Press Releases

October 12, 2023

Pascrell Honors 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) recognized Turkish Republic Day and the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye in the House of Representatives. The Turkish Republic Day commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

“Mr. Speaker, the people of Türkiye and Turkish Americans celebrate Turkish Republic Day every year on October 29th,” Pascrell states. “This important date commemorates when Türkiye in 1923 became a republic thanks to the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This October 29th is a special celebration because it marks 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.”

The statement concludes, “[t]he Turkish-American community is an important bridge to strengthen the understanding and friendship between our two nations. As I reflect on Türkiye’s 100th Republic Day, I hope everyone will celebrate the shared values and interests that bind our nations. Congratulations, Türkiye, on your centenary, and thank you, Turkish-Americans, for your enduring contributions to the United States.”

The full text of Congressman Pascrell’s statement is below.

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Statement Recognizing Turkish Republic Day and the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye

October 11, 2023

Mr. Speaker, the people of Türkiye and Turkish Americans celebrate Turkish Republic Day every year on October 29th. This important date commemorates when Türkiye in 1923 became a republic thanks to the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This October 29th is a special celebration because it marks 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.

While Anatolia, the home of the Republic of Türkiye, has been a cradle of civilizations for millennia, Türkiye has transformed from its ancient history to the modern skylines of Ankara. The progress the Turkish people have made over the past century is a testament to their resilience, determination, and spirt.

The Republic of Türkiye has historically been a strong and reliable ally of the United States thanks to its founding principles of democracy, secularism, and equality. Türkiye boasts the second largest military in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and is allied with the United States on key issues of counterterrorism, energy diversification, securing the global supply chains, and drug and human trafficking prevention.

I am proud to recognize the rich tapestry of Turkish-American contributions to the United States. Turkish-Americans have made important strides in several fields, including academia, business, medicine, arts, and culture. Turkish-Americans have enriched our society with their traditions, cuisine, and heritage. These contributions are especially ever present in New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional district, with the largest Turkish immigrant community in the United States centered around the thriving Little Istanbul in South Paterson.

The Turkish-American community is an important bridge to strengthen the understanding and friendship between our two nations. As I reflect on Türkiye’s 100th Republic Day, I hope everyone will celebrate the shared values and interests that bind our nations. Congratulations, Türkiye, on your centenary, and thank you, Turkish-Americans, for your enduring contributions to the United States.

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Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Member of Congress

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                           of Indiana

                         in the house of representatives

Thursday, October 26, 2023

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize a historic

milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

One remarkable aspect of Turkey’s presence in the United States is

the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. Over the years, the Embassy has

played a vital role in enhancing cultural diplomacy and fostering

friendships between our nations. Notably, the Turkish Embassy’s

dedication to hosting jazz events has left an indelible mark on our

cultural landscape. Jazz, a truly American art form, has found a

welcoming home within the walls of the Turkish Embassy. These events

have transcended mere musical performances; they have served as bridges

connecting hearts and minds across cultures, and continue to prove the

non-negligible, connecting nature of music.

  At the height of Jim Crow segregation in the U.S., the Turkish

Embassy’s jazz concerts in the 1930’s and 1940’s were significant

during the anti-racism struggle. At this time, Black Americans were not

allowed to sit next to whites in many places like restaurants and

concert halls. Yet, the Turkish Embassy in Washington broke down

prejudice and barriers by opening their doors to Black jazz musicians.

Munir Ertegun, Turkey’s second ambassador to the U.S. who served

between 1934 and 1944, and his two sons, Ahmet and Nesuhi–also the

founders of the top recording company Atlantic Records–challenged

racism in the U.S. by inviting African American jazz performers to the

Turkish Embassy for concerts and jam sessions in Washington, D.C.

during these years. These Embassy concerts featured iconic performers

like Lois Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Teddy Wilson, and Lester Young.

These groundbreaking gatherings showed the potential of jazz diplomacy.

The Ertegun brothers went further by organizing Washington’s first

integrated concert in 1942 at the Jewish Community Center on 16th

Street. Some described the powerful imagery of two Muslim men bringing

Black music to a Jewish-owned institution. This desegregation through

music and culture launched a legacy worth recognizing.

  Turkey’s efforts extend far beyond its musical contributions to the

global community and the United States. It has been a source of

inspiration for countless individuals, including African American

writers like James Baldwin. Baldwin, whose literary brilliance

continues to resonate, routinely found solace and creativity in Turkey.

  Baldwin, who famously stated: “Turkey saved my life!” lived off and

on in Istanbul for nearly ten years beginning in 1961. The nation’s

rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse society provided Baldwin

with the backdrop and inspiration for some of his most profound works.

This connection between Turkey and a literary giant like James Baldwin

demonstrates the transformative power of cultural exchange and the

enduring bonds that can be forged between nations.

  As we recognize Turkey’s 100th anniversary, let us not only honor its

remarkable journey but also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening

the bonds of friendship and cultural understanding between Turkey and

the United States. May the jazz that has filled the halls of the

Turkish Embassy continue to serve as a powerful reminder of our shared

values and aspirations. Especially in these turbulent times, working

together for our shared goals of peace, fairness, and justice is more

important than ever. May the spirit of democracy, liberty, and cultural

exchange continue to flourish between our two great nations in the

years to come.

RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH REPUBLIC DAY                              ______                                                             HON. PETE SESSIONS                                 of texas                     in the house of representatives                        Thursday, October 26, 2023   Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, today I stand to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic Day, a significant milestone that encapsulates a century of the Turkish people’s dedication to resilience, progress, and liberty. This is not just a celebration of Turkey’s freedom but also a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Turkey, allies whose shared values lay the foundation for a bright future.  Central to our relationship is the substantial economic partnership that we have cultivated. This bilateral relationship extends across critical sectors including defense, energy, and commerce. It is within this sphere of trade and investment that both nations encounter vast untapped potential, promising mutual prosperity.  We engage in a strong trade relationship, exchanging billions of dollars annually worth of essential goods. Turkey ranks as a key market for American enterprises, while Turkish investments on American soil continue to spur job creation and innovation, enriching our local communities.  We recognize that our commercial relationship, albeit robust, has room for growth. Turkey’s strategic location, bordering countries across the Eurasian region, positions it as a pivotal ally for U.S. interests now more than ever. Turkey is an attractive destination for foreign direct investment and economic collaboration, particularly in emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.  As we mark Turkey’s centennial Republic Day, it is incumbent upon us to recommit to nurturing this partnership. By emboldening our economic ties and exploring collaborative ventures, we can co-create a pathway towards sustained economic vitality and security. This celebration is not just about reflecting on Turkey’s admirable past; it’s about forging ahead, side by side, towards a prosperous and peaceful future.  I extend heartfelt Republic Day greetings to the Turkish people. Here’s to a friendship that, built on mutual respect and common

aspirations, will continue to flourish for generations.