TACA Georgia Honored with Service Award at ATAA Annual Conference

Washington D.C. - TACA Georgia was proudly recognized for its dedication and outstanding organization of the April 23rd International Children’s Day festivities in Georgia, receiving the prestigious Service Award from the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA). The award was presented to TACA Georgia President Gokhan Yavuz during the ATAA Annual Conference, which took place at the Westin Crystal Place hotel in Washington D.C. on the evening of Saturday, May 3rd.

The April 23rd International Children’s Day is a significant and cherished holiday in Turkish culture, commemorating the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1920. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, dedicated this day to children, emphasizing their importance as the future of the nation. It is a day marked by vibrant celebrations, performances, and a focus on the youth, symbolizing national sovereignty and the bright future they represent. TACA Georgia has been instrumental in bringing this joyous tradition to the state of Georgia, fostering cultural understanding and community engagement.

In addition to the association's accolade, a special honor was bestowed upon Mazlum Kosma, TACA Georgia’s esteemed advisory committee head and a past president of both ATAA and TACA Georgia. Mr. Kosma was recognized for his remarkable and long-standing services to the Turkish-American community. It was noted that Mr. Kosma initiated the meaningful tradition of celebrating April 23rd International Children's Day in Georgia decades ago, laying the groundwork for the continued success of these events.

In accepting the award, TACA Georgia President Gokhan Yavuz expressed deep gratitude to the ATAA and its President, Nilüfer Esen-Bilgin. He also extended heartfelt thanks to those who made this year's April 23rd celebration a resounding success: "A heartfelt thank you to our Advisory Head Mazlum Koşma, who began this meaningful tradition decades ago, our April 23rd Committee Head Buket Bozdağ and Vice Chair Gülşah Kasap, and every one of our board members who worked tirelessly to make this year’s celebration a success."

TACA Georgia is deeply appreciative of this significant recognition from the Assembly of Turkish American Associations and remains committed to its mission of promoting Turkish culture and heritage in Georgia.