Participation in the Gala During UN General Assembly Visit During his visit to New York, United States, to attend the 73rd Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, our President joined a dinner organized by the TURKEN Foundation—established jointly in the United States by TÜRGEV and the Ensar Foundation—and addressed the guests.
21 September 2017
Our President Attends TURKEN Foundation Gala Dinner
Participation in the Gala During UN General Assembly Visit
During his visit to New York, United States, to attend the 73rd Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, our President joined a dinner organized by the TURKEN Foundation—established jointly in the United States by TÜRGEV and the Ensar Foundation—and addressed the guests.
The TURKEN Foundation dinner, held at the Mandarin Hotel in New York, was attended by TÜRGEV Chairwoman Dr. Fatmanur Altun, TURKEN Foundation President Behram Turan, executives from the Ensar Foundation, board members of both foundations, prominent Turkish and Turkish-American businesspeople, community leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
A Platform for Collaboration Between Turkish and American Civil Society
Emphasizing that TURKEN, as the representative of the deep-rooted Turkish charitable foundation tradition in the United States, not only contributes to the academic, social, and intellectual development of students coming from Türkiye, the President stated that the foundation also serves as a fertile platform for strengthening cooperation between Turkish and American civil society organizations.
"TURKEN Is Building New Human Bridges Between Türkiye and the United States"
Highlighting TURKEN’s role in building new human bridges between Türkiye and the U.S. through its projects and outreach efforts, the President expressed his belief that the foundation will make its name more widely known across various fields of civil society in the coming period. He congratulated all those who have contributed to its work.
Pointing out that no success is served on a silver platter, he noted that while it is easy to complain about injustices, hardships, and oppression, the real challenge lies in taking even small, modest steps toward solving the issues we criticize. "The point is not to curse the darkness, but to light a candle that will pierce it," he said.
The President reminded the audience that Turkish history is filled with examples where seemingly minor undertakings have evolved into works that shaped humanity. "A mosque, a madrasa, a fountain, a soup kitchen, or sometimes a caravanserai built along a road has served people for centuries. This is why, in our culture, doing good and leaving behind works to be remembered with gratitude is so important," he emphasized.
"TURKEN Has Become a Source of Pride for Our Country"
The President drew attention to how our ancestors, instead of relying solely on the state to solve the social and humanitarian challenges of their time, personally took initiative through the foundations they established:
"Indeed, just as our forebears did for centuries, TURKEN was founded by a handful of people of goodwill, with sincere intentions to foster kindness, peace, solidarity, and cooperation. Today, it has reached a truly commendable position. The sapling planted here four years ago with the words ‘bismillah’ has now taken root and begun to bear fruit. In defiance of the traitors who sold their souls for a dollar, TURKEN has become a source of pride for our country with its activities. Especially in the field of overseas education, which for many years was plagued by the insidious influence of FETÖ operatives, it has achieved truly significant projects."
Message to the Youth
Addressing the young people studying in the United States, the President said:
"You are not only the hope of your families and of us, but also of millions around the world who yearn for justice."
He advised them to study diligently, appreciate the opportunities provided to them, and seek ways to develop their social skills. Urging them to walk their paths with patience, remembering that the steps they take and the friendships they form today will bear fruit many years later, the President called on them to return to Türkiye after completing their studies—better equipped than ever—to contribute to the country’s development drive.
