This past September, the Birmingham International Center (BIC) held a kickoff reception for Spotlight on Turkey 2010-11. Chairman of Spotlight on Turkey, Orrin Ford, opened the reception with a speech addressed to the more than 150 guests attending the event. The ATAA President, Gunay Evinch, and the TAAA also attended. Spotlight on Turkey’s honorary guest of the evening was the Consul General Akil Oktem from the Turkish Embassy in Houston, Texas. Tony Petelos, mayor of Hoover, and Birmingham Mayor, William Bell, both presented the Consul with keys to the cities. The president of the ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations), Gunay Evinch, also attended.

Spotlight on Turkey aims to educate teachers, students, and the community about Turkish history, cuisine, culture, and art. The program runs from September 2010 until the summer of 2011.