Invited by ETAC-USA (Empowering The Turkish-American Community) to present at the Republic Day ceremony, the ATAA Northern California Turkish-American Youth Council played a pivotal role in the celebrations marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, highlighting youth leadership, cultural heritage, and community engagement.
The 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Northern California at an event organized by ETAC-USA. Invited to the event, ATAA NorCal Turkish-American Youth Council Founder & Chair Bartu Milci and Tuana Bingöl delivered engaging presentations that brought together Turkish heritage and national pride. The joy of the children, the enthusiasm of the youth, and the active participation of community members created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Deputy Consul General Ali Cıkla Encourages Youth to Preserve Their Cultural Heritage
Ali Cıkla, Deputy Consul General of the Turkish Consulate General in San Francisco, who attended the ceremony with his family, met with members of the Youth Council following the celebrations.
During the meeting, he emphasized the vital role that Turkish-American youth organizations play in strengthening community ties and preserving cultural identity. He particularly encouraged the youth to continue speaking, reading, and writing in Turkish, underscoring the importance of passing the language on to future generations.
Founder & Chair Bartu Milci and Tuana Bingöl shared details about the projects the Council is currently working on and expressed their desire to visit the Deputy Consul General at his office to continue their dialogue.
Official Recognition of the Republic of Türkiye’s National Day by the Cities of Berkeley and San Carlos
The ceremony featured official proclamations from the cities of San Carlos and Berkeley, recognizing the National Day of the Republic of Türkiye.
Representing the City of Berkeley, James Chang personally read the city’s proclamation. Following the ceremony, he met with members of the ATAA NorCal Youth Council to discuss their initiatives and invited them to visit the Berkeley City Council.
These meaningful interactions highlighted the importance of youth participation in local civic life, as well as the growing ties between the Turkish-American community and public institutions.
Young Cultural Ambassadors Building Bridges
The Northern California Turkish-American Youth Council aims to develop leadership skills, promote volunteerism, and preserve cultural heritage, while encouraging young Turkish-Americans to become active members of the communities in which they live. Council members are conscious of their responsibility to build bridges between Türkiye and the United States, contributing to cross-cultural understanding and stronger societal bonds.
Their participation in the Republic Day celebrations demonstrated how the next generation can carry forward the values and legacy of the Republic through leadership, service, and cultural engagement.
Founder & Chair Bartu Milci expressed his sincere gratitude to Hülya Koç and the ETAC Board of Directors for their invitation, warm hospitality, and support for youth involvement.
As the Republic of Türkiye celebrates its 103rd anniversary, the new generation of the Turkish-American community stands ready to safeguard its heritage, strengthen social ties, and build bridges for the future.
