Windy City, Short Takes
Sel Yackley, The Turkish Times, Mid-West Correspondent, seliko@earthlink.net - Turkish Airlines managed to transport to Turkey a group of 400 Americans (over three days) mostly from the Grand Rapids, Michigan, in September and another 200 members of a group left for Turkey in early October.

Since Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley and his wife Maggie have expressed an interest in Turkey, Chicago has arranged for the visit of various cultural groups. Chicago is a sister city with 23 capitals around the world....the Turkish community here is hoping Ankara will be the 24th. Recently Kenani Cemal and Sulukule group performed on three different occasions to record crowds. Invited by the Cultural Department of the City of Chicago, the gypsy fidlers participated in the World Music Festival.

Turkish Rock/Pop Music Concert by Ayna was enthusiastically received by several hundred Turks recently in Chicago. Other Turkish Culture activities included 20-booth exhibition in the annual Travel and Incentive Show at McCormick Place where hoteliers, tour operators and artists such as Aydin Cayir, calligrapher, demonstrated his talents.

Mrs. Sel Erder Yackley, recently lectured on Turkey: Cradle of Numerous Civiliza-tions as part of the Live and Learn Series sponsored by Latin School parents. Mehmet Ak, original owner and chef of Cousin's, has opened a brand new Cousin's restaurant on the Northwest Side of Chicago. More than 100 Turks and Americans attended the Grand Opening first week of October.

Prof. Dr. Ayhan Lash gave a lecture of "Auto Immune Diseases: Why So Many Women" to the International Women's Associates. She is a professor of Nursing at Northern Illinois University.

The Turkish Culture Group of the International Women's Associates are planning half a dozen programs during the next six months, culminating in a Gala event at Four Seasons titled "Istanbul Night and Turkish Delights." IWA has 500 members from 90 different nations. "All of a sudden it is 'in' to be Turkish," said Meral Bensch, chairman of the Gala which will feature Turkish cuisine, Turkish music, fashions, entertainment and items to be auctioned off.

The date is April 5th. "We want to have 400 persons attend the gala and would like a good turnout by Turks also. We want to make this an unforgetable event so we are looking for sponsors," said Mrs. Bensch.

Jak Karako Running for NYC Seat
The Turkish Times- Only 40 days left for the elections. Jak Karako, running for State Assembly in New York, in district 66 which covers East & West village, SoHo & Tribeca is the only Turkish-American left in the elections after other Turkish-American candidates in Maryland and Florida lost in the primaries.
Jak's campaign manager said “Jak’s message ‘I don't want to rule your life or your wallet’ is hitting a chord where no other candidate touched before. His chances for winning are quite respectable, yet Jak notes that there is a lack of attention and support from Turkish groups and leaders. Strapped for cash, Jak's campaign is heavily relying on volunteers.”

Jak's campaign manager pointed out that “web site www.ElectJak.org is full of interesting material and received 40,000 hits since it's reconstruction. Jak Karako is the candidate for both the Libertarian Party and the Republican Party. His only opponent is the incumbent Democrat. The winner of 20,000 votes will win this race.”

"New York Subway Walls"
by Burhan Dogançay
Dogancay undergoes multiple bypass surgery
www.lightmillenium.org - While preparing an exhibition of his recent works, New York Subway Walls, which will open at the Radio House Gallery, 601 West 26 St. on October 3 (and run through November 9), Burhan Dogan-cay unexpectedly had to undergo multiple bypass surgery.

After one week stay at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, he is now recovering at home.The operation, performed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, was a success, and with Dr. Oz’s permission, Dogançay hopes to be able to attend the opening reception of his exhibit. Dr. Oz himself and many of those who took care of Dogancay during his hospital stay are also expected to attend.

Born in Istanbul, Dogançay lived several years in Paris where he studied law and earned a doctorate in economics at the University of Paris, while simultaneously taking art courses at La Grande Chaumiere, before making New York his permanent home in 1962.

Dogançay is known for a body of work that grew out of his fascination with urban walls, a theme he has consistently pursued throughout his artistic career. For Dogançay urban walls have a special meaning: they testify to the passage of time, reflecting social, political and economic change and bear witness to the assault from the elements and the minds of people who leave their mark on them. 1967 was the first year in which New York subway walls served as the subject of his paintings. The series of recent works currently on exhibit at the Radio House Gallery are vivid renditions of New York subway walls during the renovation process currently underway and testify not only to his ongoing interest in New York's eternal metamorphosis, but also to his enduring fascination with urban walls throughout the world. Dogançay’s work has been exhibited worldwide and is represented in over 50 major museum and corporate collections, including The Museum of Modern Art, New York, The Guggenheim Museum, New York, Musee de la Ville de Paris, The State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg, Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Museum of Greater Victoria, Canada. His work is featured in several books, which are available at major US book stores and amazon.com.. His latest publication, Works on Paper (1951-2000), is scheduled to be released by Hudson Hills Press in spring 2003.