More than an exhibition, YADIGÂR (Memento) has become a respected traveling cultural platform preserving family heirlooms, women’s craftsmanship, and the historical journey of Anatolian textiles. By transforming private memories into a shared public legacy, the project strengthens Turkish-American cultural ties and ensures this heritage is carried into future generations.

ATANews magazine’s Feriha Istar, who worked alongside curators Atahan and Hürmeydan to bring the Washington, DC leg of the project to life, sat down with them to discuss the vision, journey, and cultural resonance of YADIGÂR.

How did you evolve Dr. Vega Sankur’s vision into a multi-sensory, traveling exhibition?

As curators, we built upon Dr. Sankur’s vision by transforming dowry culture into an immersive cultural journey. We used our treasured heirlooms as a base and then combined storytelling, sensory design, live demonstrations, and adaptable exhibition formats so YADIGÂR could travel while maintaining its emotional depth and authenticity.

The exhibition centers on Anatolia’s dowry tradition. How do you reinterpret something so intimate and domestic into a collective cultural narrative without losing its personal depth?

We approached each piece as a personal story rather than an object. By honoring the makers, their memories, and their craftsmanship, we created a space where visitors connect individual experiences to universal themes of family, identity, and belonging.

Many of the pieces come from women who migrated from Anatolia to the U.S. How do these objects change in meaning when they move across geography from private homes to exhibition spaces in America?

These objects become bridges between cultures. In private homes, they preserved family memories; in exhibition spaces they gain a wider voice, representing migration and the continuity of heritage across borders.

YADIGÂR is described as a tribute to women’s labor and cultural transmission. What conversations do you hope this exhibition sparks around invisible labor, memory, and intergenerational knowledge?

We hope audiences recognize the unseen labor, patience, and creativity behind handmade traditions. We also want to inspire conversations about how women preserve culture and pass knowledge from one generation to the next.

Unlike traditional exhibitions, YADIGÂR incorporates textures, sounds, fragrances, and even taste. How did you design this multi-sensory approach, and what does it allow audiences to understand that visual display alone cannot?

We wanted visitors to feel the heritage, not only observe it. Textures, sounds, scents, and taste create emotional memories and offer a deeper understanding of how these traditions were lived in everyday life.

The Washington, DC leg of this project brought together organizations like ATA-DC, Anatolian Artisans, the GW Textile Museum, and ATAMLA-AKM. How have these collaborations shaped the exhibition’s impact and expanded its reach to broader audiences?

Collaboration has been essential. We worked extremely well with all the DC organizations; all contributed volunteers, ideas, heirlooms, models, and the Kardelen dance routine, enriching AKM YADIGÂR in DC. Working with respected organizations also expanded visibility, created academic and cultural dialogue, and introduced YADIGÂR to new communities that may not otherwise encounter Anatolian heritage.

The recent fashion show at the Turkish Embassy in DC highlighted garments passed down through generations. How does incorporating performance and fashion deepen the idea of “living heritage” within YADIGÂR?

Performance definitely brings heritage into motion. When garments are worn again, they move beyond display and become living expressions of identity, elegance, tradition, and continuity between past and present. We’d like to thank the Turkish Embassy for their patronage in DC. We are especially grateful to Ambassador Honorable Sedat Onal and Mrs. Figen Onal for opening their home and organizing this event. We also appreciate all the volunteers organized by ATA-DC. It was a great collaboration experience for everyone.

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ATA-DC was honored to support and take part in the AKM Yadigar (Memento) Fashion Show, held at the historic Turkish Ambassador’s Residence. This unforgettable evening showcased a stunning collection of traditional Turkish attire, some dating back up to two centuries, offering guests a unique journey through history, culture, and craftsmanship.

The program featured a beautifully reenacted henna ceremony and rare pieces, including a remarkable tailed tuxedo worn by a member of the first Grand National Assembly. The event was presented by AKM Yadigar with the support of ATA-DC. We extend our sincere gratitude to AKM Yadigar for their vision, to Mrs. Figen Önal for graciously hosting, and to all the models, curators, and supporters who made this extraordinary cultural evening possible.

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ATA-DC proudly celebrated this special day with our community, welcoming over 350 guests for a joyful and vibrant program. The event featured wonderful performances by our talented students, including a beautiful Turkish folklore show by Atatürk School students, along with fun activities like face painting that created a festive atmosphere for all ages.

We were deeply honored by the presence of Ambassador Sedat Önal and Mrs. Figen Önal, and extend our sincere appreciation to the Turkish Embassy staff for joining us.

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ATA-DC was honored to host the Washington, DC stop of the Yadigar (Memento) traveling exhibition, curated by AKM – Yadigar. The two-day event welcomed guests to experience a remarkable collection of Turkish family heirlooms, showcasing the rich intersection of art, memory, and tradition through intricate craftsmanship and deeply personal stories.

Presented by AKM – Yadigar and brought to our community with the support of ATA-DC, the exhibition created a meaningful cultural experience at the ATA-DC House. Guests also enjoyed a special curatorial talk, offering deeper insight into the history and significance of the pieces on display.

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ATA-DC hosted a highly engaging seminar exploring how to navigate today’s evolving global economic environment and make informed investment decisions. We were honored to welcome Eylem Senyüz, Senior Vice President and Senior Global Macro Strategist at Truist Advisory Services, Inc., and Adjunct Lecturer at Georgetown University, who shared valuable insights and expertise.

The event was at full capacity, reflecting the strong interest from our community. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of global trends and practical strategies for today’s investment landscape.

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ATA-DC brought the community together to watch Türkiye’s decisive match against Kosovo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. With the stakes high and excitement in the air, members gathered in a vibrant and spirited atmosphere to support the national team.

And what a night it was—Türkiye’s victory made the celebration even more unforgettable! Drawing inspiration from the legendary 2002 journey, our community came together to relive that pride and share in a joyful, emotional win.

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ATA-DC brought the community together for an exciting match watch party as Türkiye faced Romania in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Members gathered to cheer on the national team in a lively and spirited atmosphere, united in support of Türkiye’s World Cup journey.

The energy in the room was incredible—and made even better by Türkiye’s victory! It was a proud and celebratory moment for our community, coming together to support and celebrate our national team.

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ATA-DC was honored to host renowned artist Pınar Ayhan for a powerful and inspiring performance that beautifully combined music, storytelling, and history to celebrate Atatürk’s vision and the Women’s Revolution. Her moving presentation captivated the audience and paid tribute to the strength and achievements of women.

The evening also served as a meaningful celebration of International Women’s Day, with proceeds supporting Bridge to Türkiye’s educational programs for girls in earthquake-affected regions. ATA-DC proudly presented its International Women’s Day Leadership Awards to Pınar Ayhan and Dr. Lori Şen in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

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ATA-DC hosted a special community bazaar at the ATA-DC House in celebration of International Women’s Day, bringing together members to shop for a meaningful cause. The event featured a vibrant selection of artisanal goods, fashion, wellness products, and delicious Turkish treats in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

All proceeds supported Bridge to Türkiye’s “Educate a Girl Project,” benefiting young girls in earthquake-affected regions. It was a beautiful day of community, purpose, and impact—coming together to support education and brighter futures.

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ATA-DC members enjoyed an unforgettable evening at Capital One Arena, watching the Wizards and Rockets warm up courtside and participating in the on-court fan tunnels for both teams. The experience brought our community together for an exciting night of basketball and shared pride.

A special highlight was Alperen Şengün taking time to sign jerseys and pose for photos with our members. With over 200 fans in attendance, the energy in the arena was truly incredible

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