ATA-DC https://atadc.org American Turkish Association of Washington, DC Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:21:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://atadc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-ATA_DC_1_red-scaled-100x100.png ATA-DC https://atadc.org 32 32 Reflecting on 2025 & Shaping 2026 https://atadc.org/reflecting-on-2025-shaping-2026/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 22:20:47 +0000 https://atadc.org/?p=17582 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

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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.

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]]> Alperen Şengün: The Rise of a Turkish Star in NBA https://atadc.org/alperen-sengun-the-rise-of-a-turkish-star-in-nba/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:29:25 +0000 https://atadc.org/?p=17524 BY ÖZGE ÖVÜN SERT The 2025–2026 NBA season marked a turning point not only for the Houston Rockets but also for Turkish basketball: Alperen Şengün—only a year after becoming the second Turkish player ever selected for the NBA All-Star Game—erupted into an unforeseeable force that shattered expectations, producing numbers that challenge and redefine the modern

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BY ÖZGE ÖVÜN SERT

The 2025–2026 NBA season marked a turning point not only for the Houston Rockets but also for Turkish basketball: Alperen Şengün—only a year after becoming the second Turkish player ever selected for the NBA All-Star Game—erupted into an unforeseeable force that shattered expectations, producing numbers that challenge and redefine the modern game. Once regarded as a promising European prospect, he has surged into the conversation as one of the league’s most dominant and versatile centers. For the Turkish American community, his rise has been a source of immense pride, proving that a young athlete shaped by Türkiye’s sporting culture can rise to global prominence in the world’s most competitive basketball league. Şengün’s story, however, is not the typical NBA fairy tale.His journey is marked by quiet perseverance, intense discipline, and unique path as he once described in his interview with Fatih Altaylı. Unlike many American prospects groomed through high-profile prep programs, Şengün was overlooked in early European scouting circles during the NBA Draft process in 2021. Many teams admired his solid skill set but questioned whether his unconventional style would translate to the NBA, and they hesitated. It was Houston Rockets that saw what others missed: a rare blend of creativity, basketball IQ and instinctive playmaking. Drafted 16th overall (via Oklahoma City), Şengün entered the league determined to prove he belonged here. Today, he has not only proved his worth — he has redefined what a modern pivot can be.  

From Giresun to the World Stage:

A Childhood That Built a Champion Born in 2002 in Giresun, Şengün grew up as the youngest child in a modest and close-knit family. His father was a local fisherman, his mother a homemaker, and with an older sister 10 years his senior and a brother 8 years older, the family often struggled to make ends meet. His parents initially enrolled him in swimming, but Alperen was more captured by basketball—imitating his brother’s moves and spending hours practicing footwork that still defines his game today. At age 12, he took a life-changing leap: moving away from home to join Bandvit Youth Academy, one of the most renowned youth clubs in Türkiye. Living in a dorm, training intensely, and facing homesickness, Şengün developed not only technical skill but resilience and independence. Coaches from Bandvit still describe him as “the player who never once asked for a break” and “the most self-driven player to come out of Bandırma.” His move to Beşiktaş in the 2020–21 season became his breakout moment. At only 18, he dominated the Turkish Basketball Super League—winning the league MVP title, a rare accomplishment for a teenager. It was then that American scouts began to view him not just as a promising player, but as a future NBA star.

Emerging as a Leader for the Turkish National Team

Before making headlines in the NBA, Şengün showcased his talent on the international stage. With the Turkish National Team, he excelled in youth competitions, including a standout performance at the 2019 U18 European Championship, where Türkiye claimed the silver medal. Representing the senior National Team, Şengün has become an essential presence— bringing his post scoring, playmaking, and court vision to international competitions. In the summer of 2025, Alperen Şengün played a pivotal role in Türkiye’s run to finals at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, Latvia. He consistently delivered high-level performances throughout the tournament, anchoring the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, demonstrating the same versatility and composure that have defined his NBA career so far. His leadership and strategic thinking on the court helped Türkiye reach the championship game, marking one of the nation’s most impressive campaigns in recent European competitions.

NBA Breakthrough: A Pivot Putting Up Unthinkable Numbers

After that bumpy start, when his new career began in the NBA, nobody knew what to expect from him. But by his 5th NBA season (2025–26), Şengün—or Alpi, as he is nicknamed by teammates and fans—has fully transcended the traditional expectations of a “center” and transformed himself from a clever young role player into one of the league’s most elite and competitive centers. His mid-December 2025 stats show that he is averaging 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game—an extraordinary stat line for any big man, let alone someone playing center. In the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 21, Şengün erupted for 39 points and 11 rebounds, a jaw-dropping performance that immediately signaled that he was no longer just a role player. Ironically, Oklahoma City —the same team that selected Şengün on draft night in 2021, only to trade him away— now found itself overpowered by the player it once let go. Alpi did not merely beat the Thunder that night; he dominated them, as if closing a long-open chapter of his career. That performance was no anomaly. As the season unfolded, Şengün continued to expose elite defenses with a rare blend of footwork, vision, and patience.

On November 16, his game against the Orlando Magic led his team to a solid win, while Alpi dropped 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists—highlighting how rare it is to see such all-around production from a center in today’s NBA. What makes these numbers even more astonishing is that he’s doing them while anchoring the paint,meaning he remains a true pivot—battling inside player, setting screens, directing traffic—yet producing the all-around stat lines of a superstar guard. For a center to simultaneously function as a scorer, rebounder, and primary offensive creator is considered unprecedented. Commentators across the NBA often remark that Şengün “thinks the game two steps ahead,” and his playmaking ability has drawn comparisons to elite European players such as Nikola Jokić. While many initially labeled him “Baby Joker” (a reference to Jokić), now they argue that Alpi is forging a style entirely his own.

His evolving game has prompted commentators to abandon the initial comparison and recognize that Şengün has a distinctive style that will continue to challenge the traditional norms of basketball. Several analysts predict that if he continues this trajectory, he may soon enter legitimate MVP discussions. The Rockets’ decision to commit to him long-term with a major contract extension further signals his trajectory. He is no longer the young prospect trying to prove himself—he is the centerpiece.

What’s Next for Alperen Şengün?

For Turkish Americans, Şengün’s rise is more than a sports story. It is a reflection of perseverance, cultural pride, and the limitless potential of young athletes bridging two worlds. He has become a role model for a new generation—showing that discipline, passion, and self-belief can carry a player from the courts of Giresun to the bright lights of the NBA’s biggest arenas. As the Rockets continue to develop a young and exciting roster, expectations for Şengün grow each year. Basketball experts across both continents predict that he has not yet reached his ceiling. With improved defense, continued leadership growth, and expanding offensive range, he could become one of the defining big men of the next decade. For now, one thing is certain: Alperen Şengün isn’t just representing Türkiye in the NBA—he is reshaping what it means to be a Turkish basketball star on the global stage. And for our community, his story is a powerful reminder that the American dream and the Turkish spirit can coexist—beautifully, in harmony, and with pride.

Sources for this article:

Fatih Altaylı ile Pazar Sohbeti: Alperen Şengün Interview StatMuse+2ESPN.com+2 Land of Basketball+1 CBS Sports+1 Lastwordonsports.com/basketball/ Profootballnetwork.com/nba/alperen -sengun-history-houston

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