Our story

Forty-six years of friendship,
between two cultures.

ATA-Houston was founded in 1979 to build a bridge between the people of the United States and Turkey — through events, education, and a community that keeps showing up.

Founded1979
Status501(c)(3) nonprofit
Members1,200+ across Houston
Mission statement
Adopted 1979
Reviewed 2026

ATA-Houston, founded in 1979, is a non-profit organization created to promote better understanding and friendship between the people of the United States and Turkey through social, educational, cultural and charitable activities. It also aims to provide assistance to Turkish citizens living in Houston.

ATA-Houston is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable, educational and cultural organization.

1979
Founded
46yrs
Of community
1991
First Turkish Festival
10k+
Festival guests / year
Our history
A bridge between two cultures, built one event, one friendship, one festival at a time.

ATA-Houston contributes to the society by organizing, sponsoring and hosting cultural and social events such as seminars, picnics, music nights, concerts, and many other activities, which help build a bridge between the two cultures.

Among the year-round activities organized by ATA-Houston, the Turkish Festival is the most attended, with participation around 10,000 guests.

The first Turkish Festival in Houston was held in the year 1991, which was a first in the United States and has become a tradition since then.

ATA-Houston has been able to expand and enrich its festivals every year in terms of the number and scope of its activities — musical and dance performances, arts and crafts displays and workshops, children's activities, vendors, presentations, and food section — and the number of attendees it attracted. Houstonians are a wonderful mix, and there is great interest in exploring different cultures.

As a non-profit organization, ATA-Houston relies on donations and gifts to have the financial capability to carry out its activities throughout the year.

How to help

A community held up by its members.

Membership, volunteer hours, and donations are what keep ATA-Houston running. Every dollar and every helping hand matters.

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