Category: News

  • 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
  • Are the Western “Angels” in ex-Soviet countries really as benevolent as they claim?

    Are the Western “Angels” in ex-Soviet countries really as benevolent as they claim?

    angels

    They say, TV has no memory, but Internet remembers all. Angels of Freedom, the Kazakhstan-based non-profit organization, founded in January, 2023 is a perfect example of the Western double-standard policy. Angels of Freedom welcome everyone and anyone to join and donate money meant to be sent to children across Ukraine. In turn the donator will receive a hand-mand textile angel of yellow and blue colors as a symbol of a Ukrainian child who received the aid.  

    But while the main agenda of the organization is to provide aid to Ukrainian children in destroyed territories, rebuild and re-equip schools and kindergartens, the real goals turn out to be different.

    Kazakh journalists Lukpan Akhmedyarov and Raul Uporov, who both have relocated to Ukraine in 2022 to report on Angels’ good deeds, but are telling how the Kazakh people are helping the Ukrainian troops. Kyrgyz journalist Bektur Iskender echoes them. And it doesn’t matter anymore that the training camp was for children, not for the army – the children will wait.

    Also, quite by accident, in Ukraine, active “Angels” Samal Sokitbaeva (also known as Samal Samal and sometimes Sauli Aliyeva) and Nazgulyava Shukaeva (singer) have been noticed collaborating with “Pan Vasil” (Vasily Gonchar) for a long time to collect money for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, affairs for the elite presidential unit. The aid is definitely for Ukrainian kids who need new tanks.

    Apart from that, the former Consul General of Kazakhstan in St. Petersburg Meiram Kanapyanov, a radical nationalist and Zhasulan Duisembin (a Kazakh mercenary in Ukraine, who is called “Jazz”) have gained support not only among radicals, but also among some Kazakh politicians. The head of the “Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan” movement, Mukhtar Ablyazov, who calls himself the leader of protests in Kazakhstan, has repeatedly posted photos of Duisembin, declaring that people like him are the future of free Kazakhstan. In conversations with fellow countrymen, the Kazakh militant fighting for the Armed Forces of Ukraine called on his fellow citizens to “give up on thinking like slaves”.

    All of this characterizes common deeds and goals of these people. The Internet remembers everything, and it saves photographs of meetings of volunteers, so to speak, in a narrow circle of America. What do they discuss at their meetings? Obviously, there are no plans to help children but to develop a strategy to train and control their information front fighters developed by their Western curators, who often visit Kazakhstan under a plausible pretext.

    Take a closer look at such organizations. Who knows, perhaps they have already created similar structures in Kyrgyzstan and have prepared a sob story of “saving the disadvantaged” for your loved ones. And before you give away your honestly earned money, try to understand who is in front of you: a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a sheep raised like a wolf.

  • 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.

  • Bircan Ünver received the “ANUVRAT AHIMSA AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE-2023”

    Bircan Ünver received the “ANUVRAT AHIMSA AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE-2023”

    bircan unver

    “ANUVRAT AHIMSA AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE-2023”

    Subject: Bircan Ünver received the “Anuvrat Ahimsa Award for International Peace-2023” in Mumbai, India on January 30, 2024.

    Founder of the Republic Of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1981-1938), not only envisioned but worked extremely hard to invest in and build up toward, “Peace at Home, Peace in the World“, in particular, followed by the formation of the Republic of Türkiye on October 29, 2023.

    In spirit, as one of the grand-daughters of Atatürk, I am greatly honored and excited to receive the Anuvrat Ahimsa Award for International Peace-2023 by Anuvrat Vishva Bharati Society in Mumbai, India on January 30, 2024.

    I have been committed to working towards seeding peace, nonviolent, and seeking the truth over decades as a self-mission, along with through the works of the Light Millennium Global Organization (introduced on the web in August 1999) for nearly a quarter century.

    This effort has intersected our paths with Dr. Sohan Lal Gandhi & Anuvrat Global Organization through the #UNDGC (formerly UN Department of Information UN.DPI/NGO) at the United Nations since both organizations were already associated with the UN.DPI/NGO in 2007.

    Consequently, I participated as a keynote speaker in the 7th ICPNA – International Conference on Peace and Nonviolent Action, which was dedicated to the “Non-Violent Lifestyle” theme in Jaipur, India in 2008, then it followed in 2014 and 2019 in Delhi. In this line, the upcoming 11th ICPNA‘s theme is:

    “Only Nonviolence Can Guarantee World Peace and Environmental Sustainability”

    The 11th ICPNA will be presented virtually on February 13-26, 2024.
    For more information, please visithttps://icpna.anuvibha.org/#/flow?lang=en

    Over the years, we have been collaborating with the Anuvrat Global Organization on various concepts such as #NonViolentLifeStyle, #Gandhi149, #Gandhi150, #GandhiAndEnvironment (on several occasions), and #UNCivilSociety conference-related programs.
    In particular, after working on several Gandhi and nonviolent related programs, which inspired me to visit Gandhi Museums in India.

    Consequently, I have visited two Gandhi Museums in Delhi (in 2019), Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad (in 2019 & 2024); Gandhi Home Museum in Mumbai (2024). All these further inspired me to continue working on the “Nonviolent” and “Seeking the Truth” concepts. As Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) powerfully stated the following: Truth is God, and in His 11 principles and “Life of Tree”,  “Nonviolent” & “Truth” are at the core. (Ref. Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, India.)

    In this background, I am grateful to Dr. S.L. Gandhi, who nominated and made sure to present this award to me in the presence of H.H. Acharya Mahashraman before I left Mumbai on Jan. 30, 2024.

    Indeed, it was a great honor, excitement, and surprise to receive the Anuvrat’s 2023 International Peace Award, which has enormously motivated me to continue working in this line toward expanding our reach and engaging with as many organizations and people collaboratively as we can from all walks of life.

    Despite all the scheduling challenges, the Director of the Children Peace PalaceMr. Sanchay Jain in Rajsamand, Udaipur, the President of the Anuvrat, Mr. Avinash Nahar, General Secretary Mr. Bhikam Surana, along with the Anuvrat’s volunteer Mr. Deepak Jainall together as a joint collaborative effort, they made it possible.

    To that extent, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Arvind Vora, who is the key contact of the Anuvrat Global Organization at the United Nations based in New York, and co-founder of the Shanti Fund.

    This was an unexpected, further empowering, and utmost symbolizing finale of my trip to India, along with many other honorable recognitions and exciting programs, which was started on the 3rd of Jan. 2024, and concluded by the 1st of Feb. 2024.

    Once again,  I would like to thank wholeheartedly Dr. S.L. Gandhi and the Anuvrat Vishva Bharati Society, along withall who made it possible.

    Greetings to you all from Istanbul

    With peace, love, light, and working together toward a nonviolent world!


    Bircan Ünver, Founder-President & Head NGO Rep. of
    The Light Millennium, Charitable 
    Global Human Advancement Organization to the
    United Nations Department of Global Communications (since 2005)
    www.lmglobal.org | www.lightmillennium.org

    anuvrat ahimsa award bircan unver
  • Fall of Jerusalem

    Fall of Jerusalem

    The Fall of Jerusalem during the Ottoman Empire occurred in 1917 during World War I. The Ottoman Empire, which was aligned with the Central Powers, was engaged in conflict with the Allied Powers, including British forces in the Middle East. Jerusalem, a city of significant religious and historical importance, was part of the Ottoman Empire at that time.

    In 1917, General Edmund Allenby led British and Empire forces in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman forces. The campaign aimed to capture strategic territories in the Middle East, including Jerusalem. On December 9, 1917, British forces approached Jerusalem, and the Ottoman garrison in the city, under the command of Mayor Hussein al-Husseini, surrendered to the British without significant resistance.

    General Allenby, in a symbolic gesture, entered Jerusalem on foot through the Jaffa Gate on December 11, 1917. This event marked the end of Ottoman rule in Jerusalem after centuries of control. The fall of Jerusalem was a pivotal moment in the Middle Eastern theater of World War I, and it had significant implications for the subsequent geopolitical developments in the region.

    After the fall of Jerusalem, the British Mandate for Palestine was established, and the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern the territory. The fall of Jerusalem is remembered for its historical, cultural, and religious significance, as the city holds sacred sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

    The Battle of Jerusalem occurred in Palestine Campaign during World War I between British Empire against the Ottoman Empire. Fighting for the city developed from 17 November, continuing until surrender of the Holy city in 30 December 1917. After the fall of Ottoman ‘Gaza Line’ between Beersheba and Gaza in October-November 1917. Ottoman retreated north and form defensive line between Aqaba in the Red Sea and Jafa in mediterranean coast. Port cty of Aqaba quickly fell to the British backed Hashemite rebels in July. Whle the Ottomans defended itself fron two front attack from British advance in Sinai and Hashemite rebel attack from Hejaz.

    This series of battles was successfully fought by the British Empire’s XX Corps, XXI Corps,Desert Mounted Corps and Hashemite rebels against strong opposition from the Yildirim Army Group’s Seventh Army in the Judean Hills and the Eighth Army north of Jaffa on the Mediterranean coast. The loss of Jaffa and Jerusalem, constituted a grave setback for the Ottoman Empire.

    Fall of Jerusalem ottoman history

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