Turkish cultural center offers immigrants a taste of home

This cultural center helps new Turkish immigrants learn how to live here. There are so many differences, even seemingly small ones can be difficult. DP

By JENNIFER BHARGAVA, The Kansas City Star

The two businessmen leaned back in their wooden chairs, smiling contentedly.

Before them, a homemade feast was spread out on the conference table. Stuffed grape leaves, plump with rice and olive oil, gleamed next to a colorful cake. Potato bread had been placed on every plate, with steaming cups of tea accompanying each slice.

One man cradled a small stringed instrument and strummed a mournful folk song.

It was as if they had never left Turkey. Mission accomplished.

Fatih Ozcan and Murat Tatli spent the chilly December evening at their new Raindrop Turkish House cultural center in Lenexa, hoping to smooth over a few details before it officially opens in February.

The men — familiar faces in the Kansas City area’s Turkish community — conceived the idea for the center a year ago, hoping to create a home away from home for Turkish immigrants.

After months finding a location and renovating it, their dream came true in September when Eurasian immigrants began slipping through the center’s doors.

“The United States is a real challenge for newcomers,” said Tatli, who heads the Kansas City branch of the Raindrop Turkish House, a charity organization. “It can take two to three months to adjust because you’re a fish out of water.

“And the smallest differences can create huge problems. The Turkish center helps people adjust.”
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