The Republic of Turkey celebrates 86 Years of Independence! 
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey
In a sea of red and white, emulating the Turkish flag, local Clevelanders commemorated the 86th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey's independence. 
Sponsored by TASNO (Turkish American Society of Northeast Ohio) the event was elegant as well as celebratory.
TASNO President Derya Ferendeci and Vice President Ayla Gencer greeted the crowd in both English and Turkish and along with other Board members invited them to join in the festivities. 
Turkish American Society of Northeast Ohio (TASNO)
President Derya Ferendeci and Mehmet Gencer
Food (chicken, salmon, portabella mushrooms …) Drink (Turkish Raki, wine, …) and Desserts (cheesecake, tortes, cookies…)were in abundance, but the highlight of the evening had to be the music. 
Başak Ateş, Engin Ateş and Güler Süleymanoğlu
Mehmet Gencer serenaded the crowd with classical Turkish songs. People not only joined in, but there were very few dry eyes as the songs of years ago were sung.
Mehmet Gencer singing
 Soon after the beautiful ballads came more energetic music as the crowd took to the dance floor. 
 It was a night of celebration and elegance in remembrance of an important historic event - the independence of the Republic of Turkey. 
Dilek Kurtamer and Zeynep Aseri
Ayla, Kerem and Christine Gencer
Maddalena Rumor and Suat Aricanli
Dilara Ozdener and Gulcin Kucukdalyan
Tarik Kirat holding Yeni Raki (Lion's Milk)
Zeynep Kaya
Having fun!
Maddalena Rumor, Dr. Paul Iversen and baby Francesca Iverson
Ozgul and Serkan Inceoglu
Dilara Ozdener and Gulcin Kucukdalyan singing
Gencer brothers
(seated) Betul Berber, Nezahat Yildirim, Beren Berber,
(standing) Hande Argunsah and Bugrahan Bayram
Aslihan and Ercument Cicek, Mehmet Koyuturk and Serdar Turedi
Ayla Gencer, Emily Candle and Brent Veverka
Derya Ferendeci flanked by Gulcin Kucukdalyan, Ayla Gencer
and Dilara Ozdener
Happy Independence Day!
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