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1-EASTERN AND SOUTHERN ANATOLIA
2-KURBAN BAYRAMI DINNER -
 On November 21, Dr. Ercan Alp took our guests on a virtual tour of Southern and Eastern Anatolia and Kelaynak Kuslari (Bald Ibis Birds). The presentation and slide show were highly informative and exceptionally interesting. Thanks Ercan! by Ercan Alp
Ercan Alp
: Alice Kuzay and Ercan Alp
K U R B A N - B A Y R A M I - D I N N E R TAWSF celebrated its traditional "Bayram Event" Saturday evening, February 23, at Acacia Club House in Indian Head Park with an evening of Turkish food and music. Before the Bayram celebration began, President Seniha Karatas's gave a brief presentation on the status of our students and informed the guests about the recipient of the Tunc Kuzay Scholarship Fund. The event was well attended and everyone savored numerous delectable traditional Turkish dishes and drinks. Many enjoyed the Turkish music and dancing throughout the evening. There was also raffle prizes which included a crystal bowl, table runner, pillow cases, and a crystal vase. We would like to thank all our distinguished friends who contributed so generously to this meaningful and important event.
Left to right:Seniha Karatas, Gulin Motan, Erhan Cankal, Belma Selcukoglu
Honourable Consulate General Yavuz Aktas
Semra Prescott and Sel Yackley
Erhan Cankal and Devrim Bilgili "I had the opportunity to meet the members of this great organization in an ethnic get together and have been moved by their concern towards the students enrolled in the undergraduate programs in Turkey. I consider TAWSF to be an extremely helpful organization in terms of providing partial financial aid to female students in Turkey aspiring to pursue higher education in various disciplines. Moreover, this organization has gained confidence among students by offering useful advice towards choice of their future career. I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to know the Turkish community in the United States through this organization. I wish them good luck in the noble service they are providing to the youth of our country." Erhan Cankal
Turkish Times-Bayram 2003 Local News April 2003 Year 14 No. 317 Record Turnout for Bayram Celebrations in Chicago By Sel Erder Yackley, The Turkish Times, MidWest Correspondent - More than 500 adults and children gathered on Chicago's south side to celebrate Kurban Bayrami under the auspices of the Turkish Consulate in Chicago and sponsorship of the three Turkish non-profit organizations in the area. "We are grateful for the help and cooperation of TACA (Turkish American Cultural Alliance) TAWSF (Turkish American Women's Scholarship Fund) and TAACE Turkish American Association for Cultural Exchange)," said Hon. Naci Koru, Consul General. "In addition, several dozen volunteers helped make the afternoon a big success," he added. The celebrations took place at the International House at the University of Chicago from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, February 9 and included slides of Turkey, puppet and clown show for children, guitar/kanun concert led by Isik Acet and Turkish food by Cousin's and Turkish Cuisine Restaurants. Leyla Harfoush of TAWSF was emcee; Neriman Gezen of TACA talked about the significance of Kurban Bayrami and Mr. Koru spoke about the importance of celebrating such an occasion with fellow Turks and American friends. "The large number is indication that we find pleasure in each other's company. It is wonderful to be with family and friends, though thousands of miles from home," he added. At least four generations of Turks and Turkish Americans enjoyed the record crowds: great grand parents visiting from Turkey, grandparents, young professionals raising their family, toddlers in strollers and infants on laps. "I am seeing so many friends and acquaintances that I normally don't. It is great," said Levent Uzkan, who lives with his wife and daughters in Bolingbrook. "We got here at 9 a.m. and helped set up and we are thrilled with the turnout," said Semra Prescott, a member of TAWSF. Each organization had a booth and encouraged membership. The consul general's staff made sure citizens registered their correct addresses in the government roster. A thirty-two page advertising booklet commemorated the day and helped underwrite the cost of the event. Admission was $5 for adults and $2 for children. "All you can eat. What a pleasure to have all this Turkish food and refreshments for such little money," said a graduate student waiting in line for dessert. For photos, please check out the Consulate's website www.trconsulate.org and the TACA website at www.tacaonline.org
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TAWSF