Turkish American Association of Central Ohio (TAACO)

About

Founded by Eren Giray in October 2001 The Turkish American Association in Columbus, Ohio - a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization - was established in January 1969 with the purpose of representing the best of Turkish culture and history to Americans in the land where many Turks came to make a living. The Turkish community in Columbus is nearly fifty years old; the first members consisted of professionals who came in the mid-1950s for specialized training and to work for a few years at most. By the late 1960s, it was understood that they had a new home in the United States, but always remained committed to preserving the traditions of their homeland, leading to the establishment of the Turkish American Association. When faced with the possibility of naturalization, two Turkish doctors traveled to Chicago in April 1968 to meet with the Turkish Consulate to discuss the idea of forming an official association. Their goal was to learn Turkey's official stance on becoming American citizens without severing ties with their homeland. The Turkish Consulate, which offered great support, suggested establishing an association to promote Turkish culture and heritage in their new country, as had recently been done in Chicago and Washington DC. Thus, with a stable membership base, the Turkish American Association was founded in 1969, and shortly thereafter a Turkish Student Association was also formed. The celebration of the founding of the Republic of Turkey on October 29 is an annual event and the highlight of the year's activities. The first October 29 celebration ball was attended by 129 people, 26 of whom were non-Turkish Americans.

Contact

Phone

(614) 717‑9838

Email

[email protected]

Website

http://taaco.org/

Address

P.O. Box 12454, Columbus, OH 43212