"The 42nd Traditional New York Turkish Day Parade", organised in New York under the coordination of the Directorate of Communications, was marked by immense enthusiasm and a high level of participation.
The annual parade organised by the Turkish-American community, along with subsequent events, once again brought thousands of people together this year, creating a vibrant atmosphere of great enthusiasm.
In addition to thousands of Turkish-American community members living in and around New York, representatives of the Turkish mission, several bureaucrats and artists from Türkiye, and representatives of various NGOs attended the parade and the following events, first organised in 1981 and later turned into a tradition by the Federation of Turkish American Associations (TADF) in response to the assassination of Turkish diplomats in the US by the Armenian terrorist organisation ASALA.
The parade was attended by representatives from the TRNC, Azerbaijan, and the Turkic world, as well as members of the Turkish-American community. People from New York and neighbouring states lined Madison Avenue's sidewalks to watch the parade. Organised by the TADF, the parade featured fan associations, Turkish cultural organisations, and students from schools that offer education in Turkish. Following the parade, which started from 38 Madison Street and proceeded to Madison Square Park at 25th Street, thousands of people took part in the events in the concert area set up in the square.
Head of Communication Altun underlines Türkiye's strong vision
The celebrations in Madison Square Park commenced with the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the screening of the video message sent by the Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, in the festival area.
In his message, Head of Communications Altun stated, "This event goes beyond a mere parade—it serves as a powerful occasion to share Türkiye's historical heritage, cultural richness and strong vision with the world. As a stabilising force, we have always stood by justice and the oppressed while standing up against the oppressor, and we will maintain this attitude looking forward."
Türkiye's Ambassador to Washington, Sedat Önal, emphasised the importance of the Turkish Day Parade and Festival during his speech at the festival, underlining the crucial position of the Turkish-American community in the US, and added, "It is very important that we emphasise the elements that compose our memory and stand in solidarity rather than focusing on our differences."
Next, the Mehter Band of the Ministry of National Defence performed, receiving enthusiastic applause from the participants. In the hours that followed, Turkish artists and folklore ensembles entertained the guests. The Fire of Anatolia dance troupe captivated the audience with their performance, while Turkish pop music vocalist Burak Kut and Turkish folk music singers Yavuz Bingöl and Selma Geçer held concerts during the festivities. The folk dance performances showcased also garnered significant interest.
Attended the parade, AK Party MP Serkan Bayram spoke with an AA correspondent and expressed his sentiments and opinions regarding the event. Bayram said, "Let Gaza live, let Palestine live — we want a world without war. Together, we will build a world free of barriers and at peace."
Türkiye’s Consul General in New York, Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, expressed his pleasure with the enthusiasm at the parade, stating, "What matters most is that this parade belongs to the entire Turkish community; everyone is welcome to bring their flag and enjoy a wonderful day here. As the number of citizens attending increases, their visibility in American society will also grow."
Speaking to an AA correspondent before his concert, singer Yavuz Bingöl expressed his feelings, saying, "The theme of this year's parade is 'A World without Barriers'. We are coordinating this event with the aspiration of a world free of barriers, where peace prevails and there are no conflicts. I am here to lend my support to this call."
National athletes join in festival
Additionally, the events brought together national athletes and Olympic team members to engage with members of the Turkish-American community.
In addition to Yusuf Dikeç, who won a medal with his teammate Şevval İlayda Tarhan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the festival was also attended by Mete Gazoz, a national archer who represented Türkiye and won a medal; national boxers Hatice Akbaş and Busenaz Çakıroğlu; national paralympic archers Fatih Girdi and Öznur Girdi; and national archer Elif Berra Gökkır.
The President of the Turkish Shooting Federation, Murat Kocakaya, and the coach of Yusuf Dikeç, Osman Erdinç Bilgili, attended the festival, in addition to the athletes.
The Turkish Day Parade, which first started in 1981 in response to the assassination of a Turkish diplomat in the US by the Armenian terrorist organisation ASALA, turned into a traditional celebration that promoted Turkish culture in the years that followed.
