Studies have been initiated for the establishment of a United States Turkish Library and Museum in New York City by 2015 with the support of Turkish – Americans, Turks and their friends from around the world. The aim is to provide an institution for Americans and the world travelers in the Capital Culture of the World to learn about the true face and the contributions of Turks to the world peace started through the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and the first President of the secular Republic of Turkey.
2015 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the victory of the Ottoman navy and army in defeating the forces of the allied forces at Dardanelles and the appearance of Mustafa Kemal Pasa in the world scene who changed the course of history. Other events took place in that year as part of the World War I which will also be commemorated.
Museums in every country are known as the most trusted and credible institutions for public information and enjoyment, except perhaps a few. Libraries provide information and disseminate knowledge through the accumulated wisdom of all nations throughout centuries. The first library in the world was established in the Middle East and there are thousands used by everyone. Both libraries and
museums inspire interest, confidence and respect and influence attitutes of people, motivate support and encourage direct involvement.
Most of us are aware of the growing anti-Turkish propaganda that was started at the turn of 20th century which is continuing today through publications, movies, theaters,
symposiums and talks at universities in the United States, Turkey and many countries. This was mentioned during a Semposium held at Cukurova University in Adana on January 28, 2011 where the establishment of a Library and Museum in New York was first proposed.
The purpose of this note is to appeal to the members of the Turkish – American and American – Turkish Asscoiations, represensatatives of all universities, media organisations, private sector companies, civic organisations and individuals, both in Turkey, the United States and in other countries to support this initiative and forward comments, suggestions to the writer prior to the meetings tentatively sheduled for:
April 04, 2011 at Kadir Has University Library,
Istanbul
May 19, 2011 at Hunterdon Public Library,
Clinton, NJ.
For the Group, Yuksel Oktay, PE
Washington, NJ 0 532 723 4204
yukseloktay@verizon.net
9 February 2011
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