About Us
A Few Words
About Us
The American Turkish Association of Washington, DC (ATA-DC) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, all-volunteer organization, which was founded in 1965.
One of the oldest and most respected Turkish American organizations, ATA-DC’s main mission is to foster friendship between the people of Turkey and the United States of America; to raise the public knowledge level and understanding of Turkish culture and history in the community; and to help Turkish Americans preserve their culture in the United States.
The Annual Turkish Festival is ATA-DC’s flagship activity. Some of ATA-DC’s other activities include Turkish language classes for adults, Sunday school for Turkish-American children, teachers’ workshops, movie nights, monthly happy hours, and celebrations of national and religious holidays.
ATA-DC is not affiliated with any government, political party or group.
2020 Virtual Turkish Gastronomy Series:
A Culinary Journey to Turkey
ATA-DC In Partnership with Meridian International Center Presents
About
The Virtual Series
The American Turkish Association of Washington D.C. (ATA-DC) is proud to announce the “Virtual Turkish Gastronomy Series” to build a culinary bridge between the nation’s capital and Turkish gastronomic cities through cuisine, art and culture. In partnership with the Meridian International Center, the yearlong culinary series will highlight world-famous Turkish tastes, centuries-old culinary arts, and the shared history with the American society.
The virtual culinary diplomacy campaign was initiated to highlight the importance of exploring other world cuisines while staying home during the ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts. Our volunteer-led organization is committed to serve our community and foster cross-cultural conversations between Turkish and American people. In order to facilitate the challenges of these days of hardship, we are launching an educational cuisine series featuring well-known Turkish chefs and prominent authors to share our cultural heritage with our American friends while staying connected with our community members during these difficult times.
Today, Turkish cuisine is recognized as one of the world’s richest, most diverse and most delicious cuisines. Turkish culinary culture is in the top ranks along with Chinese, French, Italian and Mexican cuisines. The incredible journey and cultural diversity of Turkish gastronomy has been influenced and enriched by many civilizations from Central Asia, Balkans, Ottoman Empire, and Southeast Europe.
The primary purpose of the gastronomy series is to promote and raise awareness of the rich Turkish cuisine in the nation’s capital in partnership with local institutions. While the gastronomic richness and cultural mosaic of different regions of Turkey will be featured during the virtual series, the most outstanding Turkish restaurants in the D.C. metro area will also be introducing their culinary arts and specialties through our website and social media channels.
