In memory of Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records and long-time chairman of The American Turkish Society, who passed away on December 14, 2006, The American Turkish Society has launched a new scholarship fund in music. The Ahmet Ertegun Memorial Scholarship will support deserving students of Turkish descent pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in music. In the 2008-2009 academic year, the fund will provide tuition support to a student attending The Juilliard School in New York City .

One of the seminal figures in the history of popular music, Ahmet Ertegun was also a prominent philanthropist dedicated to enhancing relations and cultural understanding between the United States and  his native country, Turkey . As the Chairman of The American Turkish Society, he worked relentlessly to introduce Americans to Turkey and to garner support for the country. “We hope that a scholarship carrying Mr. Ertegun’s name will be a source of inspiration for Turkish and Turkish-American artists,” said Murat Koprulu, Chairman of the Society, “preparing artists, scholars and leaders of Turkish descent for global achievement - following in the footsteps of Mr. Ertegun - is critical to our mission of promoting a greater understanding of Turkey.” The American Turkish Society also supports the Arif Mardin Music Fellowship at Berklee College of Music in memory of the organization’s late Vice Chairman and renowned composer and arranger Arif Mardin, who also passed away in 2006. 

Members and friends wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Ahmet Ertegun Memorial Scholarship fund or find out more about the education and arts & culture programs of The American Turkish Society, may contact Selen Ucak, Executive Director, at 212.583.7614 or selen.ucak@americanturkishsociety.org. For more information on the American Turkish Society, please visit www.americanturkishsociety.org .