LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Turkish Cultural Center of Brook-
lyn upon the occasion of hosting its 6th Annual Friendship Dinner and
Awards Ceremony

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Turkish Cultural Center of Brooklyn upon the occasion of hosting its
6th Annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony, to be celebrated on
Tuesday, April 24, 2012, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Turkish Cultural Centers are non-profit organizations
whose primary goals are to promote harmony by bringing together people
of Turkish origin and all other individuals living in the United States;
their mission is to create an open dialog while building and fostering a
stronger understanding based on mutual respect between the people of the
United States of America and those of Turkish background; they aim to
introduce the people in the United States with the Turkish history and
culture; and
WHEREAS, The Turkish Cultural Centers were first created by Fethullah
Gulen, who has devoted his life to an altruistic service of encouraging
open dialogue and peace amongst the nations; and
WHEREAS, The Turkish American community is dedicated to building
bridges of understanding among people from all walks of life through
dialogue and mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, There are 11 Turkish Cultural Centers in New York State,
located in Albany, Binghamton, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Long Island, Manhat-
tan, Rochester, Queens, Staten Island, Syracuse and Westchester; they
all promote friendship, peace, and tolerance which create a sense of
acceptance within the community; the programs held by the cultural
centers give opportunities for diverse communities to connect at common
grounds and collaborate for the benefit of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction as the Turkish Cultural
Center of Brooklyn provide a model for enhancing the quality of life in
its community and, as such, merit the grateful praise of the community
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment which
foster a spirit of community and service and, simultaneously, work dili-
gently to preserve their rich cultural heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Turkish Cultural Center of Brooklyn upon the occasion of
hosting its 6th Annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Turkish Cultural Center of Brooklyn.