Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, held high-level meetings at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Washington and the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) as part of his special visit to the United States (USA). The meetings, during which civil society activities, international educational collaborations, and regional developments were discussed, proved highly productive.
Regional Developments and NGO Activities Discussed at the Ambassador’s Residence
As part of the visit program, Turgay Aldemir was warmly received by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Washington, Sedat Önal, at the ambassadorial residence, where they engaged in discussions regarding civil society activities in Türkiye and across the region.
During the meeting with Ambassador Önal, who had previously taken an active role in field activities during the Ambassadors Conference held in Gaziantep, Türkiye’s humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives on the international stage were evaluated. In particular, an insightful exchange of views was held on critical issues including Syria, the Geneva process, safe zone initiatives, and Ambassador Önal’s extensive experience in Iranian diplomacy accumulated over many years. The meeting also included a substantive discussion on the current situation of Turkish and Muslim communities in the United States, strengthening communication among them, the challenges they face, and their participation in social processes.
Steps Toward International Cooperation in Education
As part of his engagements at the Embassy, Aldemir also met with Washington Education Counselor Prof. Dr. Fatih Savaşan to discuss the circumstances of Turkish undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students studying in the United States, as well as visiting academics.
During the meeting, where potential global-scale educational projects were evaluated, Counselor Savaşan stated that the Anatolian Federation’s educational initiatives, international activities, and educational partnerships would be welcomed for all forms of qualified collaboration.
Emphasis on a Shared Vision at the Diyanet Center of America
Within the framework of the U.S. program, Turgay Aldemir also visited Fatih Kanca, Counselor for Social Affairs and Religious Services at the Diyanet Center of America (DCA), and received information about the center’s ongoing activities.
During the comprehensive and extensive meeting, a common understanding was reached on numerous social and cultural issues. During the visit, hosted warmly by Fatih Kanca, he was also invited to participate in the traditional “Anatolian Gatherings” program to be held in the upcoming period.
“We Are Strengthening Our Collaborations on a Global Scale”
Following the visits, Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, expressed his satisfaction with the warm hospitality extended to him and stated:
"We held highly productive meetings in the United States in both diplomatic and cultural spheres. Benefiting from the extensive diplomatic experience of our Ambassador, Mr. Sedat Önal, discussing the future of our youth and academic collaborations with our Education Counselor, Prof. Dr. Fatih Savaşan, and uniting around our shared values with our Religious Services Counselor, Mr. Fatih Kanca, were all extremely valuable for us. As the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, we remain committed to carrying the strength of civil society onto the international stage and sustaining these meaningful collaborations."
Located in the state of Maryland, near Washington, D.C., the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) is not merely a place of worship; with its architecture, social facilities, and mission, it stands as one of the most visionary projects in North America.
As emphasized during Turgay Aldemir’s visit, this complex serves as a bridge of culture and faith, carrying the strength of Türkiye’s deep-rooted civilizational heritage into the modern world.
The architectural structure of the Diyanet Center of America, its distinguished activities, and the way it represents the unifying mission of the Ottoman legacy can be examined under the following headings:
1. Architectural Grandeur: The Signature of Classical Ottoman Art in America
The Diyanet Center of America is a masterpiece that carries the aesthetic vision of 16th-century Classical Ottoman architecture to the American continent. Designed by architect Muharrem Hilmi Şenalp, this complex is virtually a living museum with its exceptional quality of materials and craftsmanship.
Traditional Building Materials and Craftsmanship: The marble used in the construction of the mosque was brought from Türkiye (Afyon and Marmara Island); stone, wood, mother-of-pearl, and tile craftsmanship were executed on-site by Turkish artisans using traditional methods.
Central Dome and Twin Minarets: The mosque, featuring two minarets, embodies the expansive central dome concept that is the hallmark of traditional Ottoman architecture. The calligraphic inscriptions and ornamental decorations within the dome present some of the finest examples of classical Islamic art.
The Rebirth of the Külliye Tradition: The center is not merely a mosque. It has been built according to the concept of the “Külliye,” which formed the foundation of urbanization in Islamic civilization. The mosque stands at the center, surrounded by social, cultural, and recreational facilities that touch every aspect of life.
2. Distinguished and Visionary Initiatives: A Living Center
The DCA is a multifaceted community center that enriches the religious and cultural lives of Muslims and the Turkish community in America while strengthening their integration into society.
Cultural and Educational Center: Through its library, exhibition halls, conference facilities, and classrooms located within the complex, the center continuously hosts panels, seminars, and language and arts courses. Both academic and public-oriented programs are carried out to accurately present Islamic civilization.
Well-Equipped Sports Center: The modern indoor sports hall, fitness center, and social facilities foster a sense of belonging among young people and families, seamlessly integrating spiritual life with social engagement.
Accommodation and Living Spaces (Cultural Houses): Constructed in the style of traditional Turkish-Islamic architecture, these residences serve both as guesthouses and as accommodation and study centers for researchers, students, and visitors.
Interfaith and Intercultural Communication: The center functions as a diplomatic hub with an “open-door” policy, conveying Islam’s message of peace and tolerance to the diverse religious and cultural communities of American society.
3. Reviving the Ottoman Mission of Inclusiveness and Unity
For centuries, the Ottoman Empire upheld a vision often described as Pax Ottomanica (Ottoman Peace), successfully enabling communities of different religions, languages, ethnicities, and sects to coexist in harmony. The Diyanet Center of America revives this inclusive and integrative mission in the modern world.
A Common Roof for the Ummah: Muslims living in America do not come from a single background; African Americans, South Asians, Arabs, and Turks constitute a rich diversity. Reminiscent of the just and inclusive spirit of the Ottoman “Millet System,” the DCA serves as a unifying force that brings together all Muslims without regard to ethnic distinctions.
A Vision of Aesthetics and Civilization: Wherever it reached, the Ottoman Empire brought not only stone buildings but also a sense of aesthetics and justice. In the heart of the Western world, this center represents the aesthetic dimension of Islam, its architectural elegance, and its intellectual depth, providing one of the strongest cultural responses to negative perceptions such as Islamophobia.
A Vision for the Future: This investment by Türkiye offers a deeply rooted point of reference for the construction of the future American Muslim identity. Like a tree whose roots run deep into the Ottoman-Seljuk heritage while its branches extend toward the future through modern opportunities in education, sports, and science, it creates a foundation upon which future generations can preserve their identities while attaining respected positions within society.
In summary; the Diyanet Center of America is not merely a collection of structures made of stone and marble. It is the most visionary and distinguished reflection in 21st-century America of the külliye spirit of the Ottoman tradition—one that places people at its center, unites aesthetics with worship, and integrates sports with education.
