Dr.Fatih Birol, Chief Economist and Head of the Economic Analysis Division of the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) addressed corporate members of The American Turkish Society about the world energy outlook and key issues for Turkey. Birol outlined the global energy supply and demand trends, as well as analyzing the opportunities and challenges for Turkey in the global energy markets.

The ATS Book Club hosted author Frances Kazan to discuss Halide's Gift, which is loosely inspired by the life of the great Turkish writer and early feminist Halide Edib Adivar.

Tuna Koprulu, Consul General of Monaco in Istanbul and the author of “Foreign Palaces in Istanbul” addressed a group of more than 80 diplomats, scholars, and business leaders at a reception and book signing. Published in 2005 with Greater Istanbul Municipality’s sponsorship, “Foreign Palaces in Istanbul” is the first book that depicts the histories, stories, documents and photographs of thirteen palaces which were the residences of the ambassadors accredited to the Ottoman court.

Josephine Powell, born in 1919, was an American freelance photographer who lived in Istanbul from 1974 until her recent passing in January. She was honored by the Textile Museum in Washington D.C. with the George Hewitt Myers Award on October 19, 2006. The American Turkish Society was one of the supporters of the evening and also had the pleasure to host Ms. Powell at a gathering in New York shortly thereafter. At the gathering at Double Knot Rug Gallery, Josephine Powell answered questions about her work as well as living and traveling in Turkey.

Josephine Powell passed away suddenly but peacefully on January 18. The American Turkish Society extends its sincere condolences to her family and friends. Her dedication to Turkey and the textile arts will be greatly missed.

The Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Abdullah Gül, addressed a group of more than 160 diplomats, foreign policy experts, and business leaders in New York. In his speech, H.E. Gül promoted Turkey as a “success story of genuine reform” after the implementation of political, legal, and economic changes in recent years. He also touched upon the issues of current interest to Turkish foreign policy, from Northern Iraq to Cyprus.

The American Turkish Society held a private meeting with the state minister in charge of foreign trade for Turkey, H.E. Kursad Tuzmen. Tuzmen discussed Turkey's plans to increase trade with the United States, as well as topics ranging from Turkey's service exports to competition with China.

The inaugural meeting of the ATS Book Club discussed this epic chronicle of the making of modern Turkey. The novel traces the fortunes of a small community in southwest Turkey, where Christian and Muslim lives and traditions co-existed peacefully over the centuries.

The American Turkish Society’s annual gala celebrates the successful joint ventures of American and Turkish companies.

In 2006, the Society had its inaugural gala honoring one of the longest-standing and most successful U.S.-Turkish partnerships: Ford Motor Company and Koc Holding and their 50-year-old joint venture, Ford Otosan in Turkey.

Kemal Dervis, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, and Former Minister for Economic Affairs & the Treasury of Turkey, gave an address on “Perspectives on the United Nations, Multilateralism and Emerging Economies” and highlighted Turkey's role in the global political and economic arena.

The American Turkish Society held a private meeting with H.E. Ambassador Wilson to welcome him to his new post as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and to discuss issues of importance regarding the U.S.-Turkish relations.