The Society of Turkish American Architects, Engineers, and Scientists
and Turkish Student Association at Columbia University
present
a half-day symposium on
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The Society of Turkish American Architects, Engineers, and Scientists |
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"THE CRITICAL ROLE OF TURKMENS IN DEMOCRATIC AND UNITED IRAQ"
Date: November 20, 2004 (Saturday)
Time: 12:00-5:00 PM
Place: Columbia University Low Library Rotunda
Broadway & 116th St. New York, NY 10027
Fee: Free
Registration: RSVP is required by campus security
Speakers:
This program may be subject to change
"On-demand WebCast" of the symposium will be available at later date
Click here for detailed program and subjects
Dr. Muzaffer Arslan - Member of the Iraqi Supreme Commission for the Preparation of the National Conference
Dr. Yücel Güçlü – Advisor to the Foreign Ministry of Turkey
Mr. Orhan Ketene - Iraqi Turkmen Front Representative in the USA
Prof. Mahir Nakip – Erciyes University, Former President of Iraqi Turks Culture and Benevolence Association
Prof. Ümit Özdağ – Board Member of the Strategic Research Center for Euro-Asia
Mr. Scott Taylor – Award Winning Journalist, War Correspondent
The Turkmens have been playing a major role in Iraq throughout the history of the region for more than 1,000 years. Although their cousins in Turkey flourished and progressed within the democratic and secular environment, unfortunately, their presence in the Iraqi equation has been undervalued and underestimated, intentionally and unintentionally, for more than 80 years. Their dream of a democratic, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic Iraq is becoming a reality in the post-Saddam era where Turkmens will be playing a critical role in this major social transformation. This symposium will bring together the internationally re-known experts and social scientists in the subject to highlight the critical role of Turkmens in this challenging endeavor. This event will give Americans an exposure of this little known group of more than 3 Million people and their continuing struggle for a democratic, secular and united Iraq. The American public, academia, media and students specializing in the relevant fields are invited. Seats are limited. RSVP is required. No registration fee.
The program includes authoritative talks by academicians and experts on the history, culture, and socio-politics of Iraqi Turkmens and their future role in modern Iraq followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session. There will be an exhibition of Turkmen arts and books. Some books and music CD-Cassettes will be available for sale. The award-winning journalist and best selling author Scott Taylor will deliver the plenary talk of the symposium. Mr. Taylor will also autograph his recently published book "Among The "Others": Encounters With The Forgotten Turkmen of Iraq" (http://www.espritdecorps.ca/among_the_'others'.htm) at the symposium.