Author: Aylin D. Miller

  • Why NATO’s Biggest Internal Problem is Turkey

    Why NATO’s Biggest Internal Problem is Turkey

    The documentary was most likely funded by an anti-Turkish lobby (such as Armenian or Greek groups) because a documentary that is so far from reality and unaware of international laws could not be made otherwise.

    Indeed, in a world that is becoming increasingly polarized, Turkey is arguably the country that NATO needs the most. The real threat to NATO comes from two of its own members, Greece and France, which, by violating international treaties and attempting to usurp Turkey’s rights, are driving Turkey away from NATO. Such behavior could lead to Turkey leaving NATO, which would significantly weaken the alliance. Turkey’s importance to NATO exceeds the combined importance of these two countries. Therefore, France and Greece should promptly align themselves and stop being an impediment to Turkey.

    nato flags
  • Hippodrome in modern-day Istanbul

    Hippodrome in modern-day Istanbul

    Imagine if the Roman Hippodrome of Constantinople was still in modern-day Istanbul?

    The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square in Istanbul, Turkiye, known as Sultanahmet Square. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos, horse, and dromos, path or way. For this reason, it is sometimes also called Atmeydanı (Horse Square) in Turkish. Horse racing and chariot racing were popular pastimes in the ancient world and hippodromes were common features of Greek cities in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras.

    Imagine the Roman Hippodrome of Constantinople in modern day Istanbul

    Recreation created by Dogukan Palaman.

  • Turkic roots of medical terms in Latin and English

    Turkic roots of medical terms in Latin and English

    Turkic roots of 679 medical terms in Latin, English

    medical terms from turkish

    The majority of medical terms are Turkish rooted for two reasons:

    1- Turkish or proto-Turkish is the founding language of Western languages. I tried to provethis in my previous articles here.

    2- Turkic peoples and the first physicians among them contributed greatly to the establishment of the medical discipline and the development of medicine.

    The Turkish roots of many of the basic medical terms originate from this practice and information. Here I am explaining the Turkish roots of about 679 medical terms. This includes words related to human organs and health.

    Kaan Arslanoğlu

  • KAAN project sub- chain companies

    KAAN project sub- chain companies

    Turkey’s developed 5th generation fighter aircraft, KAAN, took off from the runway, meeting the sky as it lifted its wheels off the ground. The flight, which held the breath of all Turkey, also made a great impact worldwide. Taking its first flight on February 21, 2024, at 08:50, KAAN remained airborne for 13 minutes, reaching an altitude of 8000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.

    KAAN provides superior air dominance with its High Performance and Integrated Avionics System, which includes Extended Air-to-Air Combat Range with New Weapons, Precision and Full Hit from Internal Weapon Bays at High/Supersonic Speeds, Artificial Intelligence, and Heterogeneous Computing support.

    During KAAN’s first flight, the Central Management Computer developed by TÜBİTAK, Avionics Interface Units, Deterministic Network, Multi-Core Real-Time Operating System, and Middleware Software were used.

    The main control computers were designed and manufactured by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM.

    The computer system, referred to as KAAN’s brain, was successfully developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and delivered to TUSAŞ ahead of the planned date in 2022.

    The avionics computer system has safety-critical and high-performance processor modules with deterministic and high-speed communication infrastructures. This computer performs data processing and management functions for Mission (Communication, Navigation, AESA Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electro-Optical Targeting and Weapon) Systems along with critical aircraft management functions such as engine system management, flight system management, etc. The mission computers reduce the pilot’s workload and also generate displays for the instruments and helmet-mounted display.

    The Multi-Core National Real-Time Operating System was developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM.

    The Real-Time Operating System (GzIS), developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, was made multi-core to meet KAAN’s high computing needs and was used on the Main Management Computers during KAAN’s first flight.

    When the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft KAAN project is completed, it will become unique with TÜBİTAK’s critical technologies.

    turk havacilik uzay sanayi kaan

    Systems developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM for KAAN:

    Flight Control and Aircraft Management Computers

    These are computers that manage engines, flight control surfaces (flaps), and other aircraft systems. They were used in KAAN’s first flight.

    Central Management Computers

    These are 5th Generation Integrated Modular Avionics computers that manage the aircraft’s main systems and weapon systems, generate images for avionics displays and helmet-mounted displays, and ensure the aircraft’s cyber security. They were used in KAAN’s first flight.

    Mission Management Computers

    These are computers that process and manage data from communication, navigation, electro-optical targeting, radar, and electronic warfare systems. They were used in KAAN’s first flight.

    Avionics Interface Units

    These units convert aircraft sensor and actuator signals and facilitate communication with legacy interface systems. They were used in KAAN’s first flight.

    Deterministic Network

    It is a high-speed optical network that ensures the transportation of data with different criticality levels without affecting each other. It was used in KAAN’s first flight.

    High-Speed Network

    It is an optical network that enables the transportation of a large amount of sensor data to management computers at very high speeds. It was used in KAAN’s first flight.

    Multi-Core Real-Time Operating System

    These are operating systems that allow different applications of varying criticality levels to run on all of KAAN’s computers without affecting each other and with high performance. They were used in KAAN’s first flight.

    Middleware Software

    These are middleware software that enable communication between KAAN’s sensors and each other, perform protocol conversion for interfaces, generate display graphics for indicator displays, and run artificial intelligence applications. They were used in KAAN’s first flight.

    EMC Test System

    It is a system that measures and analyzes the compatibility of all electronic systems on KAAN with each other.

    Antenna Test System (NFRTF)

    It is a system that determines the geometry of KAAN and ensures the low radar cross-section for the 5th Generation stealth aircraft.

    Systems to be developed by TÜBİTAK MAM for KAAN:

    Life Support System

    Life Support Systems are being developed to enable Fighter Aircraft pilots to sustain basic vital functions under conditions requiring high physical endurance.

    Explosion Prevention System

    [probably a Fuel Tank Inerting System]

    Explosion Prevention Systems are being developed to prevent explosion and fuel boiling in fuel tanks of Fighter Aircraft, taking into account the variable conditions of the aircraft.

    Electromagnetic Modeling and Optimization of Radar Absorbing Multilayer Thin Film Surface Coating

    The RASEM software is being developed to give the National Fighter Aircraft invisibility feature, especially in the design processes of the canopy.

    Development of a Surfaces Providing Low Visibility in Intake of National Fighter Aircraft

    For providing a low radar visibility to air intakes of MMU-KAAN, surface designs within the duct will be tested and measured.

    Electromagnetic Modeling and Implementation of Frequency Selective Surfaces for National Fighter Aircraft

    For providing the low radar visibility feature to KAAN, RASEM-RADOM software is being developed for electromagnetic design and optimization of KAAN’s radome with frequency selective characteristics.

    The armament integration of KAAN will be carried out by TÜBİTAK SAGE

    TÜBİTAK SAGE’s SOM A, SOM B1, SOM B2, HGK 82, HGK 83, HGK 84, NEB, GÖKHAN, KGK 82, KGK 83, GÖKDOĞAN, and BOZDOĞAN projects will be integrated into KAAN.

    kaan
  • Mother Language as the Second Language

    Mother Language as the Second Language

    ATAA UN Related Announcement# 26

    In Support of the “International Mother Language Day (21 February)”

    Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) and
    Turkish Women League of America (TWLA)

    Jointly Organize and Present a Webinar on:

    Mother Language as the Second Language

    Sunday, February 25, 2024
    1:00pm ET, 12:00pm CT, 10:00am PT, 21:00 TR

    Online Registration:
    https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n3bd-TnLT4GvZrNz0oH44A

    When you are registering, please select choice of your language you would like to participate with Turkish or English.After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    Language: Turkish & English

    Background

    On February 25, 2024, The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), and Turkish Women League of America (TWLA), formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), will hold a virtual event titled “Mother Language as the Second Language” in support of International Mother Language Day (A/RES/56/262) highlights the importance of multilingual education, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.

    Program Introduction

    This program highlights the role of language and its importance in uniting people that speak the same language. There are many reasons people migrate to other countries. These may be due to economics, education, wars, and etc.. Setting in a foreign country comes with many challenges, language is one most important element impacts people’s lives. It is important for us to embrace the language and culture of the country we live in order to be better successful while we sustain our mother language and culture of our origine; teach our children as well. To be multilingual improves collaboration, exchange of ideas, improves business, commerce and scientific ties. It also helps new generations to link themselves to older generations and enjoy the benefits that come with associating with a culture, the psychological strength that grows with these roots.

    Opening Remarks and Introduction by

    Video Presentation – TWLA-NY Atatürk School Students
    Dr. Nilüfer Esen-Bilgin, ATAA President
    Berna Gürdal, TWLA President

    Moderator:

    Yasemin Ünlüsoy, TWLA–NY Atatürk School Teacher

    Keynote Speakers:

    Sunay Akın
    The Birth Story of Turkish Words – Türkçe Kelimelerin Doğuş Hikayesi

    Professor Dr. Belma Haznedar
    Bilingual Language Acquisition In Early Childhood

    Speakers:

    Dr. Esra Taşdelen
    A Brief History of Turkish Language

    Mar Deniz Gomez-Koldemir
    Unlocking the Power of Multilingualism: A Journey through the World of Speaking Multiple Languages

    Emre Murat Bozer
    The Key Sociolinguistic Factors that Contribute to Heritage Language Development

    Youth Speakers:

    Yasemin Knott
    Importance of Language in Maintaining Cultural Diversity

    Ece Yenigün

    Arden Ege Van Winkle
    Overcoming boundaries with Language

    Q&A Session

    Parent’s Presentations

    Closing Remarks by

    Alev Wieland, Co-Chair ATAA UN Committee & ATAA First VP & ATAA Southwest Region VP

    mother language

    Biographies

    Sunay Akın is a Turkish poet, writer, TV host, journalist, and a philanthropist. He is the founder of Istanbul Toy Museum. Akın is best known for his poetry; his primary influences include Orhan Veli Kanık and Cemal Süreya. His poems are generally lyric, short, and soft in tone. He also often makes use of satirical forms and puns. Akın has a collection of over 7,000 toys, some of which date back nearly 200 years. 4,000 of them are on display in the İstanbul Toy Museum which opened in 2005. He co-hosts a TV show called “Yaşamdan Dakikalar” (“Minutes from Life”) on the TV channel tv8, together with Hıncal Uluç, Haşmet Babaoğlu, and Nebil Özgentürk. He lectures at Marmara University, and Müjdat Gezen Art School, as well as at his own institution, the İstanbul Toy Museum. Akın regularly stages one man shows in Turkey and abroad, and participates in panels and conferences. He contributes as a regular columnist to the newspaper Cumhuriyet. His column is named after his 2004 book, “Kule Cambazı” (“Tower Acrobat”), in reference to İstanbul’s Maiden’s Tower. Awards: 1987, Halil Kocagöz Poem Awards for his collection of unprinted poems “Noktalı Virgül” (“Semicolon”) and 1990, Orhon Murat Arıburnu Poem Awards for his poem “Makiler” (“Maquis”).

    Professor Belma Haznedar holds a PhD in Linguistics from Durham University, UK. She is currently a full Professor of Applied Linguistics at Boğaziçi University, İstanbul-Turkey. Professor Haznedar’s expertise area focuses on early childhood bilingualism, with special reference to language acquisition in successive and simultaneous children. In her recent work, she also investigates (i) language teaching to young children; (ii) literacy development in monolingual and bilingual children; (iii) language loss and heritage language speakers; (iv) creating online materials for teachers who work with migrant populations (adult and child immigrants with low literacy skills). In line with her recent work for teachers of immigrants and heritage speakers, Dr. Haznedar and her co-authors presented portions of their findings at the United Nations headquarters in 2017 and 2019 in New York. Professor Belma Haznedar has presented and published extensively on childhood bilingualism in national and international refereed journals and books and is co-editor of Current Trends in Child Second Language Acquisition (Amsterdam, 2008), co-editor of Handbook for Teaching Foreign Languages to Young Children in Primary Schools, (Ankara, 2010, reprinted in 2013, 2018), co-editor Acquisition of Turkish in Childhood (Amsterdam, 2016), author of Erken çocukluk döneminde birden fazla dilin edinimi ‘Language acquisition in early childhood, (Ankara, 2021).

    Dr. Esra Tasdelen is native of Istanbul, Turkey. She received her BA degree in Social and Political Sciences at Sabancı University in Istanbul, Turkey (2003). Her MA degree is in Middle Eastern Studies (2005) and her PhD degree is in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (2014), both at the University of Chicago, Illinois. Her teaching focuses on the history, languages, literatures and cinema of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as translation theory. She is currently an Instructor at the University of Chicago’s Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies.

    Mar Deniz Gomez-Koldemir is an 11th-grade student at the Dalton School in New York City, NY. She was born in New York City to Turkish and Spanish parents and graduated from TWLA – NY Ataturk School in 2018. Mar Deniz also spent a semester abroad at Robert College in Istanbul. She is fluent in English, Turkish, and Spanish, and has learned Mandarin and French as well. With over a decade of experience, Mar Deniz is an accomplished violinist and currently serves as the concertmaster at the Third Street Orchestra. Looking forward, she has aspirations to study medicine. Mar Deniz Gomez-Koldemir is a multilingual student with a passion for music and a goal to make a positive impact through her future medical studies.

    Emre Murat Bozer is a PhD student in Second Language Acquisition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests focus on language education and multilingualism, specifically in the context of heritage language education at community-based heritage schools. His most recent research project involves a linguistic ethnographic investigation of language ideologies and language socialization practices at a Turkish community-based heritage school in the United States. Emre also holds a minor in Japanese Linguistics and teaches a variety of Japanese courses at UW-Madison.

    Yasemin Knott is a Junior Social Work major at Siena College in Loudonville, New York. She has been on the Dean’s List and the President’s List since attending Siena College. She is a Student Representative on the Siena College Social Work Advisory Board. She is a Community Assistant at Siena College. Through her position as a Community Assistant, she was able to give a successful presentation on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and representation. Yasemin has been a Turkish Women’s League of America youth representative for the United Nations since January of 2023. Since being inducted into this position, she attended the Assembly of the Turkish American Associations’ 2023 Annual Conference, as well as making a presentation on the importance of inclusive education for all. Yasemin has been a member of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations’ United Nations Youth Forum since April of 2023. Yasemin is a 2020 National Honor Society Inductee and a Spanish Honor Society Inductee. She was previously an officer of the Saratoga Springs High School Spanish Culture Club as well as the 2022 Siena College Muslim Student Association Events Coordinator. Yasemin was a cheerleader for 15 years and a dancer for 10 years. She was a Saratoga Springs High School Varsity Competitive Cheerleader and Team Captain for multiple years. She also achieved American Red Cross Certification in Childcare. Yasemin is learning Turkish, Spanish, and American Sign Language. She attended the Turkish Women’s League of America’s New York Ataturk School and earned a New York Seal of biliteracy in Spanish and English. Through college courses in high school, she earned credits from Rochester Institute of Technology, Adirondack Community College, and Schenectady City Community College. Yasemin volunteered at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School for 6 years.

    Ece Yenigün was born in New York, New York as the first-generation U.S. citizen in her family. She is now a third-year student in Political Science major at Union College, Schenectady, New York. Throughout her elementary, middle, and high school years, Ece attended the United Nations International School where she completed the International Baccalaureate Programme and earned her IB Diploma; excelling in biology, socio-cultural anthropology, and French. Her proficiency in four languages (English, Turkish, French, and Spanish) has allowed her to become the aspiring communicator she is today. Within her fourteen years of experience as a violinist, Ece has performed at Carnegie Hall twice and continues to portray her commitment and aspiration for the instrument by playing with the Union College String Orchestra. Ece has also pursued her interest in humanitarian work through internship opportunities such as The New Neighbors Partnership at Columbia University, along with volunteer work with the Turkish Red Crescent Community (Türk Kızılay) in Turkey, teaching and mentoring Syrian refugee children. In 2015, Ece graduated from the Turkish Women’s League of America’s New York Atatürk School.

    Arden Ege Van Wickle was born in Plano, TX to Turkish American family. Arden just graduated from high school who possesses a diverse skill set as a critical thinker and problem solver. Arden graduated from the Dallas International School within the French school system. Fluent in English, French, and Turkish, with a moderate command of Spanish. Arden volunteers his time in the Doctors Without Borders Program Language Education Program and help students in Türkiye to learn English. He is an active youth member of the local Turkish community, provides support on different educational and cultural programs. Beyond multilingual skills, Arden has a passion for music and visual arts. With a scientifically inclined mind and a penchant for out-of-the-box thinking, Arden aspires to continue his education by pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and aiming to make a positive impact in the field of fluid dynamics. Arden Ege Van Winkle, is born in Plano, TX to Turkish American family. Arden just graduated from high school who possesses a diverse skill set as a critical thinker and problem solver. Arden graduated from the Dallas International School within the French school system. Fluent in English, French, and Turkish, with a moderate command of Spanish. Arden volunteers his time in the Doctors Without Borders Program Language Education Program and help students in Türkiye to learn English. He is an active youth member of the local Turkish community, provides support on different educational and cultural programs. Beyond multilingual skills, Arden has a passion for music and visual arts. With a scientifically inclined mind and a penchant for out-of-the-box thinking, Arden aspires to continue his education by pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and aiming to make a positive impact in the field of fluid dynamics.

    Yasemin Ünlüsoy graduated with B.A. from Boğaziçi University, department of translation &interpreting. She worked as a translator, interpreter and language instructor in a number of multinational companies to facilitate the business communication process of expatriate directors in Istanbul. She completed her certificate in English Teaching (CELTA)at New York teaching house and teaches both English and Turkish to adults and Children. Translated five books and miscellaneous articles from and into Turkish interpreted in international meetings on an occasional basis. Yasemin was born and grew up in Izmir. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.

    Irem Göçgenci Jakobsen is a certified public service interpreter and court interpreter based in Hamar, Norway. She interprets in the language combinations of English-Turkish, Norwegian-Turkish and German-Turkish. Irem holds a bachelor’s degree in translation and interpreting in English-Turkish and German-Turkish language pairs, from Dokuz Eylül University. Her areas of interest were European Union and international trade, and she majored in conference interpreting. Upon moving to Norway in 2016, she has taken her second bachelor’s degree in public sector interpreting in Norwegian-Turkish from Oslo Metropolitan University. She is also a licensed teacher in English, German and Turkish as a foreign language, and worked as a language instructor in Turkey and as a teacher at Norwegian upper secondary school. Irem continues to pursue her interest in language didactics in her MA project on refugee women learners of English in Norway at the Innlandet University of Applied Sciences, as well as working full time as an interpreter for the Norwegian government institutions and municipalities.

    Ezgi Cohen is Turkish-American professional with a BA in English and a pedagogical certificate, is a versatile individual excelling in the fields of acting, writing, translation, and real estate. A graduate of Stella Adler Studio in 2009, where she completed a rigorous 2-year acting conservatory program, Ezgi has showcased her linguistic prowess by crafting and translating texts in both English and Turkish. Currently based in New Jersey, she seamlessly balances her roles in acting and real estate with unwavering dedication and skill.

    For further inquiries, please e-mail uncommittee@ataa.org, southwestVP@ataa.org (Alev Wieland, Co-Chair & ATAA Southwest Region VP) or twlanewyork@gmail.com (Berna Gürdal, TWLA President)

  • Craziest Muslim Country

    Craziest Muslim Country

    Though Turkey is now Turkiye and is not a Muslim country, it is worth watching the video if you are planning to visit Turkiye.

    This video, “Revealing Life in Turkey,” invites you to embark on a journey not through the lens of sensationalized labels like “craziest Muslim country,” but through the vibrant kaleidoscope of Turkey’s true essence.

    Join us on this Turkey travel vlog as we unveil 55 amazing facts, revealing a land where history whispers in ancient ruins, nature explodes in diverse landscapes, and culture dances in every cup of steaming Turkish tea.

    Nestled at the crossroads of continents, Turkey is a tapestry woven from the threads of empires past. The Black Sea washes its northern shores, while Mount Ararat stands sentinel in the east.

    While Islam forms a vital part of Turkish life, it’s only one thread in the intricate tapestry. Since 1927, Turkey has proudly embraced secularism, respecting and celebrating the diversity of faiths that have called this land home.

    Here, the call to prayer mingles with the clinking of teacups, a daily ritual that unites Turks across every belief.

    From the majestic Taurus Mountains to the sparkling turquoise waters of the Aegean, nature paints its own masterpiece across the land.

    It’s a land where the echoes of civilization’s past blend with the laughter of children playing in bustling streets. It’s a canvas painted by history, nature, and the vibrant spirit of its people.

    Let’s step beyond the labels and explore the tapestry of Turkey, its every thread waiting to unravel a story unlike any other.

    The travel trails turkey: This is woven into the very fabric of the narrative, inviting you on a journey through diverse landscapes and experiences.

    Turkey earthquake: While not the main focus, the content acknowledges the recent earthquake and its impact on the country.

    Revealing life in Turkey: This forms the core theme of the video, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Turkish people.

    Life in Turkey Vlog: The style of the writing feels like a personal vlog, sharing insights and experiences rather than providing dry facts.

    Real life in Istanbul: You’ll get a taste of everyday life in Istanbul, from bustling bazaars to the mesmerizing dance of the dervishes.

    life in Turkey village: We offer glimpses into the rural life of Turkey, where traditions hold strong and nature takes center stage.

    life in Turkey istanbul: Istanbul serves as a window into the modern face of Turkey, a vibrant city where ancient meets contemporary.

    Life in Istanbul: Again, we delve into the daily rhythms and cultural nuances of life in Istanbul.

    This is Turkey: This phrase is woven throughout the text, painting a vivid picture of the country’s diverse tapestry.

    concubines in Turkey: While this topic is not directly addressed, the content emphasizes the secular nature of modern Turkey and avoids perpetuating historical stereotypes.

    Turkey and reveals: The video itself aims to reveal the true essence of Turkey, beyond sensationalized labels and headlines.

    Turkey earthquake news: As mentioned earlier, the video acknowledges the recent earthquake and its impact on the country.

    The cost of living in Turkey 2023 or living in Alanya turkey: According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Turkey is 56.5% lower than in the United States. Rent in Turkey is also 73.4% lower than in the United States.

    Moving to Turkey 2023: If you are planning on moving to Turkey then it might be a cultural shock for you depending upon the country you are living in. So, Choose wisely and do your research before moving.