Many suggestions have already been received from organizations and individuals, including one from the Ataturk Society in UK (ASOUK) and a comment by Cenap Turkgucu, the Turkish-American son of legendary Sait Turkgucu who died on Jan 26, 2011. This is what was received from the ASOUK
It is an honourable and an exciting project and we would like to support it whole heatedly. I am not quite sure what kind of suggestions you have in mind but we will put it up on our blog (http://ataturksocietyuk.com/) and make our members aware straight away. Regarding what can be on displayed in the museum, I am sure you have many ideas. We have a large archive of photos and articles relating to Ataturk and his involvement in every aspect of Turkish life. Let us know if we can help in any way.
This is what Cenap Turkgucu wrote:
I am very happy about the plans for the development of a US Turkish Library and Museum for Friendship and Peace in New York. After “Turk Evi” in Manhattan, it will really be the best institution founded and built by the Turkish/American people in United States. I will be commemorating and recognizing our great leader Ataturk, and the contribution of noteworthy Turkish people who reside and have resided here and Turkey. Majority of the Turkish-Americans living here recognize the importance of representing our rich Turkish ethnic culture in a favourable light. Especially, among many adversaries who believe otherwise. What better way to combat these antagonists but through education and peaceful sharing of our culture. One of the visions of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was to unite humanity through peace and friendship. This friendship could be accelerated through sharing of fine arts and music.
Having said that, I believe my dad was truly one of the pioneers of this important mission, he was always there with his saz, davul, and friendly personality. I am excited to hear about the subsequent news of this U.S./Turkish Library & Museum.
A room can be organized to exhibit Sait Abi’s saz, davul and photographs from his many performances at Turkish events in New York and other cities. He was the “Asik Veysel” of America. Other rooms can be organized for the memory of Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary music man, and many other famous Turkish-Americans.
There are endless opportunities for permanent as well as temporary exhibitions at the Museum. Following are a sample for consideration by both the sponsor corporation and organizing association:
1. History of Turks and the Republic of Turkey
Sponsors : Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Federation of Turkish-American As.
2. Life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Sponsors : Ataturk Society in America and Ataturk Society in UK
3. Turks in America and Turkish-Americans
Sponsors, Assembly of Turkish American Associations
4. The Ottoman Empire and Its Legacy
5. The Turkish World
6. Technological Developments and Innovations in Turkey
Istanbul Ticaret Odası, IBM, Singer and MIM
7. Istanbul 2010 Culture Capital of Europe
8. Kars, the Border City with a Long History and Monument to Humanity
9. Safranbolu, the Historical Town
10. Konya, Home of Mevlana Celalettin-i Rumi
11. Photograph Exhibition on the 100th Anniversary of Bagdat and Hicaz Railroad