Turkish charity to build dorm in New York

A Turkish charity is set to build a multi-story building in New York that will serve as a dormitory for Turkish and Muslim students.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sunday for "Turken House," a 21-floor building that will bear the name of a foundation serving Turks in the United States.

The building in Manhattan is the latest effort by Ensar and the Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), two leading Turkish non-profit organizations known for their work for Turkish students abroad, to address the accommodation needs of those studying abroad.

Turkish Ambassador to the United Nations Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Turkish Consul-General in New York Alper Aktaş, Turken's Chairman Behram Turan and Brooklyn Mayor Eric Adams attended the ground-breaking ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sinirlioğlu underlined the social and cultural ties in Turkish-American relations. He said the Turken Foundation has supported Turkish and Muslim youth in the U.S. since 2014 when it was established. "Turken House in Manhattan will be an important milestone," he stated.

Turan, for his part, said that the foundation's vision is to assist Muslim students by providing them with accommodation and a distinguished atmosphere for students and researchers.

He added that the building will have a prayer room, recreation area and offices and it will serve some 200 students.