Turkish Community Events in California

Yelda Bartlett is the founder and principal of our firm. Yelda completed her undergraduate and graduate education in California public schools, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of California Berkeley, and a Juris Doctorate degree at University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Yelda’s legal education and experience spans criminal, civil, legislative, as well as appellate work. During law school, she participated in the Criminal Defense Clinic hosted by the Northern California Innocence Project, where she investigated the innocence claims of inmates serving life in prison. Her interest in constitutional law led to a fellowship award by the National Lawyer’s Guild to work on Federal and State appeals of death row inmates. Later, she served as a Legislative Intern to the Public Safety Committee of the California State Assembly, where she researched and analyzed national criminal law policy. In addition to traditional litigation, Yelda is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, having completed courses in Negotiation and Mediation, Advanced Multi-Party Negotiation, and International Negotiation & Dispute Settlement. In her practice, Yelda serves as a mediator for family as well as business disputes. Yelda is active in the local community. She served as a Commissioner for the Community Environmental Advisory Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women (COSOW) for the City of Berkeley where she was elected chairwoman of the Commission. Yelda is admitted to practice law in the State of California and is a member of Alameda County Bar Association, National Lawyer’s Guild, and the Iranian American Bar Association.

Fluent in 7 languages, Board Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law Licensed in CA since 1993

Located at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, the Turkish Graduate Students Association represents a vital cultural and social community for graduate students with Turkish heritage or interest in Turkish culture. This student-led organization serves as a welcoming hub where members can build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and celebrate their cultural identity while pursuing advanced degrees at one of the nation's leading research institutions. The association embodies the diverse, inclusive spirit of USC's graduate community by creating spaces for connection, dialogue, and mutual support among Turkish graduate students. Operating through the EngageSC platform, the organization facilitates regular engagement opportunities and helps members navigate their graduate school experience with a strong sense of community and belonging. The association recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that international and culturally-connected graduate students face, and provides a supportive network to address those needs. By maintaining an active presence within USC's broader student organization landscape in Los Angeles, the Turkish Graduate Students Association contributes to the university's commitment to fostering inclusive, vibrant campus communities. Members find value not only in cultural connection but also in the professional networking, friendship, and sense of home that the organization provides during their graduate studies. The association's role extends beyond social gatherings to encompassing meaningful engagement with the wider USC and Los Angeles communities. Through their participation in campus life, members strengthen ties to their heritage while building lasting professional and personal relationships with fellow graduate students from diverse backgrounds.

Representing the Government of Turkey in Beverly Hills, California, the Turkish Consulate General has maintained a strong presence on the West Coast for over five decades. Since its establishment in 1968, this diplomatic institution has built deep roots in the region, serving as a bridge between Turkey and the communities across the western United States. The Consulate General's jurisdiction extends across an expansive territory encompassing ten western states plus Hawaii and Pacific territories, reflecting Turkey's commitment to maintaining robust diplomatic ties throughout this strategically important region. What distinguishes this Beverly Hills-based mission is its multifaceted approach to consular work, integrating educational and commercial divisions that extend beyond traditional government services. The Educational Attaché office has fostered academic partnerships and cultural exchanges since 1988, while the Commercial Attaché has worked since 2007 to strengthen economic connections between Turkish businesses and the American West Coast market. As part of Turkey's broader diplomatic network in the United States, this consulate collaborates seamlessly with five other Turkish consular missions nationwide, creating a comprehensive support system for Turkish nationals and promoting mutual understanding between the nations. The consulate's relocation to its modern Wilshire Boulevard offices in June 2020 underscores Turkey's ongoing investment in its diplomatic presence and commitment to serving the Beverly Hills community and the wider West Coast region effectively.

Founded by passionate individuals with Turkish heritage, Turkish American Gezi Platform emerged from the democratic spirit and inclusive values of the 2013 Gezi movement in Istanbul. Based in San Francisco, CA, this community-rooted nonprofit brings together Turkish Americans around core principles of democracy, human rights, and cultural pride. TAGP's mission centers on uniting the Turkish American community through social and cultural activities while facilitating the creation of gathering spaces where people can celebrate their shared heritage. The organization recognizes that community strength comes from meaningful connections, and it actively works to deepen relationships among Turkish citizens and families living throughout the United States. Beyond local community bonds, TAGP extends its impact by supporting educational projects, media campaigns, and nonprofit collaborations that advance human rights, secularism, and democratic values in Turkey itself. What distinguishes TAGP is its volunteer-led model and commitment to grassroots organizing—the organization operates as an independent collective dedicated to amplifying the voices and values of the Turkish American community. Through its diverse programming of seminars, lectures, art exhibits, and forums, TAGP creates spaces where community members can engage authentically with their identity while contributing to broader conversations about democracy and social progress. The organization's work reflects a deep belief that cultural preservation and civic engagement strengthen both individual communities and society at large.