The American Turkish Society (ATS) is the oldest non-for-profit, nonpartisan organization based in America dedicated to building bridges between the United States and Turkey.

The Society hosts a broad spectrum of programming, including lectures, workshops, symposia, conferences, festivals, performances, and exhibitions that highlight topics of relevance to the Turkish-American community and help to promote Turkish arts and culture in the United States.

It has hosted numerous high-profile events featuring prime ministers, ambassadors, and top business executives, providing a platform for discussing and celebrating the long-standing relationship between Turkey and the U.S.

[1] Their goal was to establish an organization that would foster better relations between Turkey and the United States, recognizing the mutual benefits of a strengthened alliance amid significant global events such as the end of World War II, the launch of the Marshall Plan in 1947, and the formation of NATO in 1949.

The founding of ATS occurred after a decade marked by the end of World War II, a period during which these visionaries recognized the potential for a new global landscape.

The early 1980s were characterized by a focus on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with programs exploring his impact on visual arts, contemporary views, and women's liberation during his period.

[2] The political landscape shifted dramatically in 1983 with Turgut Özal's rise to Prime Minister, emphasizing the American-Turkish relationship and encouraging American investment in Turkey.

[3] The same year marked significant losses for the Society with the deaths of its long-standing vice-chairman, Arif Mardin, on June 25, and chairman, Ahmet Ertegun, on December 14.

[4] In 2019, ATS co-founded The Promising Turks Fund with The Turkish-American Association, designed to support Turkish students in the U.S. across various fields including Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics (STEAM), and international relations, further enhancing its educational initiatives.

YSLs are all dedicated to furthering the mission of The Society and improving the future of US-Turkish business, diplomatic and cultural ties by sharing skills, professional expertise, and network with impact and increased reach.

The Society inaugurated its Annual Gala dinner in 2006 to celebrate successful joint ventures between American and Turkish corporations, starting with the 50-year partnership of Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding in Turkey.