-story museum building has an elevator of course but no stairs.

You enter the mega cube from a walkway sloping down to the basement level as if entering a subterranean burial chamber.

Then you walk from one floor to the other by walking along a sloping ramp that winds its way through all three sides of the building.

Such layers mimic the multiple layers of Troy which is a “layered cake” of nine cities built on top of each other.

Wonders of Troy Museum

The quiet ruins of windy Troy sing to us today through a rich collection of artifacts displayed tastefully in the Troy Museum, which opened its doors in October 2018.

There is the magnificent statue of Emperor Hadrianus in the museum, for example, who is known as a fair and good ruler who took

pleasure in strolling the streets to meet his subjects personally. (But he is also known to have suppressed the revolt in Judea with unmistakable force. So the verdict is still out about his overall legacy.)

sarcophagus of Polyxena, daughter of Priam

is another treasure of this museum. It is said to be the earliest stone sarcophagus of its kind ever found in Türkiye (Asia Minor) depicting on its four sides different reliefs about the sacrifice of Polyxena for Achilles.

The meaning and significance of the sacrifice are not clear to me 2,500 years later, but the artistic value of this work is obvious and beyond question. Just look at this lovely detail:

There are all the cups, amphoras, glass perfume bottles, and numerous household items that Trojans just like you and me have used in their daily lives.

Shiny arrowheads in different shapes, conical and triangular, are on display at the museum, which reminds us of the fight Achilles had with Paris.

The

the King of Troy,

PHOTOS BY UGUR AKINCI

■ Troy Museum

■ The Worship Center of Troy

■ Emperor Hadrianus at Troy Museum

■ The Polyxena Sarcophagus from 500 BC

■ The sacrifice of Polyxena. By Dosseman (Dick Osseman)

■ Arrowheads found in Troy

PHOTO BY UGUR AKINCI

HISTORY

Did Paris hit Achilles in the heel and killed him with an arrow just like the ones above?

In museums like this, history suddenly becomes very real and personal.

The collection of lovely golden diadems and fashion accessories is a must-see section of the museum even though even a larger collection is today kept at Pushkin Museum in Russia, despite the protests of the Turkish government.

Perplexing Affair

Walking around the ruins of Troy is a wonderful but perplexing affair for two reasons.

The remains are so layered on top of one another that it is hard to keep track of which wall belongs to what era, etc.

Secondly, due to our daily experience, we are used to viewing objects at the “street level,” that is, at the height of our eyes.

But in Troy, you need to remember that you are looking top-down at many walls and buildings. You are actually walking on TOP of city walls most of the time, looking not AT the walls but DOWN on them. You have to get used to that orientation to make sense of the layout of the buildings and passages. That helps to visualize what this once-mighty city of antiquity looked like.

Once a Port, Believe It or Not…

This helps us remember that, just like the city of Ephesus a few hundred miles south, Troy was also an important port city controlling all naval passages sailing north from the Aegean toward the Marmara and the Black Sea.

Today the city sits a couple of miles away from the shore, which is a testament to the speed at which our physical world evolves. Nothing remains the same. Harbors are filled with silt before we know it and become fertile plains within a short 3,000 years.

The Walls

Most of Troy consists of walls—but what walls! After 3,000 years some of these walls are still in perfect shape, even though no mortar was used in their construction.

Here is one, a section of a city wall, that is suspected to have survived a fire:

Here is another one. This one formed the foundation walls of a series of houses built on top. Look at the precision with which stone blocks of various sizes are put together thousands of years ago.

maintained itself despite thousands of years of exposure to the elements and human activity (that still continues today). Can you hear the wheels of the carts going up this ramp, carrying people and food items to the city?

The Worship Center of Troy (above) dates back to the 8th century BC. What looks like a circular well in the bottom center is actually a sacrificial altar where animals were sacrificed to the Greek gods during religious ceremonies. There were stairs leading to the stand where the nobility and rulers of the day watched the ceremonies from their privileged positions.

Like most Greek cities, Troy also had an Odeon, a small circular amphitheater, where the performers of the day entertained the citizens of the city.

The Troy city officials gathered at (what I call) “The Parliament” to raise, discuss, and vote on the issues of the day.

Visit While It is Still There

If history excites you, if you love classics, Homer, and Iliad, you should see this world heritage site while it is there.

You will go back home with renewed respect for what previous generations have achieved while they shared the same passions, dreams, and follies that still energize us today. ■

The three vertical bands in the right-half of the photo are a characteristic of the construction style of the era, representing a few-inches wide change in the thickness of the wall: The above is the famous ramp leading to one of the entrance gates of Troy. Look how well it

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 here His website is here.

■ Gold necklace with exquisite craftmanship from Troy

■ Sometimes you think you are walking along a path in Troy when you are actually walking on TOP of a city wall.

■ City walls of Troy

■ Multiple layers of city walls welcome visitors to Troy

■ Excavations still continue at Troy

PHOTOS BY UGUR AKINCI

LET’S GET SOCIAL

TARGET THE RIGHT AUDIENCE AT THE RIGHT TIME

Managing your social media marketing is a full-time job. Let our team of social media management gurus and community engagement experts take charge. Managing Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, and all of your other emerging social media accounts can get overwhelming. You need a social media marketing agency with the experience to organize and execute your social media strategy across various social media platforms and connect you to your target audience.

creative

BE UNIQUE, BE AWESOME

1751

sk@studiocreativeedge.com

www.studiocreativeedge.com

(703) 439-0557 phone

HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH FREE LEADS

NYABERKUT

EXPERT ADVICE

Discover the power of lead magnets: Our strategy for building a 150,000 strong email list without spending a dime on ads. Dive into the smart way to connect directly with your audience and ensure sales, even when other marketing fails.

By Oguz Konar

If you have been following our articles, you know we have discussed starting businesses with AI. Let is talk about an excellent way to get people interested in what you are doing without spending money on ads: lead magnets. This is all about building a list of emails to reach people directly. And guess what? Our company built a list of 150,000 emails! So even if other marketing methods do not work, we can still make sales through our email list.

WHAT'S A LEAD MAGNET?

A lead magnet is something free and valuable you give to people so they will give you their email addresses. It could be a guide, a special offer, or tips—anything that people find valuable.

WHY AN EMAIL LIST IS IMPORTANT

Having a list of emails means you can talk directly to people interested in your business. It is like having a direct line to your customers. You can tell them about new products, sales, or anything else they might like. And it does not matter if other marketing methods are not working; you can still make sales if you have a good email list.

MAKING A GOOD LEAD MAGNET

Creating a lead magnet that works is all about knowing what your customers want. Here's how to do it:

Solve a Problem: Consider your customers' problems and how you can help.

Make It Relevant: Your lead magnet should be relevant to your business and what you sell.

Keep It Simple: Make sure your lead magnet is easy to understand and use.

TOOLS TO HELP YOU

To make and share your lead magnet, you will need some tools. Here are a few: Mailchimp: This tool helps you manage your email list and send out emails.

Canva: Great for making your lead magnet look good, like designing a guide or checklist.

LeadPages: This helps you make a webpage where people can sign up to get your lead magnet.

SHARING YOUR LEAD MAGNET

Once you have your lead magnet, you need to tell people about it:

On Your Website: You can put a pop-up or a special section on your website where people can sign up.

Social media: Tell your followers about your lead magnet and share a link where they can sign up.

Emails: Once people sign up, send them a welcome email and other emails that they might find interesting.

WRAP UP

Lead magnets are a smart way to grow your business by getting people interested in what you offer. By giving something valuable for free, you can build an extensive list of emails. Our company's big email list means we can always make sales, even when other marketing does not work. Remember, the goal is to keep things simple and focus on your customers' needs. ■

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. Find out more about his work here

Turkish

coffee

TURKISH COFFEE: A JOURNEY BEYOND A BEVERAGE

transcends mere beverage status, embodying centuries of tradition, culture, and communal bonds, making every cup a shared journey through time and heritage.

By Ceren Akin

In the 19th century, Italian explorer Edmondo de Amicis marveled at Istanbul's ubiquitous coffee culture, noting that one could summon a cup of coffee with a mere shout, receiving it within three minutes no matter where in the city they were. This observation encapsulates the essence of Turkish coffee more than just a drink, it is a social catalyst that brings people together.

Turkish coffee's role in society extends beyond its stimulating and fatigue-combatting properties. It is a morning wake-up call, a staple in business negotiations, and an afternoon pick-me-up post-lunch to maintain productivity. It is a societal emblem, shared among guests and friends, embodying a proverb that equates sharing a cup to forging a forty-year bond.

The ritual of serving Turkish coffee during engagement ceremonies further emphasizes its cultural significance. The bride-to-be's preparation and presentation of the coffee can be a testament to her skills, and the quality of the coffee can be a harbinger of the couple's future together.

Moreover, the art of reading coffee grounds offers insights into the future, becoming a beloved pastime for many. The craftsmanship inspired by coffee culture, from decorated cups to intricate trays, makes these items treasured souvenirs.

Over Five Centuries of Tradition

Arriving in the Ottoman Empire over five centuries ago, Turkish coffee quickly became integral to Turkish culture. The invention of a unique brewing method and the emergence of coffeehouses transformed these spaces into social hubs for literary and intellectual exchange.

The impact of coffee extends to the Turkish language itself, influencing terms like "kahverengi" (coffee-colored) for brown and "kahvaltı" (before coffee) for breakfast. Local coffeehouses today continue to serve as communal gathering spots, preserving a tradition of camaraderie and reflection.

Brewing Turkish Coffee

The unique preparation and serving of Turkish

coffee involves specific utensils, like the cezve (a small pot) and fincan (cup), and a careful brewing process that emphasizes timing and temperature. Traditional service includes a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight to cleanse the palate and enhance the coffee's rich flavors.

Fortune Telling with Coffee

Tasseography, or fortune-telling by interpreting coffee grounds, is a cherished aspect of Turkish coffee culture. This practice provides predictions and a hopeful outlook on life, making it a meaningful experience for participants.

A Cultural Staple

Turkish coffee's influence extends from intimate gatherings in homes to global recognition, highlighted by its UNESCO inscription as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. This acknowledgment celebrates Turkish coffee as a culinary delight and a cultural phenomenon that has shaped social customs, language, and craftsmanship for centuries.

Turkish coffee remains a testament to hospitality, friendship, and the intricate blend of tradition and modernity in Turkish culture. Whether served with salt during engagement rituals to test the groom's character or savored alongside breathtaking views, Turkish coffee offers an immersive experience into the heart of Turkish heritage. ■

ART + CULTURE

DR AYŞEGÜL DURAKOĞLU

AN ACADEMICIAN AND ARTIST BRIDGING CULTURES BY MUSIC

Dr Ayşegül Durakoğlu: From Istanbul to global stages, a testament to the universal language of music and cultural harmony.

By Erol Güler

Ayşegül Durakoğlu, a Juilliard-trained pianist, scholar, and a professor at the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences of Stevens Institute of Technology, is an expert in a variety of piano repertoire, from the earliest to contemporary styles, and has performed nationally and internationally mostly from Bach, Chopin, and Debussy; Sephardic and Turkish music; and Argentinian and American musical traditions. She has traveled the world appearing in music festivals and concerts in the United States, Europe, Canada, Russia, Argentina, and Türkiye and has graced some of the world’s great stages, including Carnegie Hall, Hancock Auditorium (LA), and Jazz at Lincoln Center. She has also recorded several solo albums and leads her own New York-based chamber music society, “Musica Mundana,” to bring together the musical cultures of the world.

Born in Türkiye, Dr Durakoğlu began playing piano at the age of 5 and received her musical training at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory. Growing up in Istanbul, Durakoğlu was exposed to European culture at an early age. Attending a French lyceum, Saint-Benoit, in Istanbul introduced her to the famous French composers like Debussy and Ravel early on. So, she was inspired by many of her teachers who had studied in Paris, and she started dreaming of travelling abroad and studying western classical music at one of the world’s great music schools. Her dreams were fulfilled as a recipient of a scholarship from the Turkish Government, she came to the United States to pursue her graduate studies. After receiving her Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School, she earned a Ph.D. with notable distinction at New York University where she also served on the piano faculty.

Celebrating the 40th year of her musical journey in the United States, Aysegul

Durakoglu is also a proud mother of Naz Durakoglu who is serving as the Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs. Aysegul says, "She has been the most significant accomplishment of my life."

As a member of the NYU Chamber Music Society, she won NYU’s Chamber Music Special Award for her contribution and leadership in contemporary and world music genres. Her passion for world cultures led her to join the GNEC (Global NGO Executive Committee) to represent the Ataturk Society of America (ASA) at the United Nations in 2022. Her aim in GNEC is to promote Ataturk’s ideals on world’s piece, development of culture and arts, and education of young generations that align with the sustainable goals of the United Nations.

Dr Durakoğlu is currently serving on the full-time faculty of the Music and Technology Department at the Stevens Institute of Technology, where she has been teaching European music history, piano, music theory, and

Eastern Mediterranean music classes since 2005. As a researcher and music educator, she presented lecture-recitals at the World Piano Conferences in Serbia, the College Music Society’s International Conferences in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in Vancouver, Canada. Trained in European and Russian classical traditions, she has established a reputation as an exceptional and caring piano instructor, as well. She takes a lot of pride in offering a well-rounded music education for young music students, and preparing them for performances, competitions, and advanced music studies.

As much as professional performance is a part of her, so is teaching, which brings much joy, she says, whether she is guiding students who will become professional in the music field, those with potential just waiting to be explored, or beginners like Stevens engineers, who will not become musicians but who are so attentive and open to a lifelong love affair with music. This joy and power of music and the masterpieces of the great musicians and composers are something that she hopes to pass on to her students to continue the legacy of classical music she learned from her

teachers Verda Ün and Judith Uluğ in Türkiye; Adele Marcus and Gyorgy Sandor at Juilliard; and one of the last surviving pianists of the Russian Piano School, Gregory Haimovsky, at New York University.

Celebrating her 40th year of musical journey in the United States, Ayşegül Durakoğlu, takes a lot of pride to premier the music of Turkish contemporary composers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and even in Türkiye. She has premiered and presented their solo piano and chamber music works at the Asian Festival-Lincoln Center; Merkin Concert and Weill Hall at Carnegie, Hancock Auditorium and UCLA in Los Angeles; Toronto Millennium Festival and Niagara International Chamber Music Festival in Canada, World Piano Conference in Serbia, among others. On May 19, 2019, she organized and performed piano trios by Beethoven and Turkish composer Ilhan Baran, with Violinist Yiğit Karataş and Cellist Emirhan Tunca, for the Centennial Celebration of Youth and Sports Holiday at the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. On October 11, 2023, she curated and performed a chamber music program for the centennial celebration of Turkish Republic at

the Cosmos Club. The program was sponsored and presented by the Ataturk Society of America based in Washington, DC. They presented works by contemporary Turkish and American composers including a world premiere of a piano and electronic composition on Ataturk’s “Nutuk” composed for the centennial event by the Turkish-American composer, Ali Can Puskulcu.

Living in this area has also given her access to New York, the melting point of cultures. So, following her multicultural instincts and rich musical culture of her native, Türkiye, in 1998, Ayşegül Durakoğlu established a Chamber Music Society named Musica Mundana and has performed music from various cultural traditions. In 2014, Ayşegül Durakoğlu and the members of Musica Mundana presented a highly acclaimed program of A Musical Journey with the Orient Express (curated by Durakoğlu) at the Jazz at Lincoln Center followed by the historical Pera Palas Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye, then at the Stevens Institute of Technology. The musical program was inspired by the journey of the famous Orient Express train that traveled between Istanbul and Paris at the end of the 19th century. The program included chamber music works by the Ottoman Court composers including Sultan Murad V. and Donizetti, and contemporary Turkish composers like Cemal R. Rey, Necip Celal Antel and Ekrem Zeki Ün as well as music from the major cities in Europe following the route of the Orient Express between Istanbul and Paris, namely Bucharest and Budapest such as the Tzigane music by Monti, folk and dance music from Rumania, arias from Lehar’s operettas, Hungarian Rhapsodies by Brahms and Liszt, tangos, and waltzes from Parisian composers like Debussy, Stravinsky, and Piazzolla. Among the participant performers were Türkiye's leading violinist Cihat Aşkın;1 Serap Çiftçi, Mezzo-Soprano; Leo Grinhauz, cello; Ismail Lumanovsky, clarinet; Ayşegül Durakoğlu, piano; and Aşkın Ensemble.

On March 21, 2013, Dr Durakoğlu and the members of Musica Mundana performed a program of Turkish and Sephardic music (Sephardic Jews are Spanish Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism or face expulsion from Spain after 1492 and migrated to the

ART + CULTURE

Ottoman Empire) at the Embassy of the Turkish Republic in Washington, DC. The program consisted of anonymous and traditional works by Sephardic composers like Simon Sargon, David Loeb, and Darius Milhaud, and Turkish composers like Necip Celal, Adnan Saygun, and Cemal Reşid Rey as well as 19th century Ottoman Court Music with the participation of the viola da gamba and Sephardic music expert, Judith Davidoff. Musica Mundana’s performance at Drom-NYC in May 23, 2013, was described as, “Excellent chamber ensemble that played music effortlessly - each of its superb musicians with the classical training and deep knowledge of ethnic traditions,” by Judy Gelman Myers at NYPress

Throughout the years, Dr Durakoğlu continued her cultural ties with Türkiye and she was invited to perform solos, chamber music concerts, and have interviews on radio programs like Miniatures at the TRT Istanbul Radio Station on July 8, 2014. She has appeared with major orchestras in Istanbul where she performed as soloist with the Borusan Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of James Galway. On June 14, 2014, Ayşegül Durakoğlu performed the solo piano works of Türkiye's leading contemporary and electronic music composer Ilhan Mimaroğlu at the International Ankara Jazz

on the piano music of Claude Debussy at the Bilkent University.

On July 4, 2018, she played a solo piano recital at the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Türkiye in Vienna. The program included works by Viennese composers like Haydn's F Minor Variations, Schumann's Viennese Carnival, compositions by German philosopher Nietzsche, Turkish composers Ekrem Zeki Ün and Cemal Reşid Rey; concluding with Chopin's Waltzes. The concert was presented to the diplomatic circle and members of the OSCE in Vienna.

Dr Durakoğlu has released a few albums such as the Reflections through the Keyboard, Debussy’s Twelve Etudes, and Alla Turca, including the chamber music of Turkish composers. Most recently, she (with her colleagues Dr Yunus Tuncel and Michael Steinmann) has published an anthology on the music and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche and Music. Since then, she has presented the musical compositions of Nietzsche in national and international venues such as the New School and NYU in New York, Stevens Institute, Goethe Institute in Boston, World Piano Conference in Serbia, and King’s College in London in 2021.

Bernard Holland of the New York Times

described her musicality as, nothing false or artificial but naturally come by. Dr Ayşegül Durakoğlu herself states: "Music has power. When no one is around, and everything seems wrong, there is always music to make it right. It is an emotional and spiritual connection." ■

Watch and listen her on YouTube. | > 1 | > 2 | > 3 | > 4 | > 5 |

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.

Festival followed by a lecture-recital

1. Cihat Aşkın was featured in February issue of TurkNetwork magazine.

LIFESTYLE VERSUS TECH STARTUPS

Guiding pre-seed tech startups toward scalability and investor appeal in the DMV region. Join our next discussion on startup fundraising—connect on LinkedIn for insights.

By Guclu Ozenci

As the leader of the Founder Institute Accelerator in the DMV region, my primary focus is nurturing pre-seed stage tech startups. Tech startups differ significantly from other entrepreneurial ventures, often called lifestyle businesses.

Tech startups set themselves apart through their scalable and typically predictable revenue trajectory. Unlike lifestyle businesses, which are often brick-and-mortar establishments generating enough revenue to sustain the owner and their family, tech startups exhibit scalability, where each additional client minimizes the cost base. To illustrate, consider a restaurant business—acquiring a new customer means occupying another table and incurring space, raw materials, and labor costs.

Tech startups, particularly software as a service (SaaS) businesses, present a contrasting nature. SaaS is the most efficient, scalable, and coveted by investors. Once a working software solution is on a cloud service (such as AWS, Google, Microsoft Azure), the cost of adding another client to the platform approaches zero. This marginal cost effect makes these businesses highly scalable, setting them apart from lifestyles.

While various revenue models exist in tech startups, investors favor subscription business models due to their revenue predictability. Tracking and analyzing data becomes crucial,

as well as answering questions such as how to attract and retain clients, the average revenue per client, user experience, and growth strategies. The ability to answer these questions and demonstrate traction becomes proof of a startup's future success.

For investors, scalability is a key factor in valuing tech startups. Unlike lifestyle businesses, which may have lower multipliers for revenue or EBITDA, a scalable tech startup, even if not profitable yet, may command multibillion-dollar valuations.

In our next issue, we will delve into various fundraising vehicles for these tech startups, providing further insights into their journey to success.

Contact me on LinkedIn for any tech-specific questions, accelerator opportunities at Founder Institute Accelerator (www.fi.co), or attending our monthly founder meetup events. ■

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, DC, Ozenci 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 here.

CAN LOVE CONQUER ALL?

How we attract and form romantic relationships depends on the attachment styles we developed when we were newborns.

By Melisa Gulsun Ozmen

As human beings, we develop not only physically but also socially from the moment we open our eyes to this world. Our first emotional and social contact begins with our primary caregiver, for the majority of us, our mother. This primary caregiver plays a vital role in our future social and romantic relationships. At first thought, this might not make sense. You may wonder “how can my relationship with my mother when I was a newborn affect my adult social and romantic relationships? I am an independent, educated adult who makes my own decisions in relationships.” But the premise has scientific reasoning. Since the cognitive skills of babies are underdeveloped, the only way they form social contact with their mothers, or first caregivers, is through their emotions. The brains of babies are conditioned to learn

how to bond emotionally with other emotional beings by their first caregivers, even as early as the last three months of pregnancy. This emotional bond with a primary caregiver is called attachment and the characteristic patterns of reacting to the presence and absence of one’s primary caregiver are known as attachment styles. Attachment styles determine how we create and regulate our connections and behaviors with our loved ones, including parents, children, and romantic partners. Psychologists assign attachment styles to three basic categories: the secure, the anxious, and the avoidant. These attachment styles are critical in determining how we communicate and interact emotionally with friends and loved ones in our social and romantic relationships. The attachment styles of infants can be understood by how they react to the presence and absence of their primary caregiver, in most cases the mother. Infants who are

securely attached are the ones who respond positively when the primary caregiver returns after a short absence even if the infant feels distressed when the caregiver leaves. How a baby develops a secure attachment style depends on the primary caregiver’s emotional response to the child’s emotional state. Securely attached infants develop a secure attachment style because their parents are sensitive, available, and responsive from the day they are born, even in their mother’s womb. Securely attached infants grow up to behave securely in close and romantic relationships naturally as adults. They are effective and clear in communication, not evasive or deceptive. They are mentally flexible, comfortable with intimacy and quick to forgive. They view sex and emotional intimacy as one and secure in their power to improve the relationship and responsible for their partner’s well-being in romantic relationships. Being

LIFE COACHING

involved in a romantic relationship with a secure partner provides a feeling of love and respect. Securely attached adults tend to attract secure partners and form healthy relationships, but they can also handle anxiously and avoidantly attached partners and help them overcome the obstacles that their attachment styles cause in the relationship.

Infants who respond negatively when the caregiver returns after a distressing departure have ambivalent or anxious attachment style. Parents of infants who are anxiously attached are inconsistently responsive to the emotional and physical needs of the infant. When anxiously attached infants grow up and form romantic relationships, they present themselves as anxious, needy, and dependent within the relationship, especially during times of conflict. They dwell on their partners all the time, put them on a pedestal, underestimate their own talents and abilities over their partners’ and have difficulty concentrating on other things, even their own life goals. They only consider the good qualities of their partner even if they are dissatisfied with the partner and unhappy in the relationship. They refuse to abandon an unhappy relationship, fearing that, if they leave them, their partner will go and become a good partner for someone else instead. They believe that the partner can change, or they rationalize the dysfunctional relationship by creating excuses such as “All couples have problems.” They feel anxious when their partner is not around or if they do not connect with the partner for a long time. To prolong the relationship, especially during emotional conflict, they may employ strategies such as keeping score, acting hostile, withdrawing, threatening to leave, and manipulating rather than communicating directly and telling their partner how they feel about the conflict. When communication fails, the anxiously attached will then put excessive effort into restoring normal interaction. Anxiously attached adults unconsciously attract avoidantly attached partners who activate their relationship anxiety. However, being with an avoidant partner worsens their anxiety and low self-confidence in partnerships. On the other hand, they can heal their anxiety by being with a secure partner.

Infants who are not distressed when their

caregiver leaves and ignore the caregiver when they return are the ones who have an avoidant attachment style. If the first caregivers of infants are distant, rigid, and unresponsive to their child’s emotional and physical needs, the infant develops an avoidant attachment style. The brains of these infants are programmed to be fiercely independent. When they grow up, they believe intimate relationships take their independence from them. In order not to lose their independence, avoidantly attached adults use some strategies to keep their romantic partners at arm’s length, such as avoiding commitment, sometimes for years even if they do not actually leave the relationship or forming and pursuing relationships with no future, with married or unavailable partners. They may criticize the partner for their small imperfections, withdraw their attention and love for small things and pull away when things go well to put some distance in between if they feel overwhelmed with the closeness in the relationship. Flirting with others, paying more attention to others than the partner, chasing or contacting an

ex-girlfriend/boyfriend are some hurtful strategies they apply even if they think they do not intend harm. Because they are not effective communicators, they avoid saying “I love you” to their partner even if they have such feelings. They tend to keep secrets, communicate vaguely, leave things ambiguous and let their mind wander or change the subject when the partner is talking, especially if it is about the relationship. Avoiding physical closeness, not sharing the same bed, and not holding hands or hugging are their natural stance in a relationship to keep the one arm’s length in the relationship. Avoidantly attached adults unconsciously attract anxiously attached partners which exacerbates their avoidance in the relationship. As with the anxious attachment style, being with a secure partner can help to heal their avoidance.

Can love conquer all if you are an anxiously attached type with an avoidant partner while your partner is ignoring your emotional security needs and incessantly triggering your anxiety in the relationship? A partner who is not investing necessary time and effort in the

relationship, constantly stealing time and energy from the relationship by paying excess attention to others and focusing on activities outside the relationship? One who is flirting with others, avoiding full commitment for years on end and not even showing his or her love overtly? Do you still think your love will change the partner and turn into “the one” for you? This is a hopeless fantasy! The reality is that being in such a relationship in the name of love will eventually ruin the love and end the relationship. Your dysfunctional attachment style will, over the years, cause you serious mental and emotional damage.

Loving someone begins with loving yourself first and loving yourself begins with knowing yourself. Not all of us are lucky enough to be born into functional families in which our baby brains were conditioned for a secure attachment style in intimate relationships. However, not being brought up with a secure attachment style when we were a newborn cannot be an excuse for an adult to form or stay in dissatisfying and unhappy relationships. Attachment styles are not personality types, and they can be changed by developing the right behavior and taking positive actions. The first step is to begin with identifying your attachment style in close relationships. To do that, I suggest you take an online attachment style test at IDRlabs.com, and read the book Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller.

Love cannot conquer all, but conscientiousness definitely can! ■

Reference:

Levine, Amir, and Rachel Heller. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find--and Keep--Love. TarcherPerigee, 2011. Schacter, Daniel L., et al. Introducing Psychology. Worth Publishers, 2021.

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.

GOOD DESIGN Gets Better Marketing Results

We are a full service, award-winning agency specializing in brand development, graphic design, social media marketing, website development, and advertising. We are devoted to helping our clients shape their brands with intuitive designs and by building e ective communication that is market friendly and impactful.

Let us talk about how we can work together to help you get the leads you need to make your sales goals. Just contact us.

1751

sk@studiocreativeedge.com

www.studiocreativeedge.com

Reality Reimagined!

Experience a variety of showrooms

Take a 360º tour of a doctor’s o ce

Improve workplace productivity, e ciency, and safety www.vrt-u.com

ADVENTUROUS AT WORK IN AMERICA: 5 JOBS CREATED BY US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

“Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.”

By Kitty Waldorf

The much-anticipated 2024 US election is around the corner, and indeed, we are more curious than ever about how the campaign will proceed. When you are in Türkiye, you only see the presidential nominees. However, once you are in DC, you start seeing and meeting the people who make the nominees shine and realize it is not a one-man show. This month, we are deep diving into the fascinating world of 5 interesting careers that flourished from keeping the heart of US democracy beating strong.

1. POLITICAL CONSULTANT

A political consultant supports political campaigns and candidates. Their primary duties encompass a wide range of activities. Still, they can generally be categorized into five key areas: Campaign and Strategy Planning, Communication and Public Relations, Fundraising and Resource Management, Voter Outreach and Mobilization, and Overall Campaign Management and Coordination.

― John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Primary duties: Strategy and Planning (Campaign Development, Research, and Message Crafting), Media and Communications (Advertising, Social Media Management, and Public Relations), Fundraising and Budgeting (Fundraising Strategy and Budget Management), Field Operations (Voter Contact, Event Planning, and Volunteer Management) and additional duties such as opposition research, polling, and crisis management.

Education: While bachelor’s degrees in political science, public relations, business, or marketing are beneficial, there is no set requirement for a political consultant. However, some beneficial graduate degrees are a Master of Public Administration (MPA), a Master’s in Business (MBA), and a Juris Doctor (JD). Workplace settings: Anywhere the campaign takes them from railroads to jet planes, stadiums, town halls, etc.

Average salary: In high-demand political hubs like Washington, DC, political consultants with significant experience can command salaries as high as $98,000. However, ZipRecruiter reports that entry-level consultants in these areas may start at around $42,000.

2. WEB DEVELOPER

Web developers play a crucial role in modern political campaigns. Here’s how:

Primary duties: Campaign Website Development and Maintenance, Online Fundraising, Social Media Integration, Email Marketing, Analytics and Data Management, SEO, Digital Advertising, Mobile App Development, and Security.

Education: A BS in computer science, mathematics, or IT will generally help but is not required.

Workplace settings: Anywhere that has reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Average salary: While it is difficult to predict exact wages for 2024, current figures provide a solid starting point. According to Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and US News Money, the median salary for web developers currently ranges from $78,580 to $94,149.

3. CATERER

A caterer in an election campaign should, first of all, be a reliable partner who understands the campaign's needs and goals. Second, they should be talented enough to provide

PHOTO BY GOLUBOVY

delicious, safe food that appeals to the target audience. Not to mention that they should deliver excellent and adaptable service suitable to the occasion.

Primary duties: Understanding the Needs of the Campaign, Selection of Food and Beverage, Presentation and Service

Education: While a formal education is not a strict requirement for becoming a caterer, several educational paths can significantly benefit those in the field, such as Culinary Arts Programs with associate or bachelor’s Degrees, Business Courses, Nutrition and Dietary Knowledge, and Hospitality Management.

Workplace settings: Professional kitchens.

Average salary: Indeed.com reports that the average hourly pay for US caterers is $13.75 as of March 2024.

4. SECURITY

Some of the nominees for the US elections are previously elected government officials, so in most cases the Secret Service is helping maintain security for the campaign trails. For the nominees who have yet to be previously in office, private security firms offer various solutions for 24/7 security.

Primary duties: Securing the premises and personnel by staying on patrol, monitoring surveillance equipment, performing building inspections, guarding entry points (especially critical in election campaigns), and verifying visitors. In addition, security personnel can be expected to design possible escape routes for VIPs they are covering.

Education: While there is no specific educational requirement to become a private security officer, hiring companies usually provide the necessary training to equip their employees.

Workplace settings: Office and residential buildings or wherever they may be assigned

Average salary: As of March 2024, ZipRecruiter reports the average hourly pay for private security officers in the United States at $19.03. However, the DMV area boasts a particularly active private security market, with officers potentially earning around $22.00 per hour a 132.581% increase over the national average.

5. ENTERTAINER

To keep the mood during political campaigns, candidates must hire for entertainment. For instance, Texas Rep. Ron Paul spent over $60,000 on entertainment last quarter to liven up events like the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa. The world-famous band Pink Martini stemmed from Thomas Lauderdale's need for a band that would appeal to Democrats and Republicans alike for his campaign in his hometown, Portland, Oregon, so he recruited his friends from his alma mater. Examples as such continue, but now let us explore the requirements of an entertainer:

Primary duties: Entertainers have a multifaceted job that goes beyond the stage. They perform live, develop, and rehearse new material, actively promote their acts, and attend auditions. Additionally, they maintain their equipment, costumes, and props. Behind the scenes, entertainers handle their finances and administration or hire a financial professional to assist with those tasks.

Education: Although basic training in their choice of entertainment might be useful, education is not required.

Workplace settings: Anywhere where there are groups of people present such as event venues, stadiums, concert halls, high school

CAREERS

gyms, city/town/municipal auditoriums etc. Average salary: According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for entertainers in the United States is $17.39 as of March 2024.

The flurry of activity surrounding a US highlights a vast and fascinating network of careers far beyond the candidates themselves. From political consultants and web developers to caterers, security personnel, and entertainers, these diverse professions contribute to a vibrant spectacle at the heart of American democracy. While the spotlight inevitably shines on those vying for the highest office, the collective effort of this unseen workforce makes the process possible reminding us that even the grandest ambitions rely on a multitude of talents working in harmony.

If you could change your career to one of the above, which would you choose? ■

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.

PHOTO BY SRDJANPAV

PHOTO BY PEOPLE IMAGES

REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE WITH XR TECHNOLOGIES

Extended Reality (XR) is revolutionizing healthcare by transforming training, patient education, and rehabilitation into immersive experiences that enhance learning and understanding.

By Hürriyet Aydin Ok

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare and medicine, extended reality (XR) technologies spearhead a revolutionary shift toward immersive learning, rehabilitation, and patient treatment experiences. XR encompasses immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), redefining traditional methodologies and enhancing the understanding and retention of complex medical knowledge.

Transforming Medical Training

An exemplary case of innovation in medical training is the mobile app "Human Anatomy Atlas," which offers medical students comprehensive anatomy reference content on their iPhone or Android devices. This app provides full 3D models of the male and female body, detailed views of key organs, and interactive

muscle and bone models, all accessible through an intuitive interface that supports dissection and exploration in AR.

Patient Education

In the bustling world of medical research, VR is not just for gamers and tech enthusiasts anymore—it is opening new doors for scientists looking to understand our health better. Dr Susan Persky's work at the NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute is an excellent example of research on patient education and health behaviors, particularly in genetics and genomics. Through immersive VR simulations, her research offers insights into how personalized genetic information can impact health decisions. One study highlighted how mothers, informed about their children's genomic risk for obesity, made healthier food choices in a virtual buffet setting.

The George Washington University

Hospital also applies VR technology to understand patients’ medical conditions. By converting cross-sectional CT or MRI images into a 360-degree, colorized 3D model, VR has proven invaluable in patient education. It offers a three-dimensional view of the affected areas, significantly enhancing patients' understanding of their conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, VR played a crucial role in educating physicians about the virus's impact on the lungs, debunking myths, and providing a stark visualization of the disease's severity through 3D images of infected lungs.

MR in Action: Revolutionizing Emergency Response Training

Imagine stepping into the shoes of a first responder, facing the high-pressure world of emergencies, but without the real-world stakes. That is the magic behind HoloTRIAGE, an innovative concept developed by AvatarMEDIC. As a groundbreaking training tool, HoloTRIAGE uses the latest digital magic of MR to transform how emergency medical services (EMS) workers prepare for the field. MR blends the real and digital worlds, creating scenarios where trainees can interact with virtual victims as if right in front of them, all while standing in a classroom or training center. It is like a video game but with a serious purpose: saving lives.

Immersive Healing: Transforming Rehabilitation with XR

XR is revolutionizing healthcare, offering new solutions for pain management, mental health, social isolation, and rehabilitation. By providing immersive environments, XR helps patients manage pain without medication, navigate mental health conditions safely, and connect socially. A standout example is the TST-VR program at The Retreat, using XR for veteran rehabilitation from substance use disorders. This

■ Human Anatomy Atlas, an AR-enabled mobile app

program, based on Transcending Self Therapy and developed by Lighthouse XR, combines virtual activities and serene environments to enhance traditional therapy, showing significant improvements in treatment retention and substance use reduction.

The Future of XR in Healthcare: A Practical Outlook

Integrating extended reality (XR) into healthcare marks a pivotal shift, enhancing training,

patient care, and surgical precision. However, adopting XR widely faces hurdles such as high costs, technical complexity, and the necessity for substantial IT support and professional training. Privacy and security of patient data within XR environments also pose significant concerns, alongside the need for rigorous research to establish long-term efficacy and guidelines. Despite these challenges, XR's potential to revolutionize healthcare remains clear, promising

significant advancements in medical practice and education as these obstacles are navigated.

Virtual Reality Technology Universe (VRT-U) offers expert guidance for professionals looking to incorporate XR technologies in healthcare. With a foundation in rigorous research and collaboration with industry leaders, VRT-U provides essential insights and support for integrating these innovative technologies into healthcare practices. ■

Hürriyet Aydin Ok is the Founder of VRT-U, LLC, a startup technology venture focusing on XR technologies. He is also a senior research fellow at GWU Cyber Security & Privacy Research Institute (CSPRI) and teaches courses in ecommerce security and augmented and virtual reality. Hürriyet was a member of the IT leadership team for over 24 years at the World Bank Group, and contributed in the areas of new technology infrastructure strategy and cybersecurity. Ok holds a PhD in computer science from the GWU, and MS and BS degrees from Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.

IMAGE BY SUSAN PERSKY

IMAGE BY A vatar MEDIC

IMAGE BY L ighthouse XR

MAGE BY L ighthouse XR

IMAGE COURTESY

GW HOSPITAL

■ A virtual reality room with a food buffet

■ HoloTRIAGE™: First Response & Disaster Medicine Training with AI & XR

■ Transcending Self Therapy: TST-VR at The Retreat, an XR Program

■ TST-VR at The Retreat, an XR Program

THE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT: FUTURE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND DIASPORA

In the digital age, technology reshapes public relations and diaspora communications, creating a world where real-time information exchange and virtual communities transcend geographical distances, fostering global connectivity and cultural preservation.

By Suheyla Tayla

The new age of technology is shaping our future. With the advancement of technology, the world has entered the “information age,” which is also called the “digital age.” In this age, information can be transmitted in real-time, meaning there are no delays in the worldwide distribution of information. Advancements in communication and connectivity technologies shrink distances, fostering a more interconnected world where collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cultural exchange transcend borders.

Public relations (PR) also evolve in response to this rapid digital transformation. Electronic communication has revolutionized how we connect, share information, and build relationships across the globe. This transformation is particularly significant in PR, making the online environment the epicenter of PR strategies. As we look to the future, integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) into the online environment promises to transform PR further. These technologies offer new ways to engage audiences, from personalized content delivery to immersive brand experiences. This digital

transformation has also democratized information dissemination, allowing small businesses and large corporations to reach a global audience easily.

Traditional PR relied heavily on press releases, networking with journalists, and securing media coverage in print and broadcast outlets. Today, the online environment offers a plethora of platforms to directly engage with the target audience, from social media and blogs to podcasts and online forums.

Bridging Distances for Diaspora

One of the most notable impacts of the online environment is its ability to bridge

geographical distances. The internet has been instrumental in creating and sustaining virtual communities that serve as digital homelands for diaspora populations. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and video-calling technologies have made it possible for diaspora members to maintain close ties with family and friends despite being thousands of miles apart. This constant connectivity not only helps in preserving cultural and familial bonds but also aids diaspora communities in the transmission of cultural values and traditions to younger generations growing up away from their ancestral lands. Online forums, cultural blogs, and social media groups offer spaces where individuals can share experiences, celebrate cultural festivals, and participate in discussions that resonate with their identity and experiences.

The online environment also empowers diaspora communities to amplify their voices on a global stage. Through digital activism, diasporas have raised awareness about issues affecting their homelands, mobilized support for causes, and influenced policy decisions. The global reach of online campaigns means these

PUBLIC RELATIONS

communities can garner international attention and support.

Despite its benefits, the online environment also presents challenges for diaspora communication. The digital divide, or the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not, can exclude specific segments of the diaspora from participating in these virtual communities. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and the risk of cyberbullying are concerns that require vigilance and proactive measures to ensure safe and positive online experiences.

In conclusion, the online environment has fundamentally changed the game for public relations, offering new platforms for engagement. As organizations continue to adapt to this digital landscape, the future of PR looks set to be as dynamic and exciting as the online world itself. By embracing change, leveraging data, and prioritizing engagement, PR professionals can navigate the complexities of the online environment, building stronger relationships with their audiences and driving their organizations forward in the digital age.

The impact of the online environment on diaspora communication is profound and multifaceted. In the digital era, the online environment has significantly transformed the way diaspora communities communicate, both with their countries of origin and among themselves. This transformation has facilitated a more connected global community, allowing for the preservation of cultural identities and fostering of support networks across borders. As technology continues to evolve, the ways in which diasporas communicate will also evolve. This new era offers new opportunities and challenges for the diaspora in their efforts to stay connected with their roots while shaping their lives in a new country. ■

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 ERIKONA

TRABZON: THE PEARL OF BLACK SEA

“Oy

Trabzon Trabzon, için kalaylı kazan”

By Nil Güler

Iwant to write about Trabzon this month.

I will start with their university, Black Sea Technical University, established in 1955.

It has many faculties, colleges, vocational schools, and campuses and very strong academicians and personnel. I have visited Trabzon a few times for academic reasons, but I also had a chance to see the city and some historic places.

The history of Trabzon goes very far back. The city was founded in classical antiquity in 756 BC as “Trapezous” by Milesian traders from Sinope. Located on the historical Silk Road, it became a melt and culture for centuries and a trade gateway to Persia in the southeast and the Caucasus to the northeast. It gained importance for its access to roads leading over the Zigana Pass. Christianity had reached Trebizond by the third century. Early

Christians sought refuge in the Pontic Mountains south of the city, where they established Vazelon Monastery in 270 AD and Sumela Monastery in 386 AD. The Galatians, Trebizond Empire, Byzantium, Selcuks, and the Ottoman Empire ruled the town at different times.

MAIN SIGHTS

Atatürk Köşkü: In 1924, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of Türkiye , stayed in the villa during his visit to Trabzon. He stayed there again in 1937.

Hagia Sophia was built in Trebizond during the reign of Manuel I between 1238 and 1263. Between 1958 and 1964, the surviving frescoes were uncovered, and the church consolidated with the help of experts from the University of Edinburgh and the General Directorate of Foundations.

Trabzon Museum also known as Kotaik Mansion (Kostaki Konağı), is a historic house museum. During the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923), the mansion was used as the headquarters for the military in the region. In 1924, it was prepared for the first visit of Mustafa Kemal, the founder of the Turkish Republic, to Trabzon. He and the First Lady Latife Hanım stayed in the mansion. The building is one of the outstanding examples of civil architecture in Türkiye, There are 3 sections in the museum: An archeological section, an About the Mansion section, and an Ethnographic section.

Sumela Monastery The ruins of a monastery can be seen on the slopes of the Zigana Mountains This monastery resembles an eagle's nest (Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Culture). It is not known when the monastery was founded, but the Turkish Ministry of

■ Atatürk Köşkü

■ Interior of Hagia Sophia

TRAVEL

Culture and Tourism places the date around AD 386, during the reign of the emperor Theodosius I (375–395).

Following the conquest by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1461, it was granted the sultan's protection and given rights and privileges that were renewed by following sultans. The monastery remained a popular destination for monks and travelers through the years.

Walls of Trabzon: These are defensive walls in the old town, surrounding the city. However, they did not function as a castle but as walls. Constructed on foundations dating back to the Roman era with cut stones site, most of the city walls are still standing and are among the city's oldest buildings.

Zigana Tunnel: Europe's Longest Double Tube Highway Tunnel Zigana is worth mentioning. With this tunnel between Trabzon and Gümüşhane, we connect the Black Sea to Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia and from there to Iran and the Middle East, namely the Historical Silk Road.

Culture: Trabzon is a city of tradition. The folk dances of the region, known as the

"Horon," are renowned and are danced by men and women, young and old alike. The Horon is accompanied by traditional music played on a tiny violin with three strings called "kemençe." It is often accompanied by drums, horns, and shepherd's flutes. In Trabzon folklore, the mountain pasture festivals play an important role. The groups of men and women arrive in the mountain pastures with their cattle and sheep and begin festivals by setting a big feast. Nearly everybody joins the horon, accompanied by kemençe. Women wearing colorful regional clothes and decorated animals are worth seeing at these festivals. I loved to dance with Horon when I was young

Cuisine: The area's traditional cuisine is largely based on “hamsi” (anchovy). Other local delicacies include black cabbage soup, "kuymak," a pudding made of corn flour, cheese and butter, and "pide," a type of bread. Akçaabat köftesi (meat bowls), butter, and bread are also well-known.

Handicrafts: Trabzon is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, all made from natural materials available locally. Trabzon was one of the leading copper mining centers of the Ottoman Empire and was, and still

is, famous for its copper cauldrons, ewers, bowls, and buckets. In addition, agricultural and household tools made of iron, bracelets made by weaving silver threads (hasir bilezik), and the different decorative objects made of silver called "telkâri" are very popular.

Trabzonspor: They have won seven Super Li titles and were the first non-Istanbul-based club to win the league. There is also a Women’s Football Club founded in 2007, and they are title holders of the 2008–09 season of the Turkish Women's Football Super League. ■

Nil Guler, PhD, is a graduate of Arnavutkoy American College for Girls (Robert College) and Middle East Technical University in Türkiye where she got her B.Sc. in civil engineering (METU) and her Ph.D. in management from Istanbul University. She has been a visiting scholar to Innsburg Institute fur Informatics, Southampton University and a post doctoral to University of Maryland.  She has over 100 scientific articles and papers. She took part in many international and national conferences as a speaker and an organizer. In 2003, she became 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. She also continued as a professor in Bilgi University after retirement. Currently she is a partner in GT Consultants LLC.

■ Playing Horon Dance on the Plateu of Trabzon

■ Trabzon Museum

■ Sumela Monastery

TÜRKİYE: A PERSONAL ODYSSEY

A LIFE OF SERENDIPITY, CROSSING MEXICO IN A CAR WITH PETS, SURRENDERING TO THE GRACE OF THE MOMENT

My life, a tapestry of unforeseen wonders and spontaneous journeys, is a testament to embracing the unexpected and finding magic in the surrender to each moment.

By Tara Alisbah

Ilead a life, unlike the majority of people in the world. I have always looked at the world through a very different lens than most people, but my life's actual action, motion, and rhythm are also entirely my own. Whenever people ask me about myself, they tell me I must write a book about my life. Of course, since it is my life, lens, and choices, it does not seem that extraordinary to me or worthy of sharing, but I will let you decide for yourself. In the end, who am I to know? The moments and words have altered me forever—how could I have known they were coming or where or when they would be? When you want your life

to be a space of miracles, ask and trust that they are coming.

When my son was tiny and we had first moved to Istanbul and heard the song “Que Sera Sera, whatever will be will be,” he said something to me that changed my consciousness forever. He said: “Mommy, this is one of those songs that teaches us that the world doesn’t belong to us, right?” For me, that moment was a miracle. Maybe my acknowledging it as such was grace as well.

I hardly ever plan and never know how something will turn out. I live as much as I can, surrendering to the grace of the moment, and it is a process of unlearning. Today someone called me a butterfly.

I am in the process of crossing from the east coast of Mexico to the west coast to visit someone who invited me to their home in Southern California. I do not have the route planned beyond one day ahead, and I am journeying with my team of two cats and a dog. Last night, I stayed in an air-conditioned room on the land of a local shaman who had created a wonderland near the Mayan site of Uxmal. We called in the directions, drummed together, and sang, and this morning, I walked his land. Information in a form I could not begin to articulate was poured in from the South. And I could not move my body until it was all done, and tears of gratitude came for the beauty of connecting with the spirit of this sacred direction. And he introduced me to another magical being who is stewarding land here and deeply listening and working in service to what he called Eden’ifying, or creating Eden with the land as she reveals her secrets and mysteries to him, waiting until he is in his most vulnerable state and ready to give up to show him the next step in their collaboration. Oh, and there is a cave on the land, a secret portal to another dimension that is reachable only with a ladder and which draws people to it from all across the earth. Pedro, or rock man shaman, told me that a healer from Russia came all the way to charge her crystal in the cave.

And the night before this one? I slept in my car on top of a hill, and my dog barked at everything, and my cats disappeared, and it rained. I did not get much sleep and was grumpy and wondering what the heck I was doing and wishing I knew more about camping as I moved the truck’s position four times to maximize wind intake, which meant re-positioning and moving everything I had taken out of the car and stored

REFLECTIONS FROM TÜRKİYE: A PERSONAL ODYSSEY

under it so we would all have more room to sleep, and in the end wishing I had left it in the first position and everything got wet anyway.

What happened between that first night and second? Between the anxiety of not knowing where we were going to sleep and doubting my abilities to have a place to sleep for two nights in a row? A learning curve, for one. A surrender to the drawbacks of planlessness only to find that we were all still okay and bringing my mattress was not a half bad idea. That is to say night one yielded fruits. The day after night one, new gifts arrived. My cat went into hiding so we could not hit the road, so I had to stay another night and it had all become clear: my animals need walls. They cannot car camp. It creates a lot of stress for them and thus for me. They need a door to enter and feel safe behind, where the sounds of outside and the big world are not causes of curiosity, anxiety and distraction. Which now means I will not be car camping again and I no longer need the mattress I brought and some lucky person in the village of Muna is going to sleep well tonight—which also means I need to know where I am going to stay each night and the route I am going to take. Which means I have to plan. But since it is my nature to be spontaneous and allow the space of the unexpected, I will stay in a place for at least two nights so I can meet the miracles as they wish to come. And, if I forget for a second and focus only on the destination, then one of my team will likely disappear to force my plans to change anyway, so I can only plan as best I can and hold loosely to it. And, I still only need to plan two days ahead. Phew, what a relief. Because let us be honest with ourselves, I’m a bit of a spontanoholic. Or planphobic. And I have got only another two thousand miles of potential miracle moments to harvest, and synchronicity to allow in, so until next time, hoşçakal. ■

Tara Alisbah www.taraalisbah.com

Mother of Eden, Turkish Language and Culture Expert, Eden’s Garden International Pre-School Founder and Director, Linguist, Medicine Woman, Writer, Author, Priestess and Guardian of Sacred Lands, Mermaid, Dragon Master, Sacred Disruptor, MA from Johns Hopkins SAIS, Middle East Expert, World Bank Faith and Development Dialogue consultant, Magnetizer.

A TASTE OF TURKISH CUISINE

BLACK SEA CORNMEAL COOKED WITH CHEESE

MIHLAMA

By Sheilah Kaufman

Cornmeal recipes are always associated with the Black Sea. They can be used as a starter, main course, or side dish. Cornmeal is rich and nourishing and is a Turkish version of polenta. It is usually served with buttermilk and is quick to prepare (it just takes about 15 minutes).

Ingredients

● 8 tablespoons butter

● 1 to 1 1/3 cups cornmeal

● 1 teaspoon salt

● 1/2 pound mozzarella, cut in 1-inch chunks, at room temperature

cold water stirring until it is all absorbed. Shake the pan around in a circular and back-and-forth motion. Mixture should be boiling around the edges.

● Drop in the chunks of cheese and press them in with a wooden spoon so they sit on the bottom of the pan in the cornmeal. Continue to shake the pan in a circular and back-and-forth motion over mediumhigh heat. Keep pressing on the pieces of cheese. As soon as the cheese melts, remove the pan from the heat and serve.

● Serves 4 to 6

Cornmeal from the Black Sea region: a quick, versatile staple akin to polenta, enriched with buttermilk for a taste of Turkish tradition.

● Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet until it is bubbly but not brown. Remove pan from heat and stir in cornmeal and salt, mixing well. Return pan to high heat and add 1 cup of cold water, whisking constantly until butter is absorbed. Reduce heat to medium-high, and constantly whisking gradually add another 1 cup of cold water. Slowly, using a wooden spoon and stirring constantly, and add another cup of

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 Jacobs edit and proofread cookbooks, novels, and websites; they test recipes; and more.

PHOTO BY MURAT GUNGUT

Prime Travel is

travel agency for airline tickets as well as vacation opportunities to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, and beyond. We are a ticketing office for all of the major airlines including Turkish Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, and many others flying worldwide. We have been providing service to the Turkish community for more than 30 years. Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and Anniversary Groups are handled with great care and professionalism.

SPECIAL VACATIONS AND CRUISES

Enjoy exceptional vacations and cruises—to Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, or just about anywhere in the world—all carefully designed by travel experts offered from Prime Travel customers.

Family-Based Immigration

● Marriage-Based Visa and Green Card

● Parent and Children Green Card

● Fiancé Visa

Business Immigration

● E-2 Investor Visa and Green Card

● H-1B Work Visas

● Executive Transfer and Talent Visa and Green Card

● PERM Applications

Citizenship and Naturalization

Humanitarian Applications

● Asylum

● Deportation Defense

● Bond Hearings

● Violence Against Women (VAWA)

● Victims of Crime (U Visa)

Personal Injury

● Traffic Accident

● Slip and Fall

We speak English, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Amharic, Uyghur, Mandarin, and Azerbaijani languages.

DID YOU KNOW?

ACCORDING TO THE TURKISH MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, 1,334,337 AMERICANS VISITED TÜRKİYE IN 2023, WHICH IS A 32% INCREASE FROM 2022 AND A 131% INCREASE FROM 2019. THIS IS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF AMERICAN VISITORS TO TÜRKİYE EVER.

UNIQUE FEDERAL DISTRICT: WASHINGTON, DC, IS NOT A STATE OR CITY, BUT A FEDERAL DISTRICT CREATED AS THE NATION'S CAPITAL.

IN THE 2022–2023 ACADEMIC YEAR, 8,656 TURKISH STUDENTS WERE ENROLLED AT US INSTITUTIONS, which is a 2.2% increase from the previous year. This represents the third-highest number of students from Europe and 19th worldwide, with Türkiye ranking 15th globally among countries sending students for graduate studies in the United States.

MONUMENTAL HEIGHT: THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT WAS THE WORLD'S TALLEST STRUCTURE UNTIL THE EIFFEL TOWER'S COMPLETION.

US GOODS AND SERVICES TRADE WITH THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE TOTALED AN ESTIMATED $42.0 BILLION IN 2022. EXPORTS WERE $19.4 BILLION; IMPORTS WERE $22.5 BILLION.

CHERRY BLOSSOM GIFT:

JAPAN DONATED 3,000 CHERRY TREES TO DC IN 1912.

LARGEST LIBRARY: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST LIBRARY.

EXPANSIVE MALL: THE NATIONAL MALL STRETCHES OVER 2 MILES, HOSTING NUMEROUS HISTORICAL EVENTS.

SPY CAPITAL: WASHINGTON, DC, BOASTS MORE SPIES THAN ANY OTHER CITY WORLDWIDE.

THE MAJORITY OF TOURISTS VISITING TÜRKİYE COME FROM RUSSIA, GERMANY, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.

IMAGE BY JAMESDEMERS FROM PIXABAY

IMMIGRATION LAW

We work closely with our clients throughout the immigration process to ensure the successful completion of their applications as quickly as possible.

PERSONAL INJURY

We offer superb legal representation for all types of personel injury cases, including auto or truck accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall, and premises liability cases.