July 2-8 2019
Upcoming Events
THO Non-Resident Fellowship Program: UPDATE
THO Non-Resident Fellows met with Alparslan Bayraktar, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
THO Non-Resident Fellows visited the International Republican Institute for discussions about civic engagement and how to strengthen the U.S.-Turkey relations. 
The THO Non-Resident Fellowship Trip was off to a great start last week as the group touched down first in Ankara and then traveled to Istanbul. The Fellows met with the Minister of Energy, the German Marshall Fund, IPM, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, CNN Turk, the Consul General, and several other organizations to strengthen their understanding of the complexity of U.S.-Turkey relations. THO would like to thank all of our sponsors, Turkish Airlines, Turkcell, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Ankara Chamber of Commerce, and American Aesthetic. Read a more in depth report of the trip in our recent events page here !

Check out THO's Twitter account for the latest updates from the fellows Turkey Trip here !
UPCOMING: THO RESEARCH ENERGY PROGRAM
THO and the World Energy Council Turkey are organizing a Research Program in Turkey! This is an all-expenses-paid research trip in Turkey for young researchers on Turkey's energy policies and markets. The application deadline is August 2nd, 2019. More information about the program and the link to apply can be found here!

To take a look at last years THO's Summer Research Program and stories from the past participates visit here .
NEWS
Celebrating July 4th, U.S. Independence Day 
Atakule tower in Ankara displaying a Happy Fourth of July greeting
Remarks by Charge d’Affaires Jeffrey M. Hovenier at the Independence Day Reception in Ankara can be found here .
Daria Darnell, Consul General, delivers remarks at the Independence Day reception in Istanbul. Read More Here.
SECURITY
Preparations for the Arrival of S-400s Begin
Preparations for the arrival of Russia’s S-400 air defense systems are proceeding on schedule, Turkish President Recep Tayyip   Erdoğan   said on July 8, without elaborating on definite arrival date.

U.S. Continues to Consider Sanctions
Early last week the Trump Administration confirmed that the president is still considering imposing sanctions on Turkey for their S-400 missile defense system deal with Russia, despite claims to the contrary. 

Acting Secretary of Defense Mark Esper Visits NATO
The new Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, visits NATO in his first week where he addressed Russia concerns and attended defense ministerial meetings. 

NATO Allies Exercise "Sea Breeze" Underway 
About 3,000 troops from 19 countries are taking part in military drills in the Black Sea, an exercise that has raised concerns in Russia.

ECONOMY
Turkish and US Firms Discuss Joint Investments
Twelve U.S.-based companies operating in the fields of textile, energy, defense, security and finance will come together with Turkish firms in Istanbul. These companies are expected to attend the meeting with 38 top executives, according to a report in the Dünya newspaper.

A New Travel Destination: Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
With over 600 miles of shoreline and crystal clear blue waters to offer, it is no surprise that Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is on the rise as a popular vacation destination for British and European travelers. 

New York Influencers Share Their Love for Turkish Cuisine
At the Fancy Food Show in New York, several notable food influencers shared their newfound love for Turkish cuisine on their pages. 

EDUCATION
Syrians Studying In Turkey
Syrian students studying in  Turkey   will contribute to building a society in both countries, the head of the EU delegation in  Turkey   said on July 4.   

WHAT WE ARE READING
THIS WEEK'S FEATURED EVENTS AND INDIVIDUALS
THIS WEEK ON TWITTER
TURKISH-AMERICAN SUCCESS STORIES
Omer Asik
Omer Asik is a professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Asik began his basketball career in his home country of Turkey, playing for the Turkish Basketball League and eventually for the Turkish national team in the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Asik came to play professional basketball in the United States in 2010 to play for the Chicago Bulls, where he was nicknamed “Asik the Destroyer” by commentators. Following the Chicago Bulls, Asik went on to play for other teams such as the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans before returning to the Chicago Bulls in 2018. On the court, Asik is most known for his interior defense and outstanding shot-blocking abilities.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK