BY SEVTAP SCHREFFLER
A Year of Culture, Community, and Connection at ATA-DC
From large-scale festivals on Pennsylvania Avenue to intimate cultural gatherings at our new permanent home, this year marked an important chapter in ATA-DC’s journey. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the tireless dedication of our volunteers, and the enthusiastic participation of our members and friends, ATA-DC experienced a year filled with meaningful celebrations, cultural pride, and community connection. The year’s momentum began in winter and early spring and continued through the end of the year, weaving together culture, education, professional development, youth engagement, and social connection.
Honoring Women, Family, and Community
The year opened with a special “Come and See ATA-DC House” event on January 11, inviting members to visit our newly acquired home before renovations began. With a playful construction theme—complete with hard hats and hammers—members symbolically took the “first strike” on the walls, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for ATA-DC. Community connection continued on February 25 with a Connection Hour at Bistro Cacao, where members gathered over drinks and conversation to strengthen relationships, expand networks, and enjoy time together in a relaxed setting.
On March 8, ATA-DC hosted its signature International Women’s Day celebration, honoring Turkish women leaders in STEM while supporting educational initiatives. Esteemed speakers Dr. Esma Akın (GWU Medical School), Dr. Hande Özdinler (Northwestern University), and Dr. Duygu TosunTurgut (UCSF) were recognized with ATA-DC’s Annual Leadership Award for their groundbreaking work and leadership.
Continuing its commitment to education and professional dialogue, ATA-DC hosted a webinar on March 16 titled “Immigration and Trade in the U.S. – Immigration Policy and Its Long-Term Impacts.” Led by attorneys Tolga Özek and Mert Arkan, the webinar explored U.S. immigration policy, long-term economic impacts, international trade, customs tariffs, trade agreements, and compliance, providing valuable insights for the community.
As summer approached, community spirit took center stage. On June 7, members traveled together to Connecticut for the Turkey–USA Match Day Bus Trip, sharing excitement, pride, and camaraderie. This was followed by the beloved Father’s Day Picnic on June 15 at Quincy Park, where nearly one hundred community members of all ages gathered to celebrate family, enjoy Turkish cuisine, and strengthen community bonds under the summer sky.
Preparing for the Festival: Fundraising and Togetherness.
Behind every successful Turkish Festival lies months of preparation and heartfelt community support. On June 1, festival fundraising began with the Back to the ’80s Nostalgia Fundraiser, graciously hosted by Özlem and Hüseyin Akkaya. This colorful, music-filled evening brought the community together for dancing, laughter, and shared memories—proving that fundraising can be both impactful and fun.
Another highlight was the lively Street Eats & Beats Fundraiser on September 27, hosted by Aynur and Mustafa Özdemir. Guests enjoyed music by the SeksenRock Band and memorable kokoreç prepared by Chef Aynur, all in support of ATA-DC’s award-winning festival. Despite a bit of rain, spirits stayed high with more than 60 guests gathered under tents and umbrellas, sharing plates, stories, and laughter late into the evening. Events like these fundraisers are a good reminders of why the DC Turkish Festival means so much for our community!
Turkish Heritage Month: A Celebration of Legacy
October marked Turkish Heritage Month (THM), beginning on October 4 with a Kick-Off Brunch combined with ATA-DC’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. Our community came together to mark three special milestones at this event — the kickoff of the 14th Turkish Heritage Month, ATA-DC’s 60th Anniversary, and our 1st Anniversary as a Virginia non-profit at our new place in Falls Church, Va. At its core, this special gathering honored the organization’s long-standing legacy while looking ahead to its future.
Cultural programming continued on October 11 with a Folk Dance Workshop led by renowned instructor Yeliz Dingler. Participants explored regional dances including Romani, Artvin Horon, and Eastern Halay, experiencing the energy and diversity of Turkish folk culture.
The following day, on October 12, guests gathered for a Turkish Coffee & Fortune Reading Workshop, where the history, rituals, and social traditions of Turkish coffee were shared in an engaging and intimate setting.
A Festival That Brings a City Together
The pinnacle of the year arrived on October 19, when Pennsylvania Avenue once again transformed into a vibrant celebration of Turkish culture during the 23rd Annual Turkish Festival. Welcoming over 20,000 visitors, the festival showcased Turkish music, dance, arts, crafts, and cuisine, standing as a proud symbol of cultural exchange and community pride.
Just weeks later, on November 1, the community gathered at the Washington Plaza Hotel to celebrate the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. The elegant Republic Day Grand Ball brought together distinguished guests and community members for an evening of unity, reflection, and celebration, with live music by Selin Geçit filling the dance floor.
Investing in Youth and Education
Youth education and leadership remained central to ATA-DC’s mission throughout the year, with 45 students enrolled in Atatürk School and 50 students participating in the Young Cultural Ambassadors Program (YCAP). Atatürk School students proudly celebrated national milestones, including the 10 November Atatürk Commemoration Day and 29 October National Republic Day, through poems, songs, and shared remembrance. On November 23, students also honored their teachers, recognizing the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as Head Teacher of the National Schools.
YCAP students engaged with community leaders across various fields through a combination of online and in-person sessions. A highlight was the YCAP Civic Engagement Seminar on November 8, held at ATA-DC House, featuring Lydia Borland and Lincoln McCurdy, who shared valuable insights on leadership, civic participation, and Turkish-American relations. The year concluded with a joyful YCAP End-of-Year Potluck on December 14, organized by the students themselves.
A New Home for Culture
A defining milestone occurred on December 13, when ATA-DC hosted world-renowned flutist Şefika Kutluer for a special concert at ATA-DC House. This memorable evening marked the first cultural music event at ATA-DC’s new permanent address, symbolizing a new era for the organization as a
cultural and community hub. We were honored to welcome our esteemed artist Şefika Kutluer —internationally known as “The Magic Flute”— for an unforgettable performance and cultural evening at the ATA-DC House.
The Heart of ATA-DC: Our Volunteers
Behind every successful event stands an extraordinary group of volunteers. On November 16, ATA-DC honored these dedicated individuals with a Volunteer Appreciation Evening, celebrating the passion, time, and commitment that make every program possible. The event celebrated and thanked all those who contributed to the success of ATA-DC’s events and programs, bringing together volunteers in a warm and friendly atmosphere filled with reconnections and new friendships.
So Much More is Happening
While many of the events shared here are the ones our members and friends see and enjoy firsthand, there is also a great deal of meaningful work happening quietly in the background. These ongoing efforts help make our community experience smoother, stronger, and more connected. One of the most beloved examples is ATANews, our quarterly magazine. With every issue, we bring people together through
shared stories, celebrations, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond our events. At the same time, we have been thoughtfully modernizing our website, making it a more welcoming, fun, and easy-to-use space where our members and friends can stay informed and connected to everything ATA-DC. Though these efforts may not always be visible, they are deeply rooted in our commitment to serve our community with care and heart.
IN 2025, ATA-DC HOUSE BECAME THE CENTER OF THE TURKISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY WITH ITS COMPELLING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TIRELESSLY TO SERVE AND UNITE THE COMMUNITY IN 2026.
With Gratitude and Looking Ahead
From our hearts to all sponsors, volunteers, supporters, participants, — thank you for being part of ATADC’s story in 2025 and we’d love to see you with us in 2026 as well.
Your continued support allows us to build bridges, celebrate heritage, and create lasting memories. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited for another inspiring year. Together, we aim to foster greater connection, inclusivity, and impact in the year ahead. We wish you and your loved ones a prosperous, fulfilling, and healthy and New Year.
