This week marks the 250th anniversary of the United States—two and a half centuries shaped by the belief that freedom creates opportunity, and that opportunity carries responsibility.
It is a moment to celebrate the people who built America and the generations who continue to move its promise forward. Among them are Turkish-Americans who, across fields and disciplines, have contributed to the nation's story through creativity, discovery, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and service.
For generations, they have helped strengthen communities, expand knowledge, create opportunities, and give back to the country they call home. Their contributions remind us that the American promise is fulfilled not through success alone, but through what we choose to do with it.
At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we recognize that our own story is built upon their legacy. Long before TPF was established, generations of Turkish-Americans were already living the values that continue to guide our work today: generosity, civic engagement, community leadership, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. TPF exists because of that tradition, and our mission is to carry it forward for future generations.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, we honor those who came before us, those who continue to shape our communities today, and those who will write the next chapter tomorrow.
Because our stories are woven together. And the story of America is still being written.
Happy 250th Anniversary, America.
To the years ahead, and to the stories we will continue to write together.
THE PIONEERS
Building Foundations (Late 1800s – Mid 20th Century)
Morris Schinasi - One of the earliest Turkish-born success stories in America, Morris Schinasi built a thriving business in New York and used his success to support hospitals, schools, and public institutions. He demonstrated that achievement and generosity could go hand in hand.
Selma Ekrem - A writer, educator, and cultural ambassador, Selma Ekrem helped introduce Americans to Turkish culture and identity. Through her work, she built bridges of understanding between two nation.
Muzafer Sherif - A Pioneer in social psychology, Muzafer Sherif helped transform our understanding of human behavior, cooperation, and conflict. His work continues to shape how socities think about community and belonging.
Elia Kazan - One of the most influential directors in American theater and film, Elia Kazan helped redefine storytelling for generations. His work expanded the cultural landscape of the United States and influenced countless artists.
Halil Inalcik - A towering historian whose scholarship transformed the understanding of the Ottoman Empire and world history. Through education and research, he connected generations of scholars across continents.
Ahmet Ertegun - As co-founder of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun helped shape the sound of modern America. Beyond music, he believed deeply in supporting culture, education, and future generations.
Dilhan Eryurt - A pioneering astrophysicist whose research at NASA advanced our understanding of the Sun and stellar evolution. She opened doors for women and international scientists in the space sciences.
Ilhan Mimaroglu - An innovative caomposer and pioneer of electronic music, İlhan Mimaroğlu challenged artistic boundaries and helped expand the possibilities of American contemporary music.
THE BUILDERS
Strengthening Institutions (1050s - 1990s)
Aziz Sancar - A Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose discoveries transformed our understanding of DNA repair and cancer biology. His life reflects the power of education, perseverance, and scientific excellence.
Dr. Vamık Volkan - A psychiatrist and scholar who dedicated his career to understanding identity, trauma, and conflict resolution. His work has helped communities and nations navigate some of the world's most difficult challenges.
Dr. T. Byram Karasu - A respected psychiatrist, educator, and academic leader whose contributions have shaped mental health education and patient care for generations.
Mina Bissell - One of the world's leading cancer researchers, Mina Bissell changed how scientists understand the relationship between cells and their environment. Her work has influenced modern biomedical research worldwide.
Suna Kili - A scholar of democracy and political development whose work helped deepen understanding of constitutional governance, citizenship, and modernization.
Talat Halman (1931–2014) - Scholar, poet, translator, diplomat, and cultural leader, Talat Halman dedicated his life to building bridges between cultures. As Türkiye's first Minister of Culture and later a distinguished professor in the United States, he introduced generations of Americans to Turkish literature, history, and the humanities. Through education, scholarship, and cultural exchange, he strengthened understanding between nations and demonstrated the power of ideas to connect people across borders.
Muhtar Kent - As Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Muhtar Kent led one of America's most recognized global brands. His leadership emphasized innovation, global engagement, and responsible corporate citizenship.
Banu Onaral - A pioneering biomedical engineer whose work bridged technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. She helped demonstrate how innovation can improve lives and strengthen communities.
Eren Özker - As one of the original performers on Sesame Street, Eren Özker helped educate and inspire millions of children through one of America's most beloved public institutions.
Rahmi Soyuğenç - A dedicated community builder who invested his time and energy into strengthening Turkish-American civic life and fostering connections across generations.
Günseli Tamkoç - A business leader and advocate for entrepreneurship whose work has empowered individuals and strengthened ties between communities and institutions.
Nesrin Bingöl - An entrepreneur and philanthropist who has championed education, culture, and community engagement, demonstrating the importance of giving back.
Eren Özmen & Fatih Özmen -Together, they transformed Sierra Nevada Corporation into a leading aerospace and defense company. Their success has been matched by a deep commitment to education, innovation, and philanthropy.
Haldun Tashman - Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community visionary. His belief that success should create opportunity for others inspired leadership initiatives, educational programs, and philanthropic efforts that continue to impact future generations.
Mehmet Oz - A physician, educator, and communicator who helped bring conversations about health and wellness into millions of American homes, expanding public understanding of healthcare.
THE INNOVATORS
Shaping the Future (2000s- Present)
Hamdi Ulukaya - Founder of Chobani and one of the most influential voices in purpose-driven business. He demonstrated that companies can create both economic success and social impact.
Daron Acemoğlu - One of the world's leading economists, whose work explores the relationship between institutions, democracy, prosperity, and human progress. His ideas have influenced global policy discussions.
İvet Bahar - A pioneering computational biologist whose research has advanced understanding of biological systems and opened new possibilities for medicine and biotechnology.
Feryal Özel - An internationally recognized astrophysicist who helped lead the effort to capture the first image of a black hole, expanding humanity's understanding of the universe.
Zeynep Tufekci - A scholar and public intellectual whose work explores technology, democracy, social movements, and public life in the digital age.
Bilge Yıldız - A materials scientist whose research focuses on sustainable energy solutions and technologies that address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
Pınar Toprak - An acclaimed composer whose work in film, television, and gaming has brought Turkish-American creativity to global audiences.
Eren Bali - Co-founder of Udemy, a platform that has expanded educational access to millions around the world. His work reflects the democratization of knowledge in the digital age.
Refik Anadol - A groundbreaking artist who uses artificial intelligence and data to explore memory, creativity, and human imagination. His work is redefining the relationship between art and technology.
Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil - An astrophysicist whose discoveries have challenged existing theories of galaxy formation while inspiring young people to pursue careers in science.
Canan Dağdeviren - An inventor and scientist whose wearable medical technologies have the potential to transform healthcare and improve quality of life for millions.