Bereketli (R) presenting Sylvester "Rambo" Stallone a necktie that bears his own original design of "peace birds."

Painter Metin Bereketli: Life of Vets Fundraiser Party
"I was proud, not only be an American, but also a Turk by birth"
Michael Dutra, Beverly Hills, CA - When The U.S.Vets Gala was held on Feb 22 of this year, honoring those that continue to make possible their outreach mission of re-integrating homeless vets into our society, the international Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills California was packed.

The focal point of the evening was clearly resting on the vets, but the art exhibition /fundraiser that marked the Gala, by Turkish-American Painter Metin Bereketli, was making excitedly wonderful and peaceful waves.

Some of the honorees on hand were Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris, Senator John McCain, Governor Gray Davis, Sheriff Lee Baca, Dr.Buzz Aldrin (Historic Apollo XI moon walk),Dennis Franz, Lionel Ritchie with host Robert Stack. In a room with such a mix of respected people being honored by the national recognized organization, it was interesting to see the reactions Mr. Bereketli received in regards to his commitment to peace and freedom through his paintings.

Bereketli stated, "I was truly moved in meeting many of the vets. I was proud, not only be an American, but also a Turk by birth. I mention this because many of the vets who congratulated me on my paintings also wanted to add thanks to the Turkish people for their contributions in military support. I was touched by the unifying spirit that was shown here, it is something that my art strives to represent." Many of the vets had served with

Turkish Soldiers in the Korean war, Gulf war and presently with Operation Enduring Freedom. There is a deep and growing feeling of support, since the events of September 11th,for our vets and those currently serving. U.S. Vets works to recognize and assist those who have served our country through the military.Their Gala further mission of helping those who have helped so many.

For further information and contributions contact: U.S.VETS-Westside Residence Hall, 733 South Hindry Avenue,Inglewood,CA 90301. Michael Dutra is a writer and free-lance Journalist living in Los Angeles California. Contact Info: Valperaso@yahoo.com

Orhan Pamuk is flanked by Prof. Cornell Fleischer, Sim Campbell, Neriman Gezen, Sel and John Yackley following his talk about the book “My Name Is Red,” at the University of Chicago.

Orhan Pamuk Is A Hit in Chicago
Sel Erder Yackley, The Turkish Times, Midwest Correspondent - Orhan Pamuk addressed more than 150 people at the University of Chicago recently. The standing-room only crowd heard him read a few paragraphs from his book My Name Is Red and then talk about his experience writing this, his sixth novel which has been translated into 20 different languages.
Pamuk was invited to Chicago by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University which used this opportunity as a symposium of sorts. Moderator and organizer was Prof. Hakan Ozoglu, Ayasli Turkish Language Lecturer.

Considered one of the most prominent European novelists whose works have been translated into more than twenty languages, Pamuk was born in Istanbul, June 7,1952. He spent all his life in this city, except for three years he lived in New York.

Pamuk told the audience he came from a family of engineers, but did not want to become one. “I loved to paint, starting at an early age,” he said. “My family said I did not have to become an engineer but should attend the Architectural Department of Istanbul Technical University for three years,” he explained. He finally gave in to his creative tendencies and finished The Institute of Journalism. He started writing regularly at age 22 in 1974. “I usually write 10 hours a day,” he explained.

His books include The White Castle, The Black Book, The New Life-all internationally acclaimed. The latest “Kar” was recently published in Turkey.

Following Pamuk’s talk three panelists critiqued the book and spoke about their impressions and conclusions. They were: Prof. Faik Mustafa, who teaches Arabic, Prof.Cornell Fleischer, Kanuni Suleyman Professor of Ottoman and Modern Turkish Studies who is, a friend of Pamuk and another friend, Stephen Kinzer ,of the New York Times who authored the book Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds in 2001. All three congratulated Pamuk for the excellence in his writing and research, and the creative manner in which he brought to life Ottoman miniaturists’-their characters, passions, artistic talents and short falls.

The setting of My Name is Red is Istanbul in year 1591. The Ottoman Sultan Murad III secretly commissions an illustrated book, which will celebrate his life and wants this book to be ready for the “Millennial Commemoration of Hegira” (Emigration of prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina). At the same time, the Sultan intends to gift this book with a portrait of himself to the Venetian Dodge-demonstrating his achievements with western style paintings. Even though in Islam, figurative painting is forbidden, the Sultan’s plan is to impress the Venetian Court and show them that Ottoman artists can also paint in their style, complete with perspective and three dimensions on a two dimensional canvas.

Pamuk’s story is multi-faceted, working on many different aspects of life, belief and traditions of sixteenth century Ottoman society. It is a superbly narrated historical murder mystery, a book of ideas, and a passionate love story-written through the mouths of 12 different narrators. As pointed out by all the panelists, My Name Is Red is a timely book especially since the Islamic East and the Christian West are at odds with each other.
The two-hour discussion concluded with questions from the audience, which included Consul General of Turkey-Hon. Yavuz Aktas and Mrs. Fatos Aktas, a dozen professors, members of the International Women’s Associates, writers’ groups, authors and scores of graduate students. A buffet dinner followed the presentation. Orhan Pamuk’s stops in the U.S.A. included Iowa, Chicago, New York and Washington D.C.