The Turkish Student Association is a student-run organization that aims to educate students about the importance of Turkish culture while providing a safe and fun environment for students to bond.

Esma Yavuz, a sophomore studying architecture and president of the Turkish Student Association, shared the organization’s mission statement.

“Our mission is to share Turkish culture with Turkish students and [anyone] interested in it,” Yavuz said. “We are trying to make fun events and share [our] culture.”

The organization holds monthly meetings, with intermittent events scattered throughout. The Turkish Student Association’s tentative meeting schedule is listed below:

• October 8: Turkish food sale from noon to 3 p.m. in front of Parks Library
• October 29: Movie night in the Alumni Center in celebration of Turkish Independence Day
• December: Game night (date/time/location still to be determined)

For more information on the tentative meeting schedule, contact Esma Yavuz at [email protected].

“Our aim is not to just attract Turkish students, but attract general ISU students,” Esma Masca, activity coordinator of the Turkish Student Association, said. “For example, when we do a food sale, it’s not something only Turkish people would enjoy… everybody likes food. It’s a way to show while we celebrate our own culture, others can benefit from delicious food.”

The Turkish Student Association wants to highlight the upcoming food sale, as it is an opportunity for students to bond over “food culture” while trying new cuisine.

The organization also plans to hold a movie night in the Alumni Center to celebrate Turkish Independence Day. The film will explore the life of Türkiye’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Though the organization does not have a set time for the event, it urges attendees to watch their email and social media accounts for more information.

Any student who joins the Turkish Student Association will be added to their mailing list. If you want to join now, contact Esma Yavuz.

Masca graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and now attends Iowa State for the graduate program. During her time at the University of Oregon, she noted students’ misconceptions about Türkiye and Turkish culture.

“When we say ‘Turkey,’ [students] actually think about the animal, turkey,” Masca said. “[Some students also] don’t know that the name of the country actually changed. It is Türkiye now.”

The organization’s members took those notes in stride and now use their voices to eliminate misconceptions about Turkish culture on campus.

“[Members] can be students or staff,” Yavuz said. “If you are interested in Turkish culture, you can be a member. We are open to everyone. Everyone can join our events, and everyone can be a member.”

To learn the finalized dates/times of the organization’s events and meetings, follow their Instagram page.

For more information about the Turkish Student Association, visit their website.