Record Turnout for Bayram Celebrations in Chicago
By Sel Erder Yackley, The Turkish Times, MidWest Correspondent - More than 500 adults and children gathered on Chicago's south side to celebrate Kurban Bayrami under the auspices of the Turkish Consulate in Chicago and sponsorship of the three Turkish non-profit organizations in the area.

"We are grateful for the help and cooperation of TACA (Turkish American Cultural Alliance) TAWSF (Turkish American Women's Scholarship Fund) and TAACE Turkish American Association for Cultural Exchange)," said Hon. Naci Koru, Consul General. "In addition, several dozen volunteers helped make the afternoon a big success," he added.

The celebrations took place at the International House at the University of Chicago from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, February 9 and included slides of Turkey, puppet and clown show for children, guitar/kanun concert led by Isik Acet and Turkish food by Cousin's and Turkish Cuisine Restaurants. Leyla Harfoush of TAWSF was emcee; Neriman Gezen of TACA talked about the significance of Kurban Bayrami and Mr. Koru spoke about the importance of celebrating such an occasion with fellow Turks and American friends. "The large number is indication that we find pleasure in each other's company. It is wonderful to be with family and friends, though thousands of miles from home," he added.

At least four generations of Turks and Turkish Americans enjoyed the record crowds: great grand parents visiting from Turkey, grandparents, young professionals raising their family, toddlers in strollers and infants on laps. "I am seeing so many friends and acquaintances that I normally don't. It is great," said Levent Uzkan, who lives with his wife and daughters in Bolingbrook. "We got here at 9 a.m. and helped set up and we are thrilled with the turnout," said Semra Prescott, a member of TAWSF. Each organization had a booth and encouraged membership. The consul general's staff made sure citizens registered their correct addresses in the government roster.

A thirty-two page advertising booklet commemorated the day and helped underwrite the cost of the event. Admission was $5 for adults and $2 for children. "All you can eat. What a pleasure to have all this Turkish food and refreshments for such little money," said a graduate student waiting in line for dessert.

For photos, please check out the Consulate's website www.trconsulate.org and the TACA website at www.tacaonline.org

Turkish Orientals are Magical, Indeed
Sel Yackley The Turkish Times-MidWest Correspondent more than 70 ladies attended the March monthly meeting of International Women Associates, jointly sponsored by the Turkish Culture Group, at Emel Singer's party room, March. 26. "The magical world of Turkish carpets" was brought to life with more than 30 beauti-fully displayed works of art. Some wool-on-wool, some silk and some wool-on-cotton, plush "orientals" and many primitive design "kilims" were touched, stroked, examined and admired. Mehmet Eksi of Evrensel Carpet's in Istanbul explained the art of rug making, the importantce of natural dyes, double knots, the variety of regional designs, and the value of a young girl's dowry. He said the more you walk, stump and beat on a rug, the more lusterous it becomes. Several of the rugs were made available for the silent auction at the Annual Benefit Gala. The party room at 3750 N. Lake Shore Drive, overlooks an indoor pool and was bright with sunshine com-ing through the skylight. Sezgin Uskup and Neriman Gezen co-chaired the event. Sel Yackley is the program director for IWA and serves on its board. The organization boasts 500 members from 60 different countries. Local merchant Mete Mutlu of Yoruk Gallery on Belmont helped Mr. Eksi with the display and the lecture. Several of his regional carpets were also on display. Cousin's Fine Turkish Dining restaurant at 3038 W. Irving Park, catered the four course gourmet lunch served leisurely (in the Turkish style) along with Red and White Turkish wines. The March meeting was one of three monthly meetings focus-ing on Turkey that led to the "Istanbul Night, Turkish Delights" gala on April 5.

Ambassador Robert Gosende (left), Associate Vice Chancellor of the State University of New York with Professor Kemal Guruz, (right), President of the Turkish Higher Education Council. Professor Guruz was a speaker at the session on Higher Education. He spoke on International Mobility in Higher Education: Turkey and US. Professor Guruz coordinates an extensive cooperative program between the State University of New York and the Turkish Universities.

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