Dear Chicago Community Members,

As you know, our TASC building is in urgent need of repairs due to safety and security concerns. We sincerely thank all our friends who have supported our fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $70,000 🙏

To help increase support, our amazing volunteers have organized a wonderful event:

📅 Sunday, April 26

⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

🍽️ Open buffet breakfast

We warmly invite you to join us for this delicious and rich breakfast. By attending, you’ll not only enjoy a pleasant time with your family but also contribute to the restoration of our TASC building.

We look forward to seeing you 💛

RSVP:

Family Brunch Link

Statewide Career & Resource Fair

April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Turkish Cultural Center – Mount Prospect, Illinois

The Turkish American Society of Chicago (TASC) is proud to host the Statewide Career & Resource Fair in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) – Bureau of Diversity and Inclusion.

This special event aims to connect job seekers from diverse communities with career opportunities within Illinois State government. Representatives from numerous state agencies will be present to provide information about employment opportunities, career pathways, internships, and public service careers.

The event particularly seeks to strengthen engagement with Central Asian, West Asian, and Balkan communities, while remaining open to the broader public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Meet recruiters from Illinois State agencies

• Learn about current and upcoming job opportunities

• Explore career paths in public service

• Build professional connections with government representatives

Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Turkish Cultural Center

501 Midway Drive

Mount Prospect, IL 60056

This event is free and open to the public.

We welcome job seekers, students, and community members interested in exploring careers in Illinois State government.

🌸 International Women’s Day Iftar Program – March 8 🌸

Dear Ladies,

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we are organizing a special women-only iftar program to strengthen our sisterhood, increase our unity, and share the blessings of Ramadan together. We would be very happy to see you with us.

📅 Program Schedule:

🕰 6:50 PM – Iftar

🍽 7:00 PM – Dinner

📖 7:40 PM – Qur’an Recitation

🎤 7:45 PM –Guest Speaker: Mrs. Deniz Özbudak

“*Do You Know Your Value?*”

🎶 8:00 PM – Nasheeds by our girls Leyla and Zulal

🎁 8:15 PM – Raffle and Turkish Coffee Service

On this special evening, a carefully prepared iftar menu will be served. Our table will include selected dishes from traditional Turkish cuisine, such as special keşkek, delicious baklava, carefully prepared main dishes, and a variety of fresh and tasty salads. A rich and blessed iftar dinner will be served to you.

We would be honored by your participation in this meaningful evening where we will share spirituality, delicious food, and warm conversation together.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO RSVP.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6vyrQPrbo30igsbhIBsVBCaeh9srxcwvKK7nbaIkTU678yA/viewform

With love and warm regards 🌷

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL DAUGHTERS AND THEIR FATHERS ARE WELCOME

How to get Ramadan?

Guest Speaker: Deniz Ozbudak

In-Person Information Session with North American University (NAU)

The Rector of North American University (NAU), Dr. Faruk Taban, will host an in-person information session at our Cultural Center on Thursday, February 5.

During this session, Dr. Taban will personally present the important advantages and academic opportunities offered by North American University.

Who should attend?

• ✅ Teacher candidates, substitute teachers, and individuals with a teaching background who are interested in becoming certified teachers

• ✅ Those interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science

• ✅ Those interested in pursuing an MBA

• ✅ Anyone interested in online degree programs at very affordable tuition rates across various fields

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, February 5
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: TASC

Dear Chicago!

We Have A Blood Donation Program With RED CROSS!

TASC - KUTAHYA HALL (501 Midway Dr, Mt.Prospect, IL 60056)

Monday, November 24th, 2025 1:00PM to 6:00PM.

For registration visit the links below. (Registering choose 60056 for zip code and Turkish American Society of Chicago for location.)

To Schedule an appointment: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=TASC

For Rapid Pass: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html

IFLC 23th International Festival of Language & Culture

Date: November 16, 2025
Venue: Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Chicago, IL
Doors Open: 5:00 PM | Show Begins: 6:00 PM

Witnessing the Eternal Cycle of Life through Art

The International Festival of Language & Culture (IFLC) is preparing to meet its audience this year with the theme “Traces of Time.”

The event will present diverse national cultures through music, dance, visual arts, costumes, and specially choreographed performances, creating an emotionally rich and aesthetically captivating experience for the audience.

The “Traces of Time” theme aims to remind us of the continuity of life from the creation of the universe to the present, emphasizing that every ending signifies a new beginning. The program highlights the preciousness of every moment while artistically celebrating the eternal journey of souls.


This theme teaches us the importance of cherishing the memories of those we’ve lost, reminds us that each new beginning brings hope, and illustrates how humanity can unite through shared emotions. Each individual following the traces of time will find reflections of their own stories within this program.

Various stages of life will be depicted through each country’s unique songs and dances—from the Kazakh and Kyrgyz steppes to the warm sun of Tanzania and Kenya, from the exotic rhythms of Thailand and Indonesia to the traditional melodies of Romania, Albania and Moldova.

ABOUT IFLC

The International Festival of Language & Culture (IFLC) is an international non-profit organization designed to enhance the quality of cultural interactions, increase student interest in arts & culture, and to provide recognition for student achievement in these fields. In the last 23 years, IFLC brought together more than 15,500 students at its cultural festivals organized across 160 different countries. More info: https://intflc.org/

Join Us for 2025 Keystone Kids Academy Summer Camp!
Dates: June 9 – July 4
Grades: K–5
Location: Science Academy of Chicago, Mt. Prospect
Camp includes: Qur’an memorization, STEM, Reading, Social Skills, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, and Outdoor Activities.
Schedule: • Mon–Thu: 10:30am–3:30pm • Fri: 11:00am–2:00pm (Outdoor Activities)
Tuition: $700 (includes all activities, supplies, snacks, and field trips – except transportation & lunch) Questions?
Contact: aysegul@taschicago.org Spots are limited—register today!

Get Ready for a Flavor-Packed Family Day!

Join us for the Fresh & Tasty SUMMER FOOD FESTIVAL (Outdoor) on

Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

501 Midway Dr, Mt Prospect, IL 60056

Enjoy DELICIOUS Central Asian & Turkish food – from kebabs and döner to sweets, pilaf, manti, and more!

Fun Activities for Kids | Live Music | Community Vibes

Hosted in partnership with local cultural and educational organizations.

All proceeds will support student programs.

Bring your appetite, your family, and your friends!

Let’s eat, play, and support a great cause – together!

#FoodFestival #TurkishFood #CentralAsianCuisine #FamilyEvent #MtProspect #TASCChicago #CommunityFun

On the evening of Friday, April 18, the Turkish American Society of Wisconsin hosted a special women’s program in celebration of the Blessed Birth Month (Mawlid-i Naby). The gathering was marked by a heartfelt talk reflecting on the life and character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offering spiritual insights and moments of deep reflection.

Adding a beautiful touch to the evening, our young sisters Leyla Özbey, Zülal Vural, and Ayşe Sahsivar graced the audience with their moving recitations of ilahis, creating an atmosphere of peace and unity. The program concluded with sincere and uplifting communal prayers.

With both in-person and Zoom participants, the event welcomed approximately 75 attendees, all coming together in faith, love, and remembrance.

We thank everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening. May the spirit of the Blessed Birth continue to illuminate our hearts.