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 Sikago'nun
Mother Teresa'si, Sikago'lu Türklerin annesi: Günsel Gürkan
Ercument
Kilic, ATAA President-Elect
- Sicak bir yaz gunuydu. Yer New York'un JKF Havaalani. Bir Turk
cift, Amerikali gumruk memuruna yaklasti. Ellerindeki vize gecici
vize idi. Gumruk memuru sorgu suale basladi: "Ne amacla buradasiniz?".
"Es, dost, akraba ziyareti". "Neleredeler?", "Sikago'da". "Ne kadar
kalmayi planliyordunuz?", "Eh iste sen de uc gun, ben bilemedin
bes".
"E
iyi guzel de bu kadar bavul ne demeye? Ya bu yorganlar?", "Valla,
bizim gidecegimiz Sikago da.. soguk bir yermis de hani..". Adam
bir iki kafa sallar, ardindan.. "Peki hadi gecin.."
Bu,
32 yil once, o gunlerde Amerika'ya direk ucuslar olmadigindan, Atina'ya
yolcukluk, orada bir gece kalma ve uzun bir Atina New York ucusundan
sonra New York'a varisda oluyordu.
Sonra
Gunsel ve esi Gungor Gurkan yeni dunyada, Sikago'da yeni hayatlarina
basladilar.
Gurkanlar
caliskanlardi, hem de cok. Kendilerine isyerleri actilar, evler
aldilar, burada iki erkek evlat buyuttuler. Hem de bu cocuklar buyuyup,
Sikago'da yuksek tahsillerini tamamladikdan sonra bir ara hem de
Amerika'nin ilk Turk asilli polisleri oldular.
Duymusdum
Sikago'da uzakdan akrabalarim oldugunu. Aradim telefonla bir isim
icin Sikago'ya gitmeden. "Gelip ziyaret etmek isterim" dedim. Hepimizin
bildigin bir amca teyze otoritesiyle "Ne demek otelde kalmak bize
geliyorsun" dediler. "Pekiyi" dedim.
Gungor
amca beni hava-alaninda karsiladi. Gecirdigi bircok kalca ameliyati
nedeniyle yurumesi yavas-lamis amcamla havaalaninda belki bir kilometre
kadar yuruduk. "Gungor amca" dedim, "neden bu kadar yolu niye yurudun?,
keske ben taksi ile gelseydim" "Bu da yol mu be!?" dedi ve ekledi,
"Iyi ya, evden kacdim yengenden."
Gungor
son derece sakaci bir insan, beni eve kadar guldurdu sakalariyla.
Kendisi hem de giyimine duskun, iki dirhem bir cekirdek..
Eve
vardigimizda Gunsel bekliyordu, ve beni de surprizler. Ilk surpriz,
beni aksam goturdukleri Turk restoraninda oldu. Bu cifti goren her
Turk istisnasiz masamiza geldi ve Gunsel ve Gungor'e sarildi. Gencler
el opmeye basladilar. Amerika gibi yerde el opme mi kalmis? Onlarin
geldigini duyan Cem adindaki bir genc mutfakdan kosarak gelip "Abla
hosgeldin diye" el optu. "Neden bu ilgi?" dedigimde, Gunsel: "Onu
Turkiye'den buraya ben getirdim" dedi. "Ilk once evimde kaldi, ona
is buldum, sonra elinden tuttum gittik ehliyetini aldik sonra sosyal
sigorta numarasini.."
Gunsel
ile Gungor evlerinin bodrum katini bir odali bir otele cevirmisler.
Cem orada kalan ne ilk Turk genci ne de son. Yillardir bos kalmamis
bu oda. Gunsel, Cem gibi tam 22 kisi getirmis Turkiye'den, ya da
burada olup da yardima ihtiyaci olan Turkleri yedirmis icirmis yatirmis,
hastaliklarinda bakmis, ilaclarini vermis, Turkiye'de aililelerine
telefon edip "iyidir cocugunuz merak etmeyin" demis.
Tam
22 kisi. Hepsinin ehliyetleri, bazisinin Ingilizce okulu isleri,
coguna bir is yerinde calisma sansi, ehliyetleri, sigorta isleri.
"Kim yapar bu devirde?" diye dusundum.
Her
birisi evlerinde aylarca kalmislar.
Gunsel
bir yandan da ayni zamanda tek kisilik evlendirme burosu. "11 kisiyi
es bulup tanistirip evlendirdim" diyor buyuk bir gururla. "Bekarsan
bu kadininin yanina yaklasma" diyor yine espiri ile esi Gungor,
"evlendirir valla, acimasi yoktur, yakar basini adamin, firsatin
varken kac".
Ne
mumkun onlarin evinde misafirken "benim bir is icin bir yere gitmem
gerekir, bir taksi cagiralim" demek?. "Ne demek taksi? Kapinin onumdeki
arabalar ne? "Ben seni gotururum" der Gungor. "Yahu amca bu trafikde,
hem de agir sagnak yagmur... senin beni birakman, geri donmen Sikago
gibi yerde en az uc saat", "Olsun Sikago'nun oralarini hic gormemistim"
der bir de biyik altindan gulerek 32 yillik Sikago'lu.
Ikinci
aksam, beni baska bir tanidik ziyaretine goturduler. Donusde.. saat
gecenin 1i. Gunsel "hadi Arkadas'a gidelim" der. Gunsel enerji dolu,
sanki masallah 20lik genc kiz "Hadi" deriz gideriz. "Arkadas " bir
Turk gece kulubu. Bir dahaaaa.. kulupde bu insanlari tanimayan yok.
Gideli on dakika olmus, hosgeldiniz deyip onlara sarilmayan yok,
el openin arkasi gelmez.
Hayati
bu kadar seven insanlari zor gorursunuz, iki dakika sonra sahnede
Gurkan Ankara Fidayda'sini oynar, birazdan Gunsel Azeriligini gosterir
zarif Azeri dansiyla.
Ardindan
Gunsel yine ayakda. Yaklasir bir gence ve basina gelenleri ve evinin
yandigini ogrenince: "Otelde mi kaliyorsun?? Oglum sen dayak istiyorsun.
Yarin pilini pirtini topla bize geleceksin, aaa... orda ev var ya?
Otelde kalacakmis, deli mi ne?"
Genc
de hem utanarak hem gulumseyerek "Tamam anne geliyorum" der.
Evet,
Gunsel bir anne. Sikago'da Turklerin annesi, Turklerin Mother Teresa'si.
Gunsel
ve Gungor, Turkluk sizinki gibi olur, hele daha da onemlisi insanlik
sizinki gibi olur.
Hani
"God Bless You" derler ya Amerikalilar... isde oyle.
Ve
tesekkurler tum o yardim ettiginiz Turkiye insanlari adina.
Siz
cok yasayin guzel insanlar.
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Turkey
at Roanoke, VA Festival
 Vedii
Ayyildiz, Special to The Turkish Times
- "Local
Colors - A Celebration of Cultural Diversity" Historic Market Area &
Center in the Square, Roanoke, Virginia, Sunday, May 19th with over 60 countries
participating. Vedii and Judy Ayyildiz will have a table representing Turkey.
They invite
any musicians, dancers, persons wearing Turkish ethnic clothing and so
forth to join with them representing our wonderful country of Turkey.
If interested, contact VAyyildiz@aol.com. Last year 2500 turned out for
this festival. Preparations are in their last stages, so anyone interested
in participating must act immediately. There will be a parade (we have
the Turkish flag), music, crafts, ethnic games, a fashion show, ethnic
food and lots of sharing. We would appreciate any free literature and
information about travel we could present as hand-outs. Many embassies
of various countries are sending representatives this year. Admission
is Free. You can go on line and learn more at www.nccjroanoke.org
TAAB
Formed in Houston, TX
On March 9, 2002, Doubletree Hotel on Post Oak
boulevard housed the first meeting of the newly formed TAAB organization.
Founded by distinguished businessmen of Turkish origin in Houston area
the organizations first meeting attracted 75 new members both Americans
and Turkish Americans. Turkish Americans have been a vital part of the
economy in Houston for decades and this belated but much needed structure
will try to improve the business relations between two countries as well
as creating a better network between professionals within the Metropolitan
Houston area and the vicinity.
 The
meeting consisted of entrepreneurs, businessmen as well as business professionals
from many industries, including energy, engineering, medical, banking
and travel industries. The organization accepts members via referral of
a current member, the activities are limited to 6 official ones a year
in order to get full participation from this extremely involved and busy
professional group.
The group
plans to be a compass for Turkish Businesses with investment interests
in Houston area as well as assisting the American Companies looking for
investment opportunities in Turkey. The first meeting featured the Honorable
Turkish Counsel as a speaker who also gave full support to the organization.
Professionals interested in joining can visit the web site at www.taab-texas.org
Turkish American
Association for Business - TAAB
9801 Westheimer suite 203, Houston. TX 77042
Webpage: www.taab-texas.org
E-mail: Ubaysal.taab@sebametals.com
ARI
Foundation Held "Cyprus: Toward Reconciliation: Discussion"
Prof. Hasan Unal: "U.S. should pressure Greece to settle differences with
Turkey"
The
Turkish Times -
The ARI Foundation presented a panel discussion in Washington D.C. on
May 2, 2002 entitled, "Cyprus: Toward Reconciliation" featuring Michael
Stephen, Barrister and International Lawyer and Former British House of
Lords Member, and Prof. Hasan Unal, Department of International Relations,
Bilkent University, Turkey.
Saltzman
David Saltzman, Counsel to the ARI Foundation, presented introductory
remarks by drawing similarities between the conditions leading to the
recognition of the United States of America in 1783 and the current status
of the Turkish Cypriots. "Between 1963 and 1974 the Turkish Cypriots,
like the pre-Revolutionary War colonists, faced the prospect of living
under a government from which they had been barred, that did not respond
to their needs, and worse, made living conditions intolerable." Consequently,
as Saltzman argued, "unable to survive without representation, and facing
threats to the physical existence, the Turkish Cypriots looked for a benefactor
and found one in Turkey. [Moreover] the Turkish Cypriots, like the Americans
after the 1776 Declaration of Independence, went about governing themselves
in a democratic manner forming a legislature that enacted laws to provide
basic civil services for the new citizenry."
By viewing
the history of the early United States through the lens of Cyprus, Saltzman
argued that, "recognition is not instantaneous or even based on the attributes
of the newly declared state. It can be withheld cynically or granted frivolously."
Stephen
Michael Stephen stated that since 1960s only the Greek Cypriot perspective
has been acknowledged by the international community. This imbalance has
heightened tensions and diminished hopes for settling the dispute. Stephen
further argued that, "The European Union has made matters worse by telling
the Greek Cypriots that they could still get into the EU without a settlement
with the Turkish Cypriots. It would in any event be illegal for Cyprus
to join the EU without the consent of all parties to the Cyprus Treaty
of Guarantee (including Turkey), because Article 1 of the Treaty prohibits
Cyprus from participating in whole or in part, in any political or economic
union with any State whatsoever. I am sorry to say that Britain and the
EU are ready enough to lecture Turkey on the law, but are reluctant to
comply with their own legal obligations when it does not suit them."
Stephen maintained
that the talks between the Turkish Cypriot President, Rauf Denktas, and
the Greek Cypriot President, Glafcos Clerides focus on three main points:
security, property, and the powers of any new federal or confederal authority
that may be created. Stephen further argued, "Turkish Cypriots are asked
to believe that the Greek Cypriots have changed, but even today the Greek
Cypriots maintain an international embargo on Turkish Cypriot trade and
communications in an attempt to strangle their economy, and even during
the current talks they have ordered attack helicopters from Russia. Those
in the EU and the US who express concern for the living standards of the
Turkish Cypriots should start by refusing any longer to participate in
the embargo. Turkish Cypriots do not want handouts but they do want a
fair chance to earn their own living."
Unal
Prof. Hasan Unal focused on the correlation between the current EU-Turkey
issue and the Cyprus problem. He stated that "although they were not listed
under the Copenhagen Criteria, the Cyprus and the Aegean problems have
becomes part of the criteria." Unal further argued that, "The 1997 summit
made it clear that based on the cultural differences, political conditions,
and geographical location Turkey will not be able to join the EU. Cyprus
has been considered to be in the first wave of EU enlargement, not Turkey."
Hasan Unal
maintained that both sides should be treated equally. He argued that the
EU×s strategic decision may increase and worsen the "division of the island."
Finally, Hasan Unal stated that the U.S. should pressure Greece to settle
differences with Turkey because the U.S. needs Turkey for various regional
issues, such as the Middle East and the security of the Caspian pipelines.
TAEF
Completes Computer Lab in Izmit
Sam and Cheryl Wyly donated $20K for the project
Nuray
Erkutay Fuller, Special to The Turkish Times -
Turkish American Edu-cation Foundation of Dallas (TAEF) has completed
a 21 PC computer lab in a Degirmendere, Izmit, Turkey, a town devastated
by the last earthquake. Most of the kids are earthquake survivors. Donation
of $20,000.00 came from dear friends of Nuray Erkutay Fuller, Sam and
Cheryl Wyly to be used for this purpose. With this money, 20 top-of-the
line PCs, CD R/W, scanner, web cam, laser and a color printer, 17 inch
monitors and a server was installed in addition to purchase of the computer
desks, new floor and a steel door for security purposes.
The lab is
online and children will be sending e-mails thanking Mr. and Mrs Wyly
soon. Since the school does not have a set curriculum and a teacher for
computer training, local volunteers are conducting classes for the kids
and the teachers several times of week. During June 5-8, a volunteer teacher
from Austin, TX., Mary Burns will conduct a workshop to train the local
teachers on how to use technology and internet as teaching tools (Active
Learning methodology). Mary is also paying her own airfare to Turkey and
the local teachers will host her during her stay showing her the "Turkish
hospitality". Kocaeli and Ege universities are sending participant/observers
for this workshop and want to know the possibility of co-hosting this
workshop with Mary. It is so exciting that this project attracted much
attention and interest of the educators there. Mary will also train four
local volunteers to continue the teachers training in future using the
"train the trainer" methodology.
June 4
- Opening Ceremony
Additionally, Mr and Mrs Wyly will be honored at the opening ceremony
on June 4, at Mufit Saner Elementary School in Degirmendere, which she
will attend with two of her friends, but we are sad that Mr. Wyly could
not attend. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Johnson (Cheryl's dad and his wife) will
be attending the ceremony as well. Since the only hotel in D.Dere was
devastated in the last earthquake, local families will host all guests
from Texas.
Also, since
this project fostered such a "volunteerism spirit" in Degirmendere and
while the momentum is there, we are now working on a power-point presentation
to train the local Parent-Teacher-Associations in each school, how to
set up a volunteer programs to participate in their children's school
activities. Carlisle Elementary School Volunteer Coordinators in Plano
will be helping us with this program.
If you would
like to volunteer for future projects such as this one, or would like
more information regarding this project, please call Nuray Erkutay Fuller
at 972-867-3934
A
La Turka Celebrates Anniversary with Open House
Owner
Coskun Eskeranli goes over the day's plans with the wait staff at
Alaturka. |
Sel
Erder Yackley, The Turkish Times, Midwest Correspondent
- A La Turka, an authentic Turkish restaurant on the north side of Chicago,
is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an open house Sunday May 19 from
2 to 5 p.m. Everyone is invited for fun and friendship. "We want to mark
our anniversary and celebrate Genclik Bayrami (Youth Day) at the same time,"
said owner Coskun Eskeranli who will provide free beverages and snacks.
The address is 3134 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.
A La Turka's
outdoor seating has added a festive atmosphere to the neighborhood and
will be put to use weather permitting. Offering classic Turkish cuisine
and a relaxed, cozy atmosphere, A La Turka has become very popular among
Americans. "People come from all over Chicago and the suburbs to enjoy
our food, our ambiance and on Friday and Saturday evenings our entertainment."
Having received ZAGAT Award for 2002 and being listed in their book has
given the restaurant an edge, according to Eskeranli. The "Wall of Fame"
is filled with framed reviews from a dozen publications. Among them is
an article in the Chicago Tribune, giving it three forks (four being the
highest honor) and Chicago Magazine calling it the "Best New Restaurant
in Chicago in 1997."
A former
Fed-Ex manager, Eskeranli first tried his hand in the fast food sector
before purchasing A La Turka more than two years ago. "My wife, Rosaria,
co-owner, works behind the scenes and is very much involved in the customer
service/marketing aspect of our business. She is employed at Fed-Ex as
a regional sales manager," he said. Eskeranli proudly acknowledges that
his young staff are all university graduates. Chef Arif Yalcin, whose
specialties are kebabs and desserts, is a graduate of Middlesex University
in the U.K. Bartender Gulin Guneri is working on her Ph.D. Burcin Ozdaryal
is getting her MBA. Other staff members include Sermin Koseoglu, Yesim
Erol and Ahu Tutus. "The reason for our repeat business is the result
of the superior service our staff provides."
Customers can enjoy drinks at the bar. Several brandnames
of raki and several Turkish wines are available along with hard liquor
and after dinner drinks. |
What are
the other secrets for A La Turka's success? "Our goal is to 'delight'
our customers and exceed their expectations by providing them with the
finest Turkish Kitchen selections thoughtfully," he said. Light fixtures
are imported from Turkey, musical instruments hang on the walls. Turkish
ceramics, rugs, brass trays, copper utensils and several low tables add
to the Ottoman atmosphere of the restaurant. "The dining experience that
we provide our clientele is unique. They fell like they are in Turkey
when they dine here. Often they ask to purchase souvenirs that we proudly
keep in our display case. We also promote Turkish tourism by providing
travel brochures and copies of the Turkish Times," said Eskeranli.
A La Turka
is open for lunch and dinner Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. "We have belly dancers
on Friday and Saturday nights.. We are not a nightclub or a lounge. Our
customers come to experience the delight in fine Turkish dining and to
learn more about the Turkish Culture. Open seven days a week, A La Turka
can accommodate up to 150 people. " We are flexible about private functions.
Future plans include expansion so that we can accommodate larger parties
and corporate functions." said Eskeranli.
"We also
deliver and provide full catering services," said Eskeranli who has been
most generous in supporting various Turkish causes. He often donates his
services to official Turkish functions, fund raising events or promotional
activities such as art exhibits. A La Turka was one of the sponsors at
the ATAA-TACA mini convention that took place in Chicago last week. For
more information, please go to www.alaturkaturkishkitchen.com.
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