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The Quincentennial
Foundation
The savior hand that the Turkish people extended throughout centuries
to those who suffered from cruelty and bigotry became a monument of dignity
for the humanity.
The human attitude of the Turkish Nation
towards Jews, Poles, Tsarist Russians, the people of Bengladesh, Afgans,
Norht Iraquis was an example dedicated to the mankind.
It is a distinguished honor for The Quincentennial
Foundation to continue to relate to the whole world this highly human
quality of the Turkish Nation.
1992 marked the five hundredth anniversary of this most gracious welcome
of Sephardim to Turkish lands. Turkish Jews felt it was both fitting and
proper to launch an extensive celebration in Turkey, in the United States
and in Europe.
Jewish history is full of sad events which are marked by commemorations
and memorial services. But now there was a major event to celebrate. To
celebrate both the 500th anniversary of the welcoming of the Sephardic
Jews to the Ottoman Empire and the five centuries of continuous and peaceful
life in Turkey.
The Quincentennial Foundation was established in 1989 by a group of 113
Turkish citizens, Jews and Muslims alike. Founded and headquarted in Istanbul
the Quincentennial Foundation planned a three-year (1990 - 1992) cultural
and academic program both within Turkey and abroad - mainly in the U.S,
Canada and Mexico on the American continent; France, United Kingdom and
different countries in Europe.
The Foundation embarked on a very ambitious program as befits the greatness
of the occasion. What Turkish Jews lack in numbers they make up in enthusiasm
and commitment. And they towarded their vision with great excitement.
That program had been designed to bring the diverse and rich legacy of
Turkish Jewry to a greater audience.
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