Atlantic Institute’s Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner in Tennessee


Date posted: December 2, 2013

Atlantic Institute, Tennessee, held its 7th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner at the historic Hermitage Hotel in the state’s capital, Nashville, on November 13th. The dinner saw the attendance of a large number of prominent politicians, academics and NGO representatives and businessmen.

Japan’s Consul General in Nashville, Motohiko Kato; Tennessee Senator Bill Ketron; the president of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Sidney McPhee; and several assembly members were in attendance of the event themed “”The Value of Dialogue in our Changing Society.”

Senator Bill Ketron, in his remarks, offered his reflections on the Atlantic Institute’s dialogue and cultural trip to Turkey he earlier had attended. He highlighted Turkey’s economy and young population in addition to hailing the Turk’s hospitality he had observed throughout the trip. “I recommend that everyone attend these trips that build bridges of friendship between Tennessee and Turkey,” Ketron remarked.

Next, Dr. James Harrington, director of Texas Civil Rights Project, discussed the significance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue and Hizmet Movement’s contribution to global peace and education. Specifically, Harrington spoke highly of the movement’s contributions to educational initiatives in the eastern and southeastern Turkey.

Atlantic Institute’s foreign relations representative, Dr. Elvan Aktas, who first identified himself as a Hizmet Movement member, went on to discuss the significance and rewards of dialogue. Based on his personal experiences, Aktas elaborated on how effective the intercultural and dialogue trips are in eliminating mutual biases between the two communities.

institute also honored the individuals for their contributions in the fields of community service, education, peace, and media. Nashville Police Department Chief Steve Anderson received the community service award; MTSU president Sidney McPhee, education; Tennessee Supreme Court justice Dr. Sharon Lee, peace award; NPT president and CEO Beth Curley, media award.

A Turkish folk string instrument, baglama, performance was given along the dinner.

Published [in Turkish] on Zaman Amerika, November 20, 2013

Source: HizmetMovement.Com , December 2, 2013

Tags: | | | |


Related News

Erdoğan, Hizmet, assassins

Former Interior Minister Idris Naim Şahin stated that “the government is run by a small oligarchic elite in a way that excludes broad segments of the party constituency and the Turkish people” is very explanatory vis-à-vis Mr. Erdoğan’s shockingly undemocratic and increasingly authoritarian performance over the last two years, since he received 50 per cent of the vote in the 2011 general elections.

Putting Foolish Labels: “Gulen Charter Schools”

A recent article on Leave Charters Alone grabbed my attention about charter schools, their relative accomplishments within their short history and the baseless attacks on these schools some of which have been deliberately labeled as Gulen Charter Schools. Author starts his/her article with an allusion to the recent movie (Waiting for Superman) about charter schools: […]

UN Interfaith Iftar Dinner

The first Iftar Dinner of 2016 was given at the United Nations by Peace Islands Institute and the Journalists & Writers Foundation. The Iftar dinner gathered members of different faith communities to give a message of peace, harmony, and solidarity to the whole world. Despite conflicts and violence extremism that are happening around the world, faith communities stand united together as One celebrating the traditions of fating in different religions.

Scholars: Misconceptions of Islam still abound

SEVGI AKARÇEŞME, İSTANBUL The subject of misconceptions of Islam dominated the debates at the international conference organized by the Foundation of Journalists and Authors (GYV) and Fatih University in İstanbul today. The event, titled “The Practice of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization and Contemporary Interpretations,” started on Friday with the participation of international scholars and leading […]

Erdoğan’s claims about Gülen stun US Ambassador Ricciardone

Ambassador Ricciardone, who can understand Turkish very well, cannot believe his eyes after reading the text about what Prime Minister Erdoğan had said during an ATV network interview about his conversation with Obama on Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen.

Saylorsburg protesters focus on Turkish cleric

As a corruption investigation embroils the prime minister of Turkey and the country’s ruling party, protesters descended for a third time on Saylorsburg against Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen. But Alp Aslandogan, spokesman for Gülen’s movement, said the protesters’ views are contradictory. He said Erdogan has blamed Gülen for the investigation, so protesters are supporting the ruling party by protesting Gülen now.

Latest News

Sacramento leaders gather for Iftar dinner in celebration of Ramadan

SEO Skill Suite: Tools for Keyword Research, Technical & Backlink Analysis

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

In Case You Missed It

Mogadishu Governor visits KYM Headquarters

Gulen’s new book: “Muslims’ Responsibility in Countering Violence”

Ruling AKP officials downplay tension with Gülen movement

Society ready for a new constitution, but how about politics?

Kimse Yok Mu, Philippines sign agreement to further aid cooperation

Said-i Nursi: An Ottoman Scholar in Turkish Republic

Fountain Magazine wins APEX Award for publication excellence

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News