TurkofAmerica Magazine

04/02/2026

Former Turkish Ambassador Dr. Üner Kırdar Passes Away at 82

Dr. Üner Kırdar, a distinguished former Turkish diplomat and a senior figure in international development, has passed away on April 1, 2026.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Kırdar dedicated decades of service to the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations, where he played a key role in advancing global human development initiatives. He was widely respected for his contributions to international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.

Dr. Kırdar was the son of former Istanbul Governor and Mayor Dr. Lütfi Kırdar and the brother of renowned architect Erdem Kırdar. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Berna Kırdar, his children—including Mehmet Lütfi Kırdar—and his grandchildren.

His son, Mehmet Kırdar, currently serves as the head of TENT and previously held the position of President of the Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), continuing the family’s legacy of leadership and service within the Turkish-American community.

According to the family’s announcement, the funeral will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, following the noon prayer at Teşvikiye Mosque in Istanbul. He will be laid to rest at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery family plot.

Dr. Üner Kırdar will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to diplomacy, public service, and global development.

04/02/2026

🇹🇷 The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins!

Turkey is ready to take on the world stage in Group D, facing Australia, Paraguay, and the United States. Three matches, three opportunities, one dream.

From Vancouver to California, the journey continues — and we’ll be there every step of the way. 🌍⚽️

Let the countdown begin…
See you in the USA! 🇹🇷 🇺🇸🔥

TurkishNationalTeam USA2026 Soccer Football GroupD

04/01/2026

Little Greek Mediterranean Food in Totowa, NJ. Chef Harun Tufanc welcomes you all.

03/31/2026

TURKIYE QUALIFIES! 🇹🇷
Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup – USA Bound

🔥 See you in the USA! 2026 🇺🇸

03/28/2026

The funeral prayer for Dr. Ata Erim was held at the Ulu Mosque in Paterson, New Jersey. A second memorial ceremony will take place at 5:00 PM at the Turkish American Community Center.

His son Mete, daughter-in-law Seher, and many loved ones attended the funeral in Paterson to pay their respects. The funeral was also attended by H.E. Sedat Önal, Ambassador of Türkiye to the United States, Ahmet Yıldız, Permanent Representative of Turkey, Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, Consul General of New York, and to the United Nations along with many members of the Turkish-American community.

03/28/2026

The funeral prayer for Dr. Ata Erim was held at the Ulu Mosque in Paterson, New Jersey. A second memorial ceremony will take place at 5:00 PM at the Turkish Community Center.

His son Mete, daughter-in-law Seher, and many loved ones attended the funeral in Paterson to pay their respects. Ata Erim was a respected Turkish-American community leader, known for his contributions to education and his role as a jury member of the TOA Awards.

03/26/2026

Dr. Ata Erim Passes Away

The Turkish-American community has lost one of its most respected leaders, Dr. Ata Erim.

A longtime President of the Federation of Turkish American Associations (FTAA), he served multiple terms and was widely known as the “Süleyman Demirel of Turkish-Americans” for his enduring leadership and influence.

For decades, Dr. Erim played a key role in strengthening unity and representation within the community. His beloved wife, Aynur Erim, also a respected figure, passed away last year.

Until his final years, he remained active in community life, most recently serving as a juror for the TOA Awards 2026.

His legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Legacy

03/26/2026

At Azure The Greek Mediterranean, Chef Erhan Gezer brings the flavors of the Aegean to life with his signature award-winning branzino — perfectly grilled, delicately seasoned, and served with authentic Mediterranean flair.

Fresh, light, and unforgettable… this is more than a dish — it’s an experience.

📍 Morristown, NJ
🍽️ Taste the difference.

GreekFood ChefSpecial FoodExperience

03/19/2026

Hazine Bakanı ile Başkan Yardımcısının Duellosu
Weehawken, NJ – 1804. Amerika tarihinin en dramatik düellolarından biri burada yaşandı. Amerika’nın kurucularından ve Hazine Bakanı Alexander Hamilton ve Aaron Burr, Hudson Nehri kıyısında karşı karşıya geldi. Düello sonucunda Hamilton hayatını kaybetti ve bu olay ABD siyasi tarihine damga vurdu. Bugün aynı noktada, tarihin izlerini hissetmek mümkün. Düelloda tetiği çeken isim Aaron Burr idi. O dönemde Amerika’nın görevdeki başkan yardımcısı olan Burr, Hamilton ile yıllardır süren siyasi ve kişisel rekabetin ardından bu düelloya çıktı. Hamilton’ı vurmasının ardından siyasi kariyeri büyük darbe aldı ve hayatının geri kalanını gölgede geçirdi.

03/16/2026

Gloria Gaynor, the Voice Behind “I Will Survive,” Enjoys Lunch at Antioch Mediterranean Restaurant in Englewood, NJ.

Legendary singer Gloria Gaynor, best known for her iconic hit I Will Survive, was recently spotted enjoying lunch at Antioch Mediterranean Restaurant.

A frequent guest at the Englewood restaurant, Gaynor stopped by for a relaxed midday meal and took a moment to pose for a photo with restaurant staff member Ercihan Çetin. The visit delighted employees and diners alike, who were excited to see the internationally acclaimed performer enjoying the restaurant’s Mediterranean cuisine.

Born in Newark, Gaynor rose to global fame during the disco era of the late 1970s. Her breakthrough came in 1978 with the release of I Will Survive, a song that quickly became one of the most recognizable anthems of resilience and empowerment in modern music history.

The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 and earned Gaynor the first and only Grammy Award ever given for Best Disco Recording at the Grammy Awards. Over the decades, the song has transcended its disco roots to become a cultural phenomenon, frequently featured in films, television shows, sporting events, and global celebrations.

More than four decades after its release, I Will Survive continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, symbolizing perseverance and strength.

Gaynor’s visit to Antioch Mediterranean Restaurant reflects her ongoing ties to the New Jersey area, where she remains a beloved local icon as well as an internationally recognized music legend. Her casual lunch outing in Englewood served as a reminder that even global stars appreciate the warmth of neighborhood restaurants and the chance to connect with local fans.

03/15/2026

12/22/2025

Every holiday season, Saks Fifth Avenue transforms its iconic Fifth Avenue flagship into a dazzling Christmas light spectacle. ✨

Set to festive music, the synchronized light show illuminates the building’s historic façade, drawing thousands of visitors each night and marking one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions. 🎄

A true symbol of the magic of Christmas in NYC — and a must-see during the holiday season.