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

‘A movement like the Hizmet Movement is very important for correcting misconceptions of Islam’

Dr. Lawrence Geraty is a Professor of Archaeology and Old Testament Studies at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. He served as the second President of La Sierra University. He completed his PhD in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology at Harvard University.

‘I like the vitality of the participation and the vitality of hospitality within the Hizmet Movement’

I believe, certainly in the United States as I’m experiencing the Hizmet Movement, I’m experiencing extraordinary hospitality, a great warmth of people, a genuine spirit, an openness, a compassionate style.

M. Fethullah Gülen: educator, mystic, peacebuilder

Remarkably, President Erdogan has zero evidence to back up his charge that Mr. Gülen was behind the failed coup. If extradited to Turkey, Mr. Gülen would appear before a kangaroo court and be sentenced to death.

Turks in America condemn unlawful government action during the corruption probe

The statement read that the language of hatred, violations of the law, intervention in the political process and the defamation of different segments of Turkish society “not only harm the Turkish democracy and Turkey, but also the international image and prestige of the country.”

The Dialogue Eurasia Platform serves world peace for 15 years

The DAP is operating in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Ukraine.

NJ Legislature recognized Turkish-American organizations for accomplishments, contributions

HizmetNews.COM, January 21, 2013 On Dec 3rd and 20th, New Jersey General Assembly and Senate in Trenton recognized Turkish-American organizations for their tireless efforts trying to make a difference in the state of NJ. Peace Islands Institute, Turkish Cultural Center, Turkish American Business Development and Improvement and the Pioneer Academy of Science were honored by […]

Latest News

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

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

Lord Mitchell pays a visit to Turkish School

Report claims government categorized schools linked to Hizmet

Turkish Intelligence Agency (MIT) at center of political storm

Ethiopian schools linked to Turkish cleric are sold to German educators

Jailed journalist Ayşenur Parıldak given courage award by Norwegian rights group

AK Party criticizes Hakan Şükür’s sudden resignation

Prep school transformation plan violates Constitution, experts say

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News