Ambassador / Consul General M. Ahmet Yazal
Turkish House
821 United Nations 5th floor
New York, NY 10017
April 27, 2025
Subject: Deep Concern Regarding Lack of Representation at Mrs. Aynur Erim’s Funeral
Dear Ambassador M. Ahmet Yazal,
Today, we gathered with deep sorrow to bid farewell to Mrs. Aynur Erim, a woman widely regarded as the “Mother of the Turkish-American Community.” As the devoted wife of Dr. Ata Erim, the Erim family has dedicated over fifty years to strengthening the unity, representation, and interests of Turkish-Americans in the United States.
Since my earliest childhood, I have personally witnessed Dr. Ata Erim’s tireless efforts from organizing parades and educational events to advocating on behalf of our community at all levels. Even today, at the remarkable age of 94, Dr. Erim continues his commitment, directly and indirectly, to our collective cause.
It is with a profound sense of sadness — and candidly, disbelief — that I must express my disappointment that no representative from the Turkish Consulate General in New York attended Mrs. Erim’s funeral. Despite there being multiple Consuls and their families assigned to New York, not a single diplomat was designated to represent our nation on this solemn day.
Moreover, since I personally notified the Turkish Consulate General in New York on Friday afternoon of Mrs. Erim’s passing, it is deeply troubling that not even a condolence phone call was made to Dr. Erim or his family over the ensuing days. This absence of direct engagement is, respectfully, unacceptable.
While the Diyanet Imam who presided over the funeral graciously conveyed condolences on your behalf, with all due respect, an imam is not a diplomat representing the Turkish Consulate General of New York . The lifelong contributions of the Erim family to our community merited the direct presence and acknowledgment of our official representatives.
Regrettably, this marks the second such instance within recent months. Earlier this year, following the death of a highly decorated Turkish Korean War veteran, there was once again a noticeable absence of engagement from the Consulate General. I was particularly saddened to learn that you were reportedly informed of the veteran’s passing several days after the initial notification.
Mr. Ambassador, with all due respect, I ask sincerely: why was no Consul delegated to attend Mrs. Erim’s funeral? How is it possible that, even after 3 days, no direct communication with Dr. Ata Erim was made? These omissions are profoundly disheartening to our community and raise serious concerns regarding the current approach to community relations.
The Turkish-American community looks to our diplomatic mission not only for leadership but for solidarity, especially during times of mourning. We respectfully urge greater attention, engagement, and responsiveness moving forward.
I remain, as always, a devoted member of the Turkish-American community and a firm supporter of the Republic of Türkiye. My intention here is solely to express a heartfelt concern shared by many who witnessed today’s absents of a Turkish Diplomat at a very important Turkish American families funnel. Just so sad !
Respectfully, Ibrahim Kurtulus
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