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The 1,5 million-strong Melun-geons are a relatively little known American ethnic group. Current popular theory suggests that the Melungeons were descendants of Spanish and Portuguese settlers who abandoned the Spanish settlement of Santa Elena in South Carolina during the late 16th century. These settlers eventually mingled with several Native American tribes including Powhatans, Pamunkeys, Creeks, Catawbas, Yuchis, and Cherokees. They may have also mingled with the survivors of several hundred Moorish and Ottoman-Turkish galley slaves and Portuguese and Spanish prisoners left on Roanoke Island (in modern North Carolina) by Sir Francis Drake in 1586. See web page for more detailed information on Melungeons. Amy Gatley of Kingsport Times-News reported the following from Wise: "It was rainy, windy and cold, but plenty of hearts were warmed as 231 students from the University of Virginia's College at Wise received their diplomas Saturday. The 33rd commencement at U.Va.-Wise was marked by several distinctions besides the dreary weather. The first ever Turkish exchange student, Alihan Kara-kartal, received his bachelor of science degree [in business administration]. Karakartal was honored with addressing his fellow graduates, urging them to make a mark on the world. 'Show the entire world - not just the state, not just the nation - but the world, what graduates of the University of Virginia's College at Wise are capable of ... be responsible and peaceful citizens,' Karakartal said." Karakartal
and Besiktas Thus, during a recent phone conversation, The Turkish Times could not help but put the inescapable question to Mr. Karakartal: "Are you really a Karakartal - a Besiktas fan?" Although
he answered the same question thousands of times in the past, Mr. Karakartal
was still a sport: "Yes," he replied with a smile one could almost see
at the other end of the line, "not only I'm a Besiktas fan but I actually
live in Besiktas as well" - referring to the historic neighborhood on
Istanbul's European coast after which the soccer team was named. Sounding
a bit wistful for not having visited Turkey in the last four years,
Karakartal said he is nevertheless planning to stay in the United States
just a while longer to receive his Masters' degree. He is obviously
one of those bright young Turkish professionals who is destined to do
well no matter what line of work he chooses in life. We have a feeling
we'll be hearing more from Mr. Karakartal, the true Besiktas fan from
Besiktas, in the years ahead. 2002
World Basketball Championship You can
purchase your tickets by going online to www.tacaonline.org
or by sending a check, along with your name, number, and address to
the address provided below. Turkey
will also be sending a Turkish referee to the championship. Memduh Oget
will be the first Turkish referee ever to officiate in the World Basketball
Championship. Hurry,
as we only have a limited supply of tickets at these prices. For further
information, please contact the following individuals: Email: worldbasket@tacaonline.org |
Ercument
Kilic, ATAA President -Elect - That the president
of Solidarity of Balkan Turks of America Association, Ms. Suzan
Demircan was single handedly responsible for dozens of Turkish
families to escape the brutal ex-Communist regime of Bulgaria
for abroad and even to America? Either by tourist visas she
obtained or by her steadfast work thorough Catholic Charities
Organization, she offered new lives to so many.
Alihan
Karakartal delivers Commencement Speech at UV - Wise.
The school is known as "Melungeon College"