December 25-31, 2018
We at THO wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year. 
Throughout 2018, we have been hard at work, facilitating program and events to provide a constructive discussion on the U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship.

We are committed to furthering the discussion on U.S.-Turkey relations in 2019, and we look forward to seeing you this year!

Take a look at the video highlighting our work in 2018:

THO NEWS
On January 7, 2019, THO will host a teleconference on the recent development in Syria. Save the date and check our website for more information in the coming days.
Third Round of THO Non-Resident Fellowship Blogs Posted
A new round of articles written by THO's Non-Resident Fellows were published on the blog Meddah. The articles cover topics ranging from the Economy, US-Turkish relations, the Syrian Civil War and much more. You can follow along with the THO Non-Resident Fellowship Program on our social media and to read the Fellows' articles now, click the button below!
Exclusive Insight Interview: Dov S. Zakheim
Turkish Heritage Organization held an Exclusive Insight interview with  Dov S. Zakheim, SENIOR FELLOW AT CENTER FOR NAVAL ANALYSES, FORMER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OFFICIAL. Zakheim spoke about U.S. policy in the Middle East and U.S.-Turkey relations heading into 2019.
TOP NEWS IN U.S.-TURKEY RELATIONS
Turkish President Erdogan invites President Trump to visit Turkey in 2019
President Donald Trump has been invited to visit Turkey in 2019 by that country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the White House said. Trump has not yet accepted the offer, Hogan Gidley, a White House spokesman said in a statement, but “is open to a potential meeting in the future.”

Turkey Plans Meeting on Possible Patriot Purchase

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to convene his top defense body on Thursday to discuss a U.S. proposal to sell Patriot missile defense systems to Turkey, according to a senior Turkish official.

U.S. N ational Security Advisor John Bolton to visit Turkey in January, 2019.
U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has announced he will be visiting Turkey and Israel in January to discuss a number of issues, including security challenges.

OTHER U.S.-TURKEY NEWS
Economy
Istanbul and Antalya are in the top 10 of most visited cities in Europe, New York City and Miami in the top 10 in the Americas.
According to a annual study by Euromonitor, Istanbul and Antalya are in the top 10 of most visited cities in Europe, New York City and Miami in the top 10 in the Americas.

According to Euromonitor, " This report highlights the top 100 cities based on 2017 international arrivals. International arrivals by city includes visitors from abroad who arrive at the city under review as their first point of entry."


Energy
PepsiCo to generate energy from organic waste in Turkey's Kocaeli

PepsiCo has become the first food plant in Turkey to obtain a Biomethanization Environmental License with its Suadiye production facility in the northern Marmara province of Kocaeli and is now licensed to generate energy by buying organic waste from outside, the company said in a statement.

Security
Turkey sent more troops and tanks to the Syrian border as it prepares to take over the fight against ISIS from the U.S.
Turkey sent more troops and tanks to its border with Syria, state media reported, continuing to amass along Kurdish-held areas after President Trump said Ankara would take over the fight against Islamic State there.

Humanitarian Aid
Syrian refugees overcome the negative effects of the war via handcraft

A Syrian judge who had fled her country because of the civil war has been giving handcraft lessons to Syrian refugees in Turkey's southeastern Hatay province in order to psychologically assist them.

Technology
Can Netflix Take Turkey’s TV Dramas to the World?

The shows are a phenomenon in the Middle East and Latin America, and have become such a symbol of Turkish soft power that they have been used as counters in political disputes.

Education
Turkish foundation launches exhibition to raise awareness on stray animals

A foundation in Turkey launched an exhibition to raise consciousness on protecting stray animals while providing overall awareness for animals as well as endangered species.

WHAT WE'RE READING
QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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Turkish Heritage Organization
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