At Heart of Community: 2025 Kirlikovali Holiday Party Unites Turkish Americans in California
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. — In an evening that reflected both the warmth of shared tradition and the strength of civic engagement, the 2025 Kirlikovali Holiday Party brought together more than 400 members of the Turkish American community on December 6, 2025, in what has become one of the most cherished annual gatherings on the West Coast.
The event — hosted graciously at the home of Ergun Kırlıkovalı and his wife Juliana — has grown, since its inception in 2017, from an intimate community celebration into an elegant and spirited tradition that honors volunteerism, philanthropy, and cultural unity. This year’s gathering welcomed guests from across California and beyond, and included 25 Turkish American nonprofit organizations, all of which used the occasion to share their work, deepen connections, and build momentum for the year ahead.
On behalf of TC-USA PAC, it was an honor to attend and participate in this remarkable evening. TC-USA PAC proudly hosted a stand at the event, providing an opportunity to connect with Turkish Americans from across California and beyond—individuals deeply invested in the future of the community and its voice in American civic life. The conversations, encouragement, and support shared throughout the evening reflected the very spirit this gathering was created to foster.
The program featured inspiring recognitions and outstanding cultural performances, including the ATAMLA-AKM Turkish Music Choir, a moving performance by acclaimed TRT artist İsmail Özkan, and a memorable finale by Noyan Karakaş, which brought the audience to its feet. The evening also included heartfelt tributes to authors, community leaders, and lifelong volunteers—powerful reminders of the individuals whose dedication continues to shape and strengthen the Turkish American experience in the United States.
The evening was further enriched by the presence of İsmail Özkan and his wife Esra Özkan, who joined the Turkish American community for this meaningful gathering. With his beautiful and expressive voice, Özkan offered a musical moment that resonated deeply with attendees, adding warmth, cultural depth, and a shared sense of heritage to the celebration. His participation was warmly received and sincerely appreciated, serving as a reminder of how music and community together can elevate an evening dedicated to unity, generosity, and tradition.
The event was further honored by the attendance of California State Senator Melissa Hurtado and State Senator Steven S. Choi, whose presence underscored the growing recognition of the Turkish American community’s civic and cultural contributions.
Most importantly, the evening stood as a testament to what is possible when community, generosity, and shared values come together. To every guest who attended, supported, and contributed—your presence transformed this celebration into something far greater than an annual gathering.
The Kirlikovali Holiday Party is no longer simply an event. It is a living legacy—one that continues to uplift, connect, and inspire. TC-USA PAC is deeply honored to stand alongside this tradition and to carry its spirit forward, together, into the future.
