LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Turkish Cultural Centers upon the
occasion of their 6th Annual Turkish Cultural Day

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 Centers upon the occasion of their 6th Annual Turk-
ish Cultural Day to be celebrated at the Well of the Legislative Office
Building of the New York State Assembly on Wednesday, May 18, 2011; 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 goal of the Turkish Cultural Day is to create opportu-
nities for community members and the elected officials to get together,
to network and to consult with each other about ways to help diverse
communities and contribute to the quality of life in New York State; 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
Centers provide a model for enhancing the quality of life in the commu-
nity 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 Centers upon the occasion of celebrating
their 6th Annual Turkish Cultural Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Turkish Cultural Center, 291 Broadway, Albany, New York
12204.