His Excellency Sedat Onal
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the United States
Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye
Washington, D.C.
April 16, 2025
Your Excellency,
I extend to you my sincere congratulations and deepest appreciation for your principled decision to cancel your appearance at the Assembly of Turkish American Association, ATAA annual meeting. Your refusal to lend legitimacy to an organization that has, under the guise of advocacy, recently served to organize and promote anti-Türkiye sentiment is both commendable and timely. At a moment when truth is so often distorted by misinformation and orchestrated campaigns, it is heartening to witness that ethics, loyalty, and integrity continue to serve as the guiding pillars of Türkiye’s diplomatic posture.
Your decision resonates powerfully, much like TRT1’s recent action to exclude actress Aybüke Pusat from the Teşkilat series following her public boycott post. While personal opinions and artistic expression must always be respected in a democracy, leveraging one’s public platform to support campaigns that target the Republic of Türkiye its institutions, services, or image abroad is both irresponsible and divisive. Such actions do not reflect constructive criticism but rather serve to undermine national unity and international credibility.
As a Turkish Americans and many I know of friends of Türkiye, we recognize the necessity of respectful dialogue and even constructive disagreement. I have personally expressed policy differences with Ambassador / Consul General Ahmet Yazal in a direct and professional manner, upholding mutual respect. However, I categorically reject the idea of undermining Türkiye’s diplomatic presence through street protests in New York or elsewhere in America—protests that often aim to mislead or confuse our fellow Americans, many of whom may lack even a basic understanding of Türkiye’s history, geography, or governance.
It is equally troubling that political activism here in America has become a platform for divisive, threatening, and polarizing discourse that disregards democratic processes and the rule of law. When political rhetoric seeks not engagement but humiliation—particularly towards our NATO ally and sovereign state, it becomes a weapon in the larger campaign to delegitimize Türkiye’s standing on the international stage.
Even more disturbing is the fact that threats to the Republic of Türkiye’s economic stability and statements aimed at damaging civilian and investor confidence are being disseminated abroad, especially in the United States, by certain circles within the grassroots community. This goes beyond political rivalry—it is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the national interests of the Republic of Türkiye. I have been a community activist for over 35 years, steadfastly advocating for Türkiye’s rightful place in the global community especially here in America . I have spoken out on matters ranging from World War I distortions to Cold War alliances and modern national security and national Interest of mothers homeland of Turkiye. Yet, I have never seen 55% of these individuals at our community meetings, never heard their voices raised in defense of Türkiye’s interests. However, when it comes to defaming Türkiye, they are suddenly at the front of the line without even needing an invitation.
This issue has become yet another tool in an international campaign to delegitimize the Turkish state. The groups in America who hold Turkish or dual citizenship and engage in these activities are not seeking accommodation, democratic normalization, or unity in grassroots politics. Their intent is clear: to humiliate the Republic of Türkiye on American soil, to sap its international reputation, and to harm it politically and economically.
Therefore, Your Excellency, I once again commend your ethically sound and strategically wise decision. It sends a message that should resonate across all of our diplomatic and community institutions that the Republic of Türkiye will not stand idly by while its values, people, and sovereignty are maligned. I respectfully urge the Turkish Consulate General in New York and all those in positions of public representation to adopt the same principled stance. Individuals and organizations subcontracted to serve Türkiye’s interests whether as providing a service , event organizers, or consultants must be held to a standard that reflects loyalty and ethical responsibility. I firmly believe just as you demonstrated, Mr. Ambassador that it is higher principles such as national dignity, truth, and moral clarity that must ultimately guide our choices.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for your service and for setting a powerful example in these difficult times.
Respectfully,
Ibrahim Kurtulus
Community Activist
