Author Jim Rogers shared some political, social, and economic observations from his 3-Year drive through 166 Countries, with a particular emphasis on Turkey, Central Asia, and China.

American Turksih Scoiety members attended a panel discussion for some expert insight into the potential outcomes of Turkey’s acceptance or rejection from the European Union.

In the spirit of understanding modern Turkey through understanding Ataturk, American Turkish Society Members got to watch the award winning documentary by Tolga Ornek.

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkey H.E. Abdullah Gul addressed American Turkish Society members on Turkey’s strategic regional interests in an era of increased regional volatility.

Sir Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General of the U.N. for Political Affairs, discussed the impact of the rejection of the April 24th UN Reunification Plan as well as the future implications of Greek Cypriots entering the European Union.

Faruk Birtek, Professor of Sociology at Boğazici University, provided a retrospective assessment of the Ottoman Empire with particular reference to its system of governance and its multi-ethnicity. The similarities between the Ottomans and the US were discussed, particularly regarding both state's active recognition of multi-ethnicity and consequent capacity to attract and absorb peoples of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The American Turkish Society presented H.E. Ali Babacan, Minister of State in charge of the Treasury, H.E. Süreyya Serdengeçti, Governor of the Central Bank and H.E. İbrahim Halil Çanakci, Under Secretary of the Treasury. The Minister and his team discussed the current and prospective view of the Turkish economy and also fielded questions.

Ahmet Cakmak, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, delivered a slide-lecture presentation on the early history and architecture of Hagia Sofia, with particular emphasis on the structure of the original dome of the church.

H.E. Ambassador Osman Faruk Logoglu addressed members of the American Turkish Society about US-Turkey relations, particularly with regard to the war in Iraq, and Turkey’s role in the global fight against terrorism, especially following the disastrous November bombings in Istanbul.