Turkish & Ottoman Studies Program | Near Eastern Languages & Civilization | University of Washington
Turkey in Seattle : an Oral History Project
Ali is from Ankara and grew up with his cousins. He studied business and economics at the University of California, Los Angeles and received his Master’s in television and film production. He came to Seattle in 1969 for a job with Channel 5 and later got his business degree in environmental projects. He lived in London briefly but now lives in Seattle with his wife. He often participates in activities held by Turkish American Associations and was the president of the Turkish American Cultural Association in Seattle for a few years. He also frequently volunteered for Turkfest with his family and has felt great support from other Turkish Americans in his community. He celebrates some bayrams with his family and taught his children a mix of Turkish traditions as they grew up. He speaks both English and Turkish at home and still goes back to Turkey. He is highly politically involved and finds it important to vote and make his voice heard.