Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation, tax-exempt since 2008, runs Venue Rental, Cultural Events, Scholars Residence and Cooking Classes, and reported $199,948 in revenue for tax year 2023.

Third Annual Craft Fair 2026

3rd Annual Craft Fair 2026

Archaeological Lecture Series with Mediterranean Dinner

Blood Drive East Chapel Hill Rotary Club Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center

Second Annual Craft Fair 2025

Join volunteer opportunities

Give

Private – East Chapel Hill Rotary Club

Debra Yalin

Semra Tariq

Ayse Pamucak

İlkay Cubukcu

Refika Yousefi

Serra Soylu Koşar

Haluk Eldem, Esq.

Eylem Polat, Esq.

Drs. Sancar

Great Hall

Handmade Library Doors

Library View

Sancar Nobel Presentation

Social Kitchen

STCCC Bldg Entrance

STCCC Ktchen

STCCC Lbrary Sunlght

STCCC Outdoor Stage

Kathryn Grossman

We were pleased to host the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club’s weekly meeting on November 6. This week’s guest speaker, J.B. Buxton, President of Durham Tech, spoke about North Carolina’s community college system. Thank you to the club and everyone who joined us! Planning a meeting or event of your own? Explore our venue and submit an inquiry through the link in our bio. #coporateevent #evenvenue #stccc #privateevent #agsf

🛍️ 3RD ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR 2026 ✨ Celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and community! We are excited to welcome you to our 3rd Annual Craft Fair at the Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center! Explore a wonderful selection of: 🎨 Handmade crafts & unique creations 💍 Jewelry & accessories 🏡 Home décor & seasonal gifts 🎄 Holiday decorations & much more! 📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026 ⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Ahmet Çalık Great Hall 1609 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 🎟️ FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE! (FOR GUESTS) Come discover something special, support creativity, and enjoy a wonderful community gathering. ❤️ This event supports the AGS Foundation. 📢 Save the date, invite your friends, and join us! #sancarcenter #craftfair2026 #chapelhillevents #handmadegifts #holidayshopping

EROL ERDEM CLASSROOM ✨ A welcoming space for learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections! Perfect for small group meetings, workshops, training sessions, and educational programs, our Erol Erdem Classroom provides a comfortable and flexible environment for productive gatherings. 👥 Up to 20 guests (classroom-style) 🖥️ Modern audiovisual equipment 📶 High-speed internet ✨ Flexible seating arrangements 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center | Chapel Hill, NC 📩 Planning your next meeting or workshop? Explore our venue and submit your inquiry through the link in our bio! #SancarCenter #ErolErdemClassroom #ChapelHillEvents #CommunityEvents Sponsored by Erol Erdem @omerdem

İŞ BANK CLASSROOM ✨ A space designed for learning, collaboration, and productivity! Whether you’re hosting a business meeting, workshop, training session, or educational event, our İş Bank Classroom offers a modern, comfortable, and flexible environment. 👥 Up to 45 guests (classroom-style) 🖥️ Audiovisual equipment 📶 High-speed internet ✨ Flexible seating arrangements 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center | Chapel Hill, NC 📩 Planning your next meeting or event? Explore our venue and submit your inquiry through the link in our bio! #SancarCenter #ChapelHillEvents #MeetingSpace #TrainingVenue #AGSF Sponsored by @isbankasi

AHMET ÇALIK GREAT HALL One beautiful space, endless possibilities! From elegant weddings and celebrations to corporate meetings, conferences, and cultural events, Ahmet Çalık Great Hall offers a spacious and versatile setting for every occasion. 🏛️ Up to 250 guests (auditorium-style) 🥂 Up to 135 guests (banquet-style) ✨ Flexible layouts & audiovisual equipment 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center | Chapel Hill, NC 📩 Planning your next event? Explore our venue and submit your inquiry through the link in our bio! #SancarCenter #AhmetCalikGreatHall #ChapelHillEvents #EventVenue #WeddingVenue CorporateEvents NorthCarolinaEvents Sponsored by @calikholding (Ahmet Çalık)

GARDEN COURTYARD & CEREMONY AREA ✨ Create unforgettable memories in a beautiful outdoor setting! From weddings and ceremonies to private celebrations and community gatherings, our Garden Courtyard offers the perfect backdrop for your special moments. 💍 Weddings & Ceremonies 🥂 Receptions & Celebrations 🌸 Private & Community Events 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center | Chapel Hill, NC 📩 Planning an event? Explore our venue and submit your inquiry through the link in our bio! #SancarCenter #ChapelHillEvents #OutdoorVenue #WeddingVenue #EventSpace NorthCarolinaEvents

✨ YOUR EVENT, OUR VENUE! Welcome to Sancar Center – Chapel Hill, NC! Looking for a unique and welcoming venue for your next event? Located in the heart of Chapel Hill, Sancar Center offers beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces designed to accommodate a wide variety of occasions. 🎉 Celebrations & Private Events Weddings, receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, and special gatherings. 💼 Corporate & Professional Events Business meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, and networking events. 🎭 Community & Cultural Events Cultural celebrations, performances, exhibitions, nonprofit events, and community gatherings. 🌿 Outdoor Events Intimate weddings, garden ceremonies, outdoor receptions, and private celebrations. 🏛️ Our Venue Features: ✔️ Spacious Great Hall – up to 250 guests in auditorium-style seating ✔️ Flexible meeting and classroom spaces ✔️ Beautiful outdoor garden and event area ✔️ Kitchen and catering support areas ✔️ Welcoming reception and gathering spaces ✔️ Unique architecture and cultural atmosphere ✔️ Audio-Video capabilities Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Sancar Center provides a distinctive setting to bring people together and create memorable experiences. 📍 Chapel Hill, North Carolina 📅 READY TO PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT? Explore our venue, discover our spaces, and submit your event inquiry through the link in our bio! ✨ Make your next event memorable at Sancar Center. #SancarCenter #AGSF #EventVenue #TriangleEvents #privateevents

We welcomed more than 100 guests to Sancar Event Center for the 103rd anniversary celebration of the Republic of Türkiye, organized in partnership by ATA-NC and AGS Foundation. 🇹🇷🇺🇸 It was a memorable evening of speeches, music, and community. Thank you to everyone who helped organize the event and to all the guests who joined us. Interested in hosting an event at our center? Submit an inquiry through the Venue Inquiries link in our profile. @atanc.usa #ata-nc #agsf #cumhuriyetbayramı #stccc #republicday

You are cordially invited to attend our Third Annual Craft Fair. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and explore a vibrant selection of unique handmade goods, crafts, and gifts from our community. Free Admission RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ythn2zfb #sancarturkishcenter

Save the Date! Get ready for a fun-filled day of creativity, shopping, and community at the Sancar Third Annual Craft Fair! Whether you’re looking for unique handmade gifts, local artisan products, or simply want to spend the day exploring creative booths, this event is the perfect way to enjoy local talent and craftsmanship. Perfect for Holiday Shopping! Find one-of-a-kind treasures for yourself or that special someone. Our vendors offer everything from home décor to fashion personalized gifts. Support Local Artists: This event is a fantastic opportunity to support small businesses and local artists who pour their hearts into their work. Your purchases help the community grow and thrive! General Admission: FREE 📍 Location: Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center 1609 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Vendors Wanted! If you would like to participate as a Vendor, please scan the QR code or click on the link below to see Vendor Rules, Regulations and Reserve your spot by October 23rd. 👉 https://sancar.org/event/sancar-3rd-annual-craft-fair-vendors-wanted/ #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter

Last weekend, we had the pleasure of hosting a very special gathering at the Sancar Center. Guests who came together in Chapel Hill for TASSA (Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association) 2026 continued their conversations, which began with science, through music and friendship. 🇹🇷🇺🇸 One of the most meaningful aspects of our center is its ability to bring people from different generations together. This time, students, scientists, and guests had the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and create wonderful memories together. The music-filled moments of the evening made this gathering truly unforgettable for us. We were delighted to open our doors to such a meaningful event. We would like to thank the TASSA team and everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you again!

🎬 Bu hafta sonu Sancar Türk Kültür ve Toplum Merkezi’nde bilim, inovasyon ve dostluk bir araya geliyor. 2–4 Ekim 2026 tarihlerinde, TASSA 2026 Konferansı’na ev sahipliği yapmaktan büyük mutluluk duyuyoruz. 🇹🇷🇺🇸 “Yapay Zekâ Çağında İnovasyon Köprüleri: ABD ve Türkiye Arasında Ulusötesi Etki” temasıyla düzenlenen konferans, Türkiye ve Amerika’dan bilim insanlarını ve akademisyenleri Chapel Hill’de buluşturacak. Bilimin yanında hayatı, yol arkadaşlığını, azmi ve uzun bir yolculuğa yön veren değerleri konuşacağımız bu özel buluşmada sizleri de Sancar Türk Kültür ve Toplum Merkezi’nde ağırlamaktan mutluluk duyacağız. 📅 2–4 Ekim 2026 📍 Sancar Türk Kültür ve Toplum Merkezi | Chapel Hill, NC Bilimin, kültürün ve iki ülke arasındaki dostluğun aynı çatı altında buluştuğu güzel bir hafta sonu olması dileğiyle. 🇹🇷🤝🇺🇸 🎬 This weekend, science, innovation, and friendship come together at the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center. We are delighted to host the TASSA 2026 Conference, taking place October 2–4, 2026. 🇹🇷🇺🇸 Under this year’s theme, “Bridges of Innovation in the Age of AI: Transnational Impact Between the U.S. and Türkiye,” the conference will bring together scientists and academics from Türkiye and the United States in Chapel Hill. Beyond science, we will hear about life, companionship, perseverance, and the values that have shaped their remarkable journey. We look forward to welcoming you to the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center for this special gathering. 📅 October 2–4, 2026 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center | Chapel Hill, NC We look forward to a wonderful weekend where science, culture, and the friendship between Türkiye and the United States come together under one roof. 🇹🇷🤝🇺🇸 #TASSA2026 #TASSA #AzizSancar #SancarTurkishCulturalAndCommunityCenter #Science #Innovation

Birthday lights, balloons, and big smiles at @SancarTurkishCenter as we hosted two 8th‑grade celebrations. Judging by the laughter, everyone had a wonderful night. #sancarturkishculturaland community center

@sancarturkishcenter was pleased to host the UNC-Chapel Hill APPLES Service-Learning Program for a Student Leadership Fall Retreat this past weekend. APPLES is a part of the Carolina Center for Public Service at UNC which offers a variety of programs that support the service and engagement of students, faculty, and staff—helping them acquire new skills and connect their academic pursuits with community impact in North Carolina. @sancarturkishcenter @unc_apples @unc_ccps

May 19th - A Day Dedicated to Turkish Youth 🇹🇷 “O rising new generation, the future is yours! We founded the Republic, and you are the ones who will raise and sustain it!” -M. Kemal ATATÜRK

Triangle Book Arts (TBA) Visits Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center Library - Contributed by Rob Larson On April 25, 2026, members of Triangle Book Arts gathered in the Great Hall of the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center (STCCC) in Chapel Hill, NC. After enjoying traditional Turkish tea and baklava, we toured the Center’s Library. We were told about its impressive wooden door, handmade in Türkiye. Its many panels of contrasting wood were connected using traditional joinery and no glue. Upon entering we observed colorful flags hanging from the ceiling, each representing one of the Turkic countries. One wall of the library was entirely glass, giving an open, inviting feeling. There were, of course, many books in the library, but two oversized books were particularly notable. The first was the Book of Weddings which described wedding rituals and was beautifully illustrated with Persian-style paintings. The second was a biography of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president and “father” of modern Türkiye. I was interested to learn that “Atatürk” literally means “father of the Turks.” This volume was housed in an attractive case also holding a rolled facsimile of the newspaper announcing his death in 1938. As we left, each of us was presented with a gift bag, thoughtfully filled with printed mementos of the Center. Thank you to our hosts and guides, Jordan Scepanski, Lea Scepanski, Fevzi Yalın, Emin Pamucak, Bobby Yousefi, Refika Yousefi, Selin Özer, and several student helpers. The welcome was as warm and embracing as the tea. We enjoyed learning about the Center’s dual purposes, to make Turkish students feel at home in the Triangle and to share Turkish culture with the public. My wife, Elizabeth, and I will be returning soon to the STCCC to enjoy some scheduled talks and maybe even take a cooking class. For more information on the STCCC, the Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation, and upcoming events please visit https://sancar.org/ #Sancarturkishcenter

A meaningful day at the Sancar Turkish Center as the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club (ECHRC) welcomed Dr. Gülseren Derya Akyüz for an exceptional presentation on "Understanding and Managing Pain." Dr. Akyüz is an internationally respected professor, researcher, and leader whose work has shaped education, innovation, and cross‑border collaboration. With over 1,600 citations and leadership roles across European and global rehabilitation organizations, she brings a truly international perspective. A dedicated Rotarian from the Fındıklı Rotary Club (District 2420) in Istanbul—where she served as Club President—Dr. Akyüz joined ECHRC President Felix Muriithi for a Rotary flag exchange, honoring a tradition of global fellowship and service. #EastChapelHillRotaryClub #Rotary #RotaryInternational #RotaryFellowship #ServiceAboveSelf #SancarTurkishCenter #GülserenDeryaAkyüz #ChronicPain #PainResearch #RehabilitationScience #GlobalHealth #AcademicLeadership #InternationalCollaboration #FindikliRotaryClub #Rotary2420

Join us for the **grand finale** of our Spring Archaeology Series — as we cross the frontier, quite literally. **Professor Asa Eger (UNC–Greensboro)** presents: *“Spaces Between the Teeth: Settlements on the Islamic Frontier”* 📅 **May 6, 2026 — Wednesday, 6:00 PM** Travel across the Islamic–Byzantine frontier of the 7th–10th centuries, from Antakya, Tarsus, and Malatya to the Byzantine landscapes of Cappadocia. Discover how early frontiers were shaped not by walls and castles, but by open, interconnected cities — and how those same spaces later hardened into fortresses after the Crusader era. 🍽️ Our Silk Road–inspired finale menu features spiced **suçuk bites**, a rich spread of regional dishes, and **honey‑drenched baklava**. History, food, and culture at the legendary **Cilician Gates** — a fitting close to our journey across millennia. 👉 **Buy Your Ticket** https://sancar.org/event/spaces-between-the-teeth 🔗 General Admission: **$65** Students: **FREE** (w/student email) Ticket sales end **May 4 at 6:00 PM** Bring a friend and celebrate the finale with us. 🎟️ **Ticket System:** General Admission guests receive one premium beverage ticket, redeemable for a curated glass of wine or a non‑alcoholic specialty drink. (Student admission does not include a beverage ticket.) #Archaeology #AsaEger #sancarturkishcenter

We were delighted to welcome the Women of Fearrington back for their private cooking class. Their commitment to friendship, community service, and philanthropy continues to inspire us. Chef Refika led a hands‑on culinary experience that was enjoyed by all, and we’re already looking forward to many more delicious moments together. A few photographs from their recent visit. #womenoffearrington #fearringtonvillage #communitylife #friendshipandcommunity #localconnections #northcarolinalife #sancarturkishcenter

Honored to welcome members of Triangle Book Arts—a community dedicated to bookmaking, print, and paper arts. @trianglebookarts #TriangleBookArts #BookArts #Printmaking #PaperArts #ArtistCommunity #TriangleNC #ArtsInTheTriangle #sancarturkishcenter

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dr. Kate Grossman’s lecture, “Beyond the City Walls: Life at the Ancient Crossroads.” Together, we journeyed to the enigmatic tells of the Syrian–Anatolian borderlands and explored the deep histories shaped at these ancient crossroads. #sancarturkishcenter #Archaeology #AGSFoundation #AIA #ArchaeologicalInstituteOfAmerica

As we celebrate April 23rd Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, we honor Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK’s vision of a Türkiye and a world where children grow with confidence, curiosity, and hope. As the Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation we are proud to uphold that spirit of community, learning, and service by sponsoring the 15th Annual Children's Day Festival of Cary. 📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 🕐 1 PM – 7 PM 📍 Downtown Cary Park ✨ Free admission + free make‑and‑take crafts Join this global celebration where children come together to have fun, build memories, and cherish diversity. Festival Highlights • 440+ young performers from 30 groups • Free crafts • Magic & balloon animals by Professor Whizzpop (new!) • Art demonstrations (new!) • Hooray for Books • Turkish Bazaar (new!) • 25+ local organizations • Food trucks #ChildrensDay #April23 #NationalSovereigntyAndChildrensDay #23Nisan #Ataturk #Turkiye #CaryNC #DowntownCaryPark #AzizAndGwenSancarFoundation #SancarTurkishCulturalandCommunityCenter #CommunityEvent #CulturalFestival #FamilyFestival #KidsFestival #CaryEvents #TriangleNC #RaleighNC #DurhamNC #CulturalDiversity #GlobalCelebration @sancarturkishcenter #atanc

🎭 KISMET – A One-Act Play in Turkish April 19, 5:30 PM 📍 Mettlesome Theater, Durham NC A young Turkish couple’s immigration story comes to life in this powerful, actor-driven performance. While making a food delivery, they suddenly find themselves on stage… and begin telling their own story. From Istanbul to the U.S.–Mexico border and into the realities of life in America, memories, confessions, and performance intertwine. ✨ A moving journey about identity, resilience, and starting over. ✨ Interactive storytelling inspired by Turkish theater traditions. Directed by Lauren Wilson Starring Talha Karcı & Didem Ruhi Karcı ❓ What does it mean to start over? ❓ Who truly feels safe? ❓ How do we hold onto dignity, humor, and love? 🎟️ Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kismet-tickets-1986735849407?aff=oddtdtcreator ⸻ 🎭 KISMET – Tek Perdelik Oyun Genç bir Türk çiftin Amerika’ya göç hikayesi sahnede hayat buluyor. Yemek teslimatı yaparken kendilerini bir anda sahnede bulan çift, kendi hikâyelerini oynamaya başlar. İstanbul’dan ABD–Meksika sınırına uzanan bu yolculukta anılar, itiraflar ve oyun iç içe geçer. ✨ Kimlik, dayanıklılık ve yeniden başlama üzerine etkileyici bir hikâye ✨ Türk tiyatrosundan ilham alan interaktif anlatım Yönetmen: Lauren Wilson Oyuncular: Talha Karcı & Didem Ruhi Karcı ❓ Yeniden başlamak ne demek? ❓ Kim gerçekten güvende hissedebilir? ❓ İnsan onurunu, mizahını ve sevgisini nasıl korur? 🎟️ Biletler: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kismet-tickets-1986735849407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Honored to host the second Turkish Student Association Charity Formal at the Sancar Turkish Center, welcoming students from UNC, Duke, NC State, Wake Tech, and UNCG for a night full of music, culture, and community. So much joy, connection, and shared culture. We love bringing students together! #SancarTurkishCenter #TurkishStudentAssociation #TSAFormal #UNC #DukeUniversity #NCState #WakeTech #UNCG #TurkishCulture #NCStudents #CommunityEvent #CulturalNight #StudentLife #NorthCarolina @unc.tsa @duke.tsa @tsaatncsu

The second event of our 2026 Archaeology Series is in the books. “Chariots of Power: The Animal Engine of the Hittite Empire” came alive through the fantastic delivery of Dr. Ben Arbuckle. From the Battle of Kadesh to the engineering of Hittite chariotry, the room was fully engaged—another full evening of learning, community, and shared curiosity at the @sancarturkishcenter. Onward to the next event of the series on April 16: "Beyond the City Walls: Life at the Ancient Crossroads." Speaker: Dr. Kate Grossman Register at https://sancar.org/events/ #ArchaeologySeries2026 #SancarTurkishCenter #HittiteEmpire #AncientAnatolia #AsiaMinorLegacies #AIATriangle #ArchaeologicalInstituteofAmerica

Service, community, and compassion under one roof. The East Chapel Hill Rotary Club and the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation came together to host our first annual Red Cross Blood Drive 🩸—honoring Rotary’s “service above self” and the AGSF mission of giving back. Thank you to everyone who showed up to save lives. ❤️ #RedCross #BloodDrive #GiveBlood #ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryInternational #EastChapelHillRotary #AzizAndGwenSancarFoundation #SancarTurkishCenter #CommunityService #SaveLives #NonprofitWork #ChapelHillNC #NorthCarolinaCommunity

Sovereigns of the Silk Road: Ancient Legacies of Asia Minor Our 2026 Spring Archaeology Series at the @sancarturkishcenter, designed to bridge academic excellence with high‑end cultural engagement. We opened the series with The First Farmers: Dawn of the Anatolian Hearth, featuring Dr. Levent Atıcı. A full house, a glowing Anatolian map, and a Neolithic‑inspired table set the tone for a season devoted to uncovering the deep roots of life across Asia Minor. A beautiful convergence of science, story, and shared table. We now look ahead to the next chapters: March 11, 2026 — Wednesday Chariots of Power: The Animal Engine of the Hittite Empire April 16, 2026 — Thursday Beyond the City Walls: Life at the Ancient Crossroads May 6, 2026 — Wednesday Lines in the Sand: Fortresses of the Islamic Frontier Join us on this journey across millennia. Register by visiting sancar.org/calendar Our special thanks to Sinem Kobaner for the photos in this post. #SovereignsoftheSilkRoad #SancarTurkishCenter #AzizandGwenSancarFoundation #ArchaeologySeries2026 #AsiaMinorHeritage #AnatolianHistory #CulturalHeritage #ArchaeologicalInstituteofAmerica #PublicArchaeology #ArchaeologyEducation

At the Sancar Turkish Center, community and science came together as Prof. Aziz Sancar presented new data on EdU’s potential to transform glioblastoma treatment. With the East Chapel Hill Rotary in attendance, moments like this show what this center was built for. #SancarTurkishCenter #AzizSancar #EastChapelHillRotary #CommunityAndScience #ChapelHill #RotaryClub #CommunityAndScience

It was our honor and privilege to host Whitsell Innovations (WI), Inc. for their annual in‑person corporate training at our Center. WI is a leader in medical writing, quality control review, and electronic regulatory submissions. Since 2006, they have supported global pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device partners with excellence in regulatory writing, publications, and safety documentation. We are proud to welcome organizations that advance science, elevate professional standards, and empower the next generation of experts. #sancarturkishcenter #wespeakscience #MedicalWriting #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifeSciences

For the second year in a row, we proudly hosted the 2025 WCHL Hometown Heroes Luncheon, celebrating the incredible individuals featured throughout the year on 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com — the ones who strengthen our community every day. It was a wonderful tribute to the quiet, steady, everyday heroes who lift Chapel Hill higher. 💙 Grateful to all who make this community truly extraordinary. #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #wchl #chapelboro

Last evening, one of our Board Member Doug Dickerson delivered a compelling presentation to "MBA870 Healthcare in Turkey" students at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The presentation explored 2,000 years of healthcare in Turkiye -from the origins of obstetrics and gynecology in Ephesus, to Seljuk emphasis on holistic well-being, and through the country's major healthcare transformation over the past two decades. Students examined how Turkiye is emerging as a global medical hub for cancer care, aesthetics, weight loss, and more -while continuing to improve access and quality of care for its people. Most importantly, the session highlighted the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation as a vital bridge for science, healthcare, and collaboration between Turkiye and United States. #unckenanflagler #healthcareintürkiye #globalhealth #healthsystems

Is there any greater way to serve your community than by donating blood to those in need? The East Chapel Hill Rotary Club, together with the Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation (AGSF), is proud to co-sponsor their first annual Red Cross Blood Drive. Reserve your spot today! 🩸 Give the Gift of Life! Join us for the 1st Annual Red Cross Blood Drive 📅 Wednesday, March 4, 2026 🕛 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center, 1609 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Sovereigns of the Silk Road: Ancient Legacies of Asia Minor A 2026 Spring Archaeology Series at the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center, designed to bridge the gap between academic excellence and high-end cultural engagement. "Sovereigns of the Silk Road" is a prestigious four-month journey through the heart of Asia Minor. Before the Ottoman era, this land was a kaleidoscope of empires, from the first farmers of the Neolithic to the formidable Hittite charioteers and the strategic fortresses of the Byzantine-Islamic frontier. Attendees will traverse 10,000 years of history through the eyes of the region’s leading archaeologists, paired with a curated menu from Chapel Hill’s renowned Talulla's Restaurant. Buy your season pass or individual event tickets here. http://bit.ly/4jZkTc5 #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #ArchaeologicalInstituteofAmerica

We were honored to host Ambassador Kuban Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the @Turkic_States, at our Center 🌍✨ Amb. Omuraliyev shared the vision for cooperation in education, science, innovation, and cultural exchange. Prof. Aziz Sancar reminded that the Turkic World’s greatest strength lies in unity and shared purpose—its vast potential awaits realization through solidarity and long-term vision. 🤝💡 #TurkicWorld @KubanOmurali @Turkic_States #TurkicStates #Diplomacy #AGSF #ots #organizationofturkicstates #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #türksoy #turksoy

December 15 is now World Turkic Language Family Day, officially recognized by UNESCO in Samarkand. A celebration of shared strength/power: 🇦🇿 güc | 🇰🇿 күш | 🇰🇬 күч | 🇹🇷 güç | 🇺🇿 kuch Bugün, Türk dilli halkların ortak mirasını kutluyoruz. #TurkicUnity #DilAilesiGünü #unesco #UNESCO2025 #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #azizandgwensancarfoundation #turkishrepublic #ataturkunhayali #WorldTurkicLanguageDay #Youth4Sancar #organizationofturkicstates #türksoy

🌍 Special Presentation: Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Join us for an evening with Ambassador Kurban Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States. 📅 Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 |🕛 6:00 pm 📍 Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center 1609 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Ambassador Omuraliyev will share insights on the structure, mission, and strategic priorities of the Organization of Turkic States. 👉 Reserve your seat today - https://sancar.org/event/ots/#rsvp-now #TurkicStates #Diplomacy #CommunityEvent #AGSF #chapelhill #ots #organizationofturkicstates #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #türksoy #turksoy

Sancar Craft Fair is buzzing with creativity at Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center! Stop by and discover unique handmade pieces. 🧵🪡🧿

Sancar Craft Fair is in full swing at Sancar Turkish. Cultural and Community Center. Please join us for a fun filled day.

We celebrate the launch of @Youth4Sancar 🌟—a youth-led campaign to build the Sancar Scholars Residence in Chapel Hill, NC. 🏠 A home for Turkish scholars. 📚 A hub for science, culture, and community. 💡 Led by Turkish-American youth, inspired by Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar. Join in shaping the future: 👉https://bit.ly/Youth4Sancar 👉@Youth4Sancar #TurkishScholars #ScienceForFuture #CommunityOfHope #GençlikİçinSancar #BilimVeToplum #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #sancarscholarsresidence @youth4sancar

REMINDER: 🎁✨ Get ready for a day full of creativity, shopping & community! Join us at the Sancar Second Annual Craft Fair 🛍️ 🗓️ Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍1609 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 🎟️ FREE Attendance ✨ Discover unique handmade gifts, home décor, fashion & personalized treasures ✨ Support local artists & small businesses ✨ Perfect for holiday shopping! Tag your shopping buddy & let’s make it a day to remember! 💖 #SancarCraftFair #ShopLocal #HolidayShopping #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter

✨ Happy Teachers’ Day! ✨ Today we honor Dr. Aziz Sancar’s beloved teacher, Melahat Öğretmen, and all educators who shape generations. In Türkiye, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on November 24th, the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was given the title of Başöğretmen (“Head Teacher”) in 1928. Atatürk believed education was the key to progress—especially for women—and introduced the modern Turkish alphabet, inspired by Latin script and adapted to Turkish phonetics, opening new doors for literacy and knowledge. 📚👩‍🏫 A heartfelt salute to teachers everywhere, whose dedication lights the path of learning. #stccc #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #sancarturkishcenter #atatürk #TeachersDay #AzizSancar #MelahatÖğretmen #EducationMatters

✨ Our Nobel Laureate Scientist Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar at the 11th Turkish Medical World Congress! ✨ This prestigious meeting, organized under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and supported by the Ministry of Health, is being held in Ankara, 24–26 November 2025. During the sessions, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar—together with distinguished Turkish scientists from abroad—will present the latest developments in health sciences and technologies, innovative research, and groundbreaking scientific work. 🌍 A gathering of minds, advancing knowledge for the future of medicine === Nobel Ödüllü bilim insanımız Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, 11. Türk Tıp Dünyası Kurultayı’nda! ✨ T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı himayelerinde ve T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı’nın desteğiyle düzenlenen bu önemli buluşma, 24–26 Kasım 2025 tarihlerinde Ankara’da gerçekleşiyor. Kurultay boyunca Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar ile birlikte, yurt dışından gelen değerli Türk bilim insanlarımız; sağlık bilimleri ve teknolojilerindeki en son gelişmeleri, yenilikçi araştırmaları ve bilimsel çalışmaları paylaşacak. #AzizSancar #TurkishMedicalWorldAssembly #HealthSciences #Innovation #ScientificResearch #Ankara202 #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter

✨ We’re honored to welcome back the Virginia M. Satir Center for a powerful three-day Leadership Conference at our Center! Rooted in the transformative work of Virginia Satir, this gathering brings together courageous leaders committed to growth, empathy, and systemic change. Through experiential learning and deep connection, they are building a community where every person can recognize and harness their inherent worth 💫 #SatirCenter #LeadershipConference #VirginiaSatir #EmpathyInAction #TransformationalLeadership #HealingAndGrowth #CommunityBuilding #SatirModel #PersonalGrowth #SystemicChange #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter

🌿 We were honored to host the Carlson Family Foundation’s semiannual board meeting on November 15, 2025, at our Center! Their kind words say it all: 🗣️ “Thank you for providing such a wonderful location… Every detail and aspect of planning and the meeting worked out perfectly.” The Carlson Family Foundation uplifts communities where their board members live including Orange and Chatham counties through their support of education, health, community service, and the environment. Learn more about their impact at carlsonfamilyfoundation.org 💙 #CarlsonFamilyFoundation #CommunityImpact #BoardMeeting #Gratitude #NonprofitSupport #EventSuccess #OrangeCountyNC #ChathamCountyNC #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter

Congratulations to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the 42nd year anniversary of declaring independence on November 15, 1983. • The evening before the declaration, Rauf Denktaş, President of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus (KTFD), briefed all party MPs and cabinet. • The vote in the Federated Assembly was unanimous, with support from all parties. After the declaration, journalist İzzet-Rıza Yalın asked Denktaş, “How are you feeling? Are you at ease?” Denktaş replied: “Of course. The child has now been born.” ------- The declaration was a result of the long-standing struggle of the Turkish Cypriot community for self-determination and political recognition. A coup d'état in 1974, performed as part of an attempt to annex the island of Cyprus to Greece, prompted the Turkish intervention as a guarantor power. This resulted in the eviction of much of the north's Greek Cypriot population, the flight of Turkish Cypriots from the south, and the partitioning of the island, leading to a unilateral declaration of independence by the north in 1983. #trnc #kktc #sancarturkishcenter #sancarturkishculturalandcommunitycenter #turkishrepublicofnortherncyprus #turkishcypriots #northcyprus

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