Over 150 people, including students, faculty members and professionals living in South Florida attended the Second Turkish Night sponsored by FIU and UM's Turkish Student Associations. The event was held at FIU's Presidential Suite located at Graham Center, University Park Campus.
The night served as a remembrance for Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey. In a special drawing held for the first time, prizes were awarded to attendees. Prizes included two special samples of Pasabahce's famous Cesm-i Bulbul Crystalware. Cesm-i Bulbul is a specialty of Turkish glassmakers and each piece is handmade.
A group of students who actually organized the entire event successfully. From left, Benan Yildiz, Cengiz Telaseli, President Ali Kocyigit, Hakan Kirkan, Ismail Karadag, Vice-President Hasan Anlar, Orkun Dikolcay, Secretary Murat Sumbul, Treasurer Tug Tacku Arkan; front row, Gloriana and Veysi Erkilic. We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of Kor Ozay, President of UM's TSA, and his Governing Body members. We also want to thank Ali Diblan and Fuat Uler who cooked very tasty Cevizli Kabak Tatlisi for 100 people.
Muharrem Kulekci played his baglama and Veysi Erkilic sang beautiful Turkish songs. Also, Murat Tabanli from UM played classic but familiar tunes with his guitar. We thank these gifted friends and encourage others to come forward in the upcoming TSA events.
Ms. Bengi Veziroglu takes it very seriously which Turkish food to choose. It is not without a reason though. Here is the list of our MENU:
SICAK BUFE
TATLILAR
As you can expect, many people were involved to prepare such a long list of entrees. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciations to these first-class professionals: Ismail Karadag, Serkan Ozer, Murat Sumbul, Emel Kilic, Gloriana Erkilic, Veysi Erkilic, Hakan Kirkan, Danny, Benan, Ihsan, Adil, Kilic and Muharrem. We consider ourselves lucky to have such a talented group of friends.
You can join us next time to taste some of these delicacies, witness the traditional Turkish hospitality and make a few new friends. You may even win an invaluable Turkish artifact in our drawing.
Professor Mahmut Esat Ozan read one of his poems, "Missed you Ataturk," on the occasion of November 10. We all miss him and thank for what he has done for us all.
From right to left, Roy Huffman, Dr. Fatma Gul Huffman, Ms. Hatice Ercanli and Ms. Fatma Tansel.
Dr. Nejat Veziroglu and Dr. Mahmut Esat Ozan watching our students' performance.
