Our journey began in 1962, when the Ozan family settled in Miami. The following year, the Ozan family connected with Mehmet and Maureen Ilter, gradually meeting other Turks in the area. By 1967, the first chapter of the Florida Turkish-American Association (FTAA) was formed, with Kaya Kocaman serving as the first President.
FTAA’s initial activities included social gatherings and cultural events to support the Turkish community. However, the organization faced challenges, including the tragic fire-bombing of the Tampa Honorary Turkish Consul General’s house. Despite this tragedy, FTAA continued to grow and serve the community.
In 1983, FTAA was revitalized by a group of Turkish engineers and the needs of a growing community. Mahmut Esat Ozan was elected President, and the organization was officially registered as a Florida non-profit. Over the next five years, FTAA expanded significantly, growing its membership base and organizing more activities.
During this period, FTAA became a cultural hub, organizing festivals, concerts, and other events to promote Turkish culture in South Florida. Notable leaders like Mustafa Cankat and Ismail Ercan contributed to the organization’s growth, establishing FTAA as a 501(c)(3) organization and organizing the first Florida Turkish-American Festival.
During Serap Odabas-Yigit’s leadership starting in 2008, FTAA made significant strides, including moving into the newly constructed Florida Turkish Center. The center became a focal point for the community, hosting numerous events and cultural activities. Fundraising efforts, such as the “Take A Seat” campaign, successfully raised $35,000 for the center. Collaboration with various organizations and the launch of the Florida Turkish Festival website further enhanced FTAA’s outreach
Fuat Ornarli’s presidency from 2011 brought innovative changes to FTAA, including new technologies like membership cards, mobile apps, and updated websites. The organization hosted numerous cultural events, including festivals, picnics, and lectures, fostering relationships with various ethnic groups and local authorities. The FTAA’s financial health improved, with substantial loan repayments and increased net income, laying a strong foundation for future growth.
FTAA continued to flourish under the leadership of Zeynep Uluer Aytekin (2013), Serap Odabas-Yigit’s second term (2015), and Ayşegül Çolak (2017-2018). The organization’s dedication to cultural preservation and community service earned it the title of the most hardworking association by the American Turkish Assembly of Associations (ATAA). FTAA’s ongoing initiatives, including book clubs, history clubs, and volunteer appreciation events, further solidified its role as a pillar of the Turkish-American community in Florida.
With Mehmet Akçay’s election as FTAA President in 2019, the organization stayed dedicated to its mission of fostering Turkish culture and supporting the Turkish-American community. Under his leadership, FTAA continued to build on its rich legacy, embracing new opportunities for cultural exchange and community engagement. As the organization moves forward, it remains committed to preserving the traditions and values that have defined it for decades, ensuring that the spirit of the Florida Turkish-American community thrives for generations to come.
FTAA experienced another renaissance period under the presidency and leadership of Canan Özaktay, where she had to navigate the unprecedented events of the covid pandemic along with several natural disaster relief response efforts for the major earthquakes and wildfires across Turkiye. Although the Florida Cultural Center had been closed for an extended period, Canan her dynamic board members launched numerous cultural events such as the “Story the Mandolin”, “Development of Turkish Music”, and “Nazim Hikmet Night”. In addition to relaunching many of the FTAA clubs, Canan and her board focused on celebrating the milestone 100th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic through 23 Nisan, 29 Ekim and other local festivals, embracing a growing Turkish-American community in south Florida.
FTAA’s success is a testament to the dedication of its past presidents and members. From its humble beginnings to becoming a significant cultural institution in Florida, FTAA remains committed to promoting Turkish culture and serving the community. With over 15,000 Turkish families in south Florida, FTAA works in synch with the Turkish Consulate of Miami and Mayor of Miami, plus local offices across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties as well as the “Treasure Coast” counties to the north.
Sunday, 27 October 2024 @ 5:30pm
 Enriching Lives
