LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Council of Turkic American Associ-
ations upon the occasion of its Celebration in the Well of the Legisla-
tive Office Building, on June 18, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is furthermore the custom of this Legislative Body, in
keeping with its time-honored traditions, to pay tribute to those organ-
izations 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 concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Council of Turkic American Associations upon the occasion of its Cele-
bration in the Well of the Legislative Office Building on Tuesday, June
18, 2013, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Council of Turkic American Associations (CTAA) was estab-
lished in New York City in 2010 as an umbrella organization representing
43 member organizations in nine states in the northeastern United
States; and
WHEREAS, A civic organization, CTAA aims to promote and establish
closer relations with the Turkic American community and the community at
large, as well as with members of other ethnic communities in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Many Turkic communities in the United States, including
Kazakh, Bosnian, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Turkmen, Tajik, and Azerbaijan communi-
ties, have existed for more than 30 years; however, most were not part
of any civil organizations; as migrations to the United States from
Turkic countries increased, Turkic-Americans began to establish scores
of local organizations for the purpose of creating community and for
keeping their cultures alive for future generations as well as for them-
selves; and
WHEREAS, Realizing the benefits and potential of uniting to better
serve the Turkic American community in the region, the leaders of vari-
ous Turkish-American organizations decided to create an umbrella organ-
ization to centrally coordinate events and also to create a network
throughout the northeastern states and use it for the benefit of the
local communities; and
WHEREAS, CTAA works in coordination with member organizations,
supporters throughout the northeast region and affiliated organizations
around the nation to ensure that Turkic-Americans keep alive and present
the rich heritage of their values and cultural traditions, and to make
sure that they are part of a whole community; and
WHEREAS, One such affiliation is with Assembly of the Friends of Azer-
baijan (AFAZ), an organization working to promote the importance of
partnership and friendship between the United States of America and the
Republic of Azerbaijan; and
WHEREAS, CTAA brings people together through local and national
conferences, panels, luncheons and forums to address important issues
that relate to the Turkic American community and US-Turkic relations;
and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that

provide opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic legacy, and strive
to preserve their cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body salutes all of the individuals, past
and present, who have given their time to this worthy organization,
noting their commitment to enhance and improve the quality of life in
their community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Council of Turkic American Associations upon the occasion of
its Celebration in the Well of the Legislative Office Building; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Council of Turkic American Associations, and Assembly of
the Friends of Azerbaijan.