By Efe Ozkan
ISTANBUL (AA) - TURKEN House, established by the TURKEN Foundation under the leadership of the Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), serves as a cultural and community hub for students abroad.
It is exemplified by Berfin Celik’s journey from arriving in New York at 18 to becoming a marketing director at a global media agency.
“Without TURKEN, I wouldn’t be this strong. They didn’t just give us a place; they gave us strength of will,” said Celik, crediting her time amid the supportive environment of TURKEN House for her success.
When Celik arrived in New York more than a decade ago, she was nervous and unfamiliar with her new surroundings. During her first exam period, she visited TURKEN House, where she recalled being welcomed in a way that immediately put her at ease.
“They told me, ‘This is your place, take a breather; then we’ll prepare for your finals together.’ At that moment, I realized I was not alone. I had entered not just a room, but a home,” said Celik.
Describing the atmosphere at TURKEN House, she said that “it was like a cultural embassy for young people who wanted to preserve their culture and identity. Whoever walked through the door became our sibling. We were strangers to no one.”
Noting that she lived with more than 40 other young women under the same roof for 10 years, said Celik, “Pots boiled and bread was shared in that house, but what really grew was the spirit of unity. Iftar tables were set, breakfasts were prepared after morning prayers, and we gave to charity together. We collected donations for Palestine and always remembered one another in our prayers. Here, we experienced both sisterhood and the honor of serving.”
For her, the experience reflects how cultural solidarity and shared values can extend far beyond national borders.
- TURKEN House
The student dormitory in New York provides housing, academic support and cultural activities for Turkish students in the US.
Located in Manhattan, the facility serves as accommodation and a community hub, offering opportunities for cultural exchange, personal growth and academic development.
The complex includes 80 apartments -- 56 studios, 22 two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units -- with housing for 204 students, equally divided between male and female residents. Security is maintained with 24-hour camera monitoring and card-access control.