Embassy of the United States

Assistant Secretary Philip Gordon on Turkey's axis
November 12, 2009 -  Assistant Secretary Philip Gordon was in Ankara on November 12th and met with leading columnists and television hosts at a roundtable. In this excerpt, Dr. Gordon gives his views on whether Turkey is “turning on its axis” and provides updates on U.S. policy with Iran.

Ambassador Jeffrey Interviewed on Kanal 7
November 8, 2009 -  Ambassador Jeffrey appeared on Capital Connections, a news show with Mehmet Acet on Kanal 7 on Sunday, November 8. In this interview, the Ambassador discussed US views on current world events and in Turkey...

US Perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe
November 6, 2009 -  Philip Gordon talks about US Perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe with Turkish and international journalists at the Foreign Press Center and at a CSIS Conference both located in Washington DC.

The famous American author Adam Fawer visited Ankara
November 5, 2009 - Adam Fawer visited Turkey to attend the TUYAP International Book Fair in Istanbul and gave lectures at universities in Ankara in November. He spoke at Hacettepe, Bilkent and METU universities on his books “Improbable” and “Empathy and his writing career. He gave interviews for print media, TV and ODTU radio station. Fawer also met with his fans...

Statement by President Barack Obama on Iran
November 4, 2009 -  Thirty years ago today, the American Embassy in Tehran was seized. The 444 days that began on November 4, 1979 deeply affected the lives of courageous Americans who were unjustly held hostage, and we owe these Americans and their families our gratitude for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. ...

U.S. Exchange Program Opportunity
November 3, 2009 -  From the Ground Up: Building Civil Society Organizations to Succeed is an exchange program for Turkish and American emerging grassroots leaders interested in or working in the areas of women’s empowerment, youth empowerment, or environmental awareness and activism. This program is designed for motivated young professionals (ages 20-35) in Turkey...

President Obama’s Congratulations on Turkey’s Republic Day
October 29, 2009 -  Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the American people, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the citizens of Turkey on October 29, the 86th anniversary of the founding of the republic of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a modern, democratic and secular state. ...

International Religious Freedom Report
October 26, 2009 -  Secretary Clinton: "[W]e are convinced that the best antidote to intolerance is a combination of robust legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes, proactive government outreach to minority religious groups, and the vigorous defense of both freedom of religion and expression....

Global Technology and Innovation Fund
October 23, 2009 -  The White House Friday highlighted a new multi-million-dollar technology fund for Muslim nations, following a pledge made by President Barack Obama in his landmark speech to the Islamic world.

2010 Ambassadors Fund For Cultural Preservation
October 21, 2009 -  The Embassy of the United States is now accepting project proposals for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2010 competition. The deadline for submitting proposals is December 04, 2009. The program is being administered by the Cultural Heritage Center of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs...

US Considers the PKK to be a Terrorist Organization
October 20, 2009 -  Ian Kelly, Department Spokesman: We consider the PKK to be a terrorist organization. We support the efforts of our Turkish allies to deal with the problem of the PKK. We are very supportive of the territorial integrity of Turkey. We have also called on Turkey to open up dialogue with the Kurdish population of Turkey, allowing the Kurdish...

President Obama & President Gul Spoke by Telephone
October 17, 2009 -  President Obama and President Abdullah Gul of Turkey spoke by telephone today about a range of issues, reflecting the broad strategic dialogue the United States conducts with this key ally. The two Presidents discussed the historic progress that is being made on normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia...

Ambassador James Jeffrey's Interview with CNN Turk
October 15, 2009 -  U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey shares his views on the postponement of the Anatolian Eagle exercise and the importance of press freedom in this CNNTurk Interview from October 15, 2009.

Foreign Narcotics Traffickers - Kongra-Gel
October 14, 2009 -  The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today targeted the senior leadership of the Kongra-Gel, designating as significant foreign narcotics traffickers, Murat KARAYILAN, the head of the Kongra-Gel, and high-ranking members Ali Riza ALTUN and Zubayir AYDAR.

Douglas Silliman gave a speech in Izmir
October 14, 2009 -  Douglas Silliman, the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the US Embassy in Ankara, gave a speech entitled “US Foreign Policy in the Obama Administration” at the Izmir University of Economics on October 14, 2009. DCM Silliman noted the recent decision to award President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting the award to President Obama’s ability...

Signing of Protocols Between Turkey and Armenia
October 10, 2009 -  Secretary Clinton: "[W]e had a good night in Zurich, watching the signing of the protocols between Turkey and Armenia. And now the process continues. We, obviously, are committed to doing everything we can to build on the milestone that was reached today, but it's challenging.

Obama Is Among 21 Americans Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
October 9, 2009 -  President Obama stands as one of many American Nobel Peace Prize winners. He becomes the fourth U.S. president to win the award. Twenty-one Americans in all have been awarded the prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for outstanding achievements in advancing international harmony and global well-being.

Diversity Visa Lottery for 2011 Is Open Until November 30
October 9, 2009 -  Registration for the 2011 Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2011) is open from October 2 to November 30, 2009, the U.S. State Department has announced.

The U.S. Supports the Turkey-Armenia Process
September 28, 2009 - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon provided the press with a readout on Secretary Clinton’s recent meetings in New York regarding Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Gordon stressed the importance the U.S. places on its relationship to Turkey and expressed U.S. support for the Turkey-Armenia normalization process when he told the press, “

The Pittsburgh Summit 2009
September 24-25, 2009 -  September 24-25, 2009 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is host to the G-20 Summit being held September 24-25, 2009. President Obama is chairing this meeting of leaders from countries around the world that represent 85 percent of the world’s economy...

The UNSC Commits To Global Nuclear Disarmament
September 24, 2009 - The U.N. Security Council has unanimously committed to work for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The U.S. and the U.N. : Advancing Opportunities
September 23-26 & 28-30 2009 -  President Obama’s Address to U.N. General Assembly; Secretary Clinton’s Speech in Advance of U.N. General Assembly Outlines U.S. agenda at Brookings Institution, articles on the UN, photo gallery and more...

President Obama Addresses the UN General Assembly
September 23, 2009 - On September 23rd, President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time as America’s 44th President. President Obama covered a range of topics—all under the umbrella of his desire for leaders to recognize the "common future" of a world in which "the interests of peoples and nations are shared."

Obama Committed to Peace In The Middle East
September 22, 2009 - Certainly some of the most important stops of the President's busy visit to New York was a series of meetings between President Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority...

Obama Declares National Days of Remembrance
September 11, 2009 -  In a Presidential proclamation, President Obama paid respect to the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001. They were daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, spouses and partners, family and friends, colleagues and strangers. They hailed from cities and towns across our Nation and world. On September 11, 2001...

• Special Envoy Holbrooke in Istanbul
August 24-25, 2009 - Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to attend the Friends of a Democratic Pakistan Meeting on August 24 and 25. Ambassador Holbrooke also met with Turkish officials to discuss a range of issues of interest to the United States and Turkey.

Obama Praises Courage and Dignity of Afghan Voters
August 21, 2009 -  Over the last few days...we've seen acts of violence and intimidation by the Taliban, and there may be more in the days to come. We knew that the Taliban would try to derail this election. Yet even in the face of this brutality, millions of Afghans exercised the right to choose their leaders...

Ramadan Kareem
August 21, 2009 -  As the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, the President extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. Includes video and translations of the President Obama's message into various languages including Turkish.

40th Anniversary of Man's First Steps on the Moon
July 20, 2009 -  Forty years ago on July 20, 1969, the world watched as the crew of Apollo 11 took the first steps on the surface of the moon. President Barack Obama commemorated the anniversary by inviting astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin to the White House to honor their achievement.

YES Alumni Lead Access English Camp in Turkey
July 5-18, 2009 -  10 alumni from the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program worked as counselors at a two week (July 5-18) residential summer camp hosted by the Turkish Education Association (TED) college and the Office of Public Affairs of the US Embassy in Karabuk, Turkey. The two-week program included a variety of activities ranging from drama and art...

Ambassador Jeffrey Visits Award-Winning Excavation Site
July 17, 2009 -  Ambassador James Jeffrey traveled to Kerkenes Mountain, in Yozgat, to visit the winners of a 2009 Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation grant. The grant will support the work of a team of archaeologists from the Middle East Technical University who are excavating the environs of an exceptional Iron Age city gate to ancient...

G8 Summit Focuses on Global Economic Stability
July 8-10, 2009 -  President Obama joins leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) major industrialized economies July 8–10 in Italy to discuss common rules on transparency, borrowing practices and other measures to ensure better regulation of the global financial system.

Readout of the President’s Call with Turkish President Gul
July 5, 2009 -  President Obama spoke with Turkish President Gul earlier today. President Gul thanked President Obama for his Cairo speech on America’s relationship with Muslim communities around the world. The two Presidents also discussed the situation in the Caucasus. President Gul updated President Obama on the status of Turkish-Armenian...

US Ambassador Launches Izmir Virtual Presence Post
June 29, 2009 -  The U.S. Embassy proudly announces the launch of a Virtual Presence Post (VPP) website in Izmir, http://izmir.usvpp.gov. The VPP Izmir website will “go live” on June 30 with a virtual launch by U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey at Izmir Chamber of Commerce.

Obama Is “Appalled and Outraged” by Iran’s Actions
June 23, 2009 -  Calling the actions of the Iranian government against peaceful demonstrators “unjust,” President Obama says the United States respects Iran’s sovereignty and “is not interfering with Iran's affairs,” adding that accusations to the contrary are false.

Abassador Jeffrey Talks to NTV
June 19, 2009 -  Ambassador James Jeffrey sat down with NTV’s Murat Akgun for his first policy interview since the visit of President Obama to Turkey. In the interview, Ambassador Jeffrey said, “we believe that Turkey has come a long way and that in a democratic environment, many things are possible.”

U.S. –Turkey Relations
June 5, 2009 -  During a June 5th joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu, Secretary Clinton said, "Turkey, the United States, and the entire global community certainly face a great number of challenges, but we also see opportunities. So our message...is that we’re going to deepen and strengthen...

The Brian Horton Quartet
June 5, 2009 -  The US jazz group The Brian Horton Quartet will give its final Ankara performance at Panora Park on Friday, June 5 at 8 pm. The Durham, North Carolina-based group is sponsored by The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, a program produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Company Fair links schools with businesses
June 5, 2009 -  225 secondary school students from public schools across Turkey came to Ankara to present their projects and business plans to Ankara-based Turkish and American business interests, economics professors and embassy officials at an “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Company Fair” at the Turkish Education Association (TED) in Ankara.

A New Beginning
June 4, 2009 -  Today in Cairo, President Obama said, “I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim World based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.”

Fulbright Professor Speaks at Turkish General Staff Conference
May 19, 2009 Baylor University Professor George Gawrych spoke at the Turkish General Staff's May 19 conference "Ataturk as a Soldier and Statesman on the 128th Anniversary of his Birth." His topic was Ataturk as a Military Leader in the War of Independence. Professor Gawrych is in Turkey as a Fulbright Senior Researcher conducting research for a book...

American Smart Power:Diplomacy and Development are the Vanguard
May 4, 2009 -  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently said, “We must use what has been called smart power: the full range of tools at our disposal – diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal, and cultural – picking the right tool, or combination of tools, for each situation.” Smart power requires reaching out to both friends and adversaries...

World Press Freedom
May 3, 2009 -  In order to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the State Department hosted a series of web chats on the subject.

Andrew Sherry Addresses New Media and E-Government
April 28, 2009 -  U.S. media expert Andrew Sherry spoke to media professionals, academics, and students in Ankara about the emerging new media technologies that are revolutionizing journalism. Sherry emphasized that new media is changing the nature of competition in the media industry.

Washington Hosts Climate Change Talks
April 24, 2009 -  The Obama administration is convening a meeting of 17 major nations April 27–28 in Washington to begin talks on international action to address climate change. The talks are a prelude to a U.N. meeting set for December in Copenhagen when a new global treaty on greenhouse gas reduction is expected to be forged.

Earth Day
April 22, 2009 -  Earth Day is the annual U.S. celebration of the environment and a time for Americans to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet. Earth Day has no central organizing force behind it, though several organizations work to keep track of the thousands of local events that mark the day.

Ambassador Jeffrey Discusses U.S.-Turkey Relations
 On April 17, Ambassador James F. Jeffrey, U.S. envoy for Turkey, answered questions in a CO.NX webchat on the next steps for U.S.-Turkey relations and other international issues such as clean energy, Afghanistan and Somalia.

President Obama’s Town Hall With Turkish Students
April 7, 2009 -  100 students between 18 and 26 participated in a student town hall meeting with President Barack Obama. The students are studying in fields varying from political science to sports to fine arts and asked President Obama about a range of subjects including climate change, Turkey’s EU bid, and peace in the Middle East.

Obama Commends Progress on Armenia-Turkey
April 6, 2009 -  President Obama met with Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Swiss Foreign Minister (and mediator) Micheline Calmy-Rey, Turkish undersecretary of the foreign ministry Ertugul Apakan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan at a reception in Istanbul, Turkey on April 6, 2009.

The First Lady at the Notre Dame Cathedral
April 4, 2009 -  First Lady Michelle Obama and Hayrunnisa Gul, right, the wife of Turkey's President Abdullah Gul, listen to a French interpretor during a tour at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg, France, Saturday, April 4, 2009.

U.S. Ambassador opens Access at TED Polatli
March 30, 2009 -  US Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey officially opened the Access Microscholarship program in Polatli, Turkey. The Polatli program is one of 7 new locations for Access programs. During his presentation to students, teachers and host institution administrators, Ambassador Jeffrey emphasized the role Access can play in opening various doors...

Ambassador Jeffrey’s “Trial by Fire.”
March 21, 2009 -  U.S. Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey joined Turkey’s Cultural and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay for Nevruz celebrations and jumped over a Nevruz fire at the Ataturk Cultural Center in Ankara on Saturday.

Celebrating International Women’s Day
March 8, 2009 -  By Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - On a trip to China eleven years ago, I met with women activists who told me about their efforts to advance conditions for women in their country. They offered a vivid portrait of the challenges women faced: employment discrimination, inadequate health care, domestic violence, antiquated laws that ...

Secretary Clinton Visits Ankara
March 7, 2009 -  Secretary Hillary Clinton paid a visit to Ankara on March 7. During her visit, she met with Turkish officials and visited a popular NTV talk show. In an interview at the end of her busy day, she said of the Turkish-American relationship, “We have been good allies in NATO…And we have been friends.”

Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell Travel
February 25-26, 2009 -  U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell visited Ankara this week to meet with President Gul, Prime Minister Erdogan, and Foreign Minister Babacan. After his meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan, Mitchell told the press, “I’m here today because President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton and the US appreciate Turkey’s continuing ...

Embassy Ankara Celebrates African American History Month
February 24, 2009 Embassy Ankara celebrated African American History Month with a night of poetry, prose and music highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Ambassador Jeffrey opened the evening noting that the pursuit of a more perfect union has made America a better and stronger nation.

Jno Didrickson’s Tlingit Artwork Exhibit Featured at Ankara TAA
February 17, 2009 -  U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Douglas Silliman opened the U.S. Embassy-sponsored exhibit of Native American art by Jno Didrickson, February 17 at the Turkish American Association in Ankara.

Ambassador Jeffrey & Turkey’s Newest Diplomats Discuss The Tradecraft, Lifestyle
February 2009 -  Ambassador Jeffrey spoke to the new class of diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to highlight the close bilateral ties between Turkey and the U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey shared some of his experiences during his 40-year career in international affairs, including the critical importance of learning foreign languages...

Fulbright Professor Lectures on "Ataturk and the War of Independence"
February 11, 2009 -  Fulbright professor George Gawrych lectured on "Ataturk and the War of Independence" at the Turkish-American Association (TAA) on February 11 before an audience of about 80 TAA members and friends. Dr. Gawrych's lecture, which focused on Ataturk's larger political vision as he pursued strategic objectives in the war of independence, was well...

Ambassador Jeffrey Visits Antalya
January 31, 2009 -  Noting President Obama’s message to NATO Allies on Inauguration Day, Ambassador James Jeffrey underscored the importance the U.S. attaches to NATO and the desire to renew the Alliance in his address on January 31 at the 17th Antalya International Conference on Security & Cooperation.During his January 31 visit to the newly opened TAA.

Ambassador Jeffrey Visits Maltepe Mosque
January 29, 2009 -  Ambassador James F. Jeffrey visited Ankara’s Maltepe Mosque on January 29, 2009. Maltepe Mosque’s Imam Mustafa Demir and the Cankaya Mufti welcomed the Ambassador and his team to the Mosque and briefed them on the history of the Mosque.

Musical Cabaret `Broadway Bridges` a Hit in Ankara, Adana, Mersin and Gaziantep
January 21-25, 2009 -  A cast of students from Hacettepe and Bilkent Universities performed the best of American musicals such as Chicago, Grease, West Side Story, Hairspray, Les Miserables & Smokey Joes Café before a packed house at the Turkish-American Association in Ankara. After the performances at the TAA, Broadway Bridges went to Adana, Adana, Mersin and Gaziantep.

Ambassador Jeffrey Visits Sakarya Memorial
January 17, 2009 -  Ambassador James Jeffrey visited the memorials to the great battle of Sakarya, west of Ankara. This epic battle, fought for 21 days in August & September 1921 along a 100 kilometer front near the Sakarya River, marked the turning point in the Turkish War of Independence & prevented the Greek army from advancing on the new Turkish capital of Ankara.

President Obama’s Inaugural Address
January 20, 2009 -  “Today we gather because we have chosen hope over fear.” On a cold and sunny day in Washington, Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States.

DVC - Foreign Policy Priorities of the Obama Administration
January 20, 2009 -  Turkish officials, academics and media representatives joined Ambassador James Jeffrey at his residence January 20 to observe the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Following live coverage of the Oath of Office and the President’s inaugural address, the guests participated in a digital video conference on ...

From MLK to Obama: Distinguished Harvard Professor Discusses the US Civil Rights
January 13, 2009 -  In a digital video conference hosted by Ambassador Jeffrey at his residence, Professor Randall Kennedy of the Harvard Law School discussed the U.S. civil rights movement with Turkish government officials, NGO representatives, and journalists.