Migration, also known as the Hegira, is one of the most significant events that has left a profound mark on the history of individuals, communities, and nations, often seen as a turning point. Throughout history, these movements have led to profound changes, occurring for a variety of reasons, including economic opportunities, wars, natural disasters, or political pressures. They have fundamentally altered people's lives while also shaping the religious, cultural, social, and economic structures of societies.

Ottoman lands, in particular, served as a haven for diverse communities for centuries, and forced migrations led to major social and demographic changes. Within this framework, migrations from Crimea to Ottoman lands morphed into a massive mass movement with the annexation of the Crimean Khanate by Russia in 1783. Following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, oppression intensified during the Soviet era, and the Crimean Turks were exiled entirely in 1944. Crimean Turks who migrated to Türkiye integrated into Türkiye, preserving their identity and cultural ties, while also maintaining cultural and political ties with Crimea. 

Another adventure began for the Crimean Turks in the mid-20th century, this time with an involuntary migration to the United States. They immigrated to this country in the 1960s and 1970s, taking advantage of opportunities provided by the United States. From that time on, Crimean Turks began to live in large numbers in the New York and New Jersey areas.

Initially gathering in the home of a different family each week, Crimean Turks continued to unite in a spirit of solidarity despite all the hardships. Association meetings, folklore group activities, and religious and cultural events held in the warm atmosphere of these homes became cornerstones of preserving their identity, even while far from their homeland.

However, for these efforts to translate into a permanent institutional structure and gain official status, the requirement of citizenship to apply to American authorities posed a significant obstacle to the association's process of formalization. Despite this, the group, acting with determination, managed to find members who met the necessary requirements and complete the official process. Finally, after much effort, a historic step was taken: the association was officially established in Brooklyn on November 14, 1961, under the name "American Association of Crimean Turks." From that date on, this association, established through extensive efforts, has become the voice and center of solidarity for Crimean Turks in America. As one of the oldest Turkish associations in New York State, it has played a significant role in upholding national and spiritual values and fostering unity and solidarity.

This significant achievement represented not only the founding of the association but also a turning point that cemented the Crimean Turks' presence in America. The founding members who pioneered the arduous journey from the outset were İbrahim Dülber, Mehmet Sevdiyar, Refat İlkson, Ethem Çelebi, Şevket Dolan, Feride Yakup, and Refat İbrahim.

Their sacrifices have been one of the most important building blocks that strengthened the presence of Crimean Turks in America and laid the foundations for unity and solidarity within the community.

İbrahim İsmail, İbrahim Talat, Feride Yakup, Saniye Balaban, and İbrahim Refat, who officially established the association, along with the aforementioned founding members who made extraordinary sacrifices, not only established an association but also faced significant challenges in fulfilling their religious obligations. Without a place to perform Eid prayers and a cleric to lead them, they struggled to fulfill their religious obligations.

However, as the community grew, its needs increased, and addressing these deficiencies became imperative. The community's need for a mosque to perform Friday and Eid prayers, a cleric to lead the five daily prayers, bury and enshrine the dead, and recite the Mawlid and prayers became increasingly evident. Due to the lack of a suitable venue to meet this need, despite all the constraints, Friday and Eid prayers, Mawlid, and prayers began to be performed in the basements of buildings. Although simple and modest, these spaces became not only places of worship for the community but also places where the spirit of brotherhood flourished and spiritual bonds were strengthened. The prayers echoing in those narrow, dimly lit basements became a silent yet profound expression of a nation's determination to keep its faith and identity alive.

As a testament to this resolve, the decisions made by the association at that time are now considered historical documents. A decision included in the association's minutes book dated May 2, 1971, contains the following striking statements: “…It was decided that a Mawlid would be recited for the Prophet’s birthday on May 8, 1971, at Enver Borluca’s building at 665 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn…” These lines beautifully reflect the community's will to protect their spiritual values and their determination to keep their faith alive even though they are far from their homeland.

Hacı Emin Çağarlı, who had earned the community's love and respect, was chosen as the community's first teacher. The late Hacı Emin Hoca served as a hope, a guide, and a refuge for the Crimean Turks in these distant lands. He shared both the community's joys and sorrows, and always led the community at weddings, funerals, engagements, and circumcision ceremonies.

Following him, Ali Özdenoğlu served as the spiritual guide of the community for many years, serving with great dedication to keep the national and spiritual values of the Crimean Turks alive. Both of our esteemed scholars left a deep mark on the community's memory, dedicating their lives to faith and service. As a twist of fate, these lands of migration also became their final destination, and their cherished memories were entrusted to the heart of this new homeland to which they had migrated. May God have mercy on them all.

The society has also reinforced the community's unity and solidarity through its social and cultural activities. In this context, the historic Prospect Hall has held a special place in the collective memory of Crimean Turks in America by hosting the society's various conferences, holiday balls, and congresses. This magnificent venue has hosted the community's joys, sorrows, and grand gatherings over the years, serving as a veritable testament to history. However, sadly, Prospect Hall, which held a significant place in the society's history, was demolished by its new owners in 2021, making way for modern residences. Along with this, many memories and remembrances were also lost to the past, but the spirit of unity and solidarity experienced there remains ever fresh in the society's memory.

During this period, the society rented a "Society Lounge" on the second floor of a small building on 18th Street, between Flatbush and Church Avenues in Brooklyn, and began operating there. However, the rapidly growing community and its growing needs necessitated a larger, more permanent location. Society records from 1969-1971 indicate that the society's spatial needs were increasing, prompting the establishment of a "Building Purchasing Committee." While the names of this committee's members have unfortunately not survived, their efforts were a crucial step toward the society's current office building.

The process leading up to the purchase of the community building that serves today was shaped by the meeting decisions detailed below.

At the first meeting held at 2:00 PM on May 19, 1971, at Abdurrahman Emek's home, the board members decided to examine a building on King's Highway. Following discussions that same day, it was decided to initiate the necessary steps to purchase the building. However, the plan was later abandoned, and the search for an alternative location continued.

Accordingly, at a meeting held at the clubhouse between Flatbush and Church Avenues on July 10, 1971, it was decided to purchase a new building on King's Highway, 6th Street.

At the meeting held on August 14, 1971, it was decided that the fundraising work would be carried out by the board of directors.

Finally, at the society picnic to be held on August 29, 1971, the members of the board of directors decided to collect donations, thus accelerating the process of generating financial resources for the society to acquire its new building.

These decisions, beyond being official documents of the process of purchasing a building, have taken their place in the history of the community as a testament to the community's will to act in unity and solidarity and their determination to lay solid foundations for the future, a symbol of great sacrifice and solidarity.

And finally, the long-sought-after building at 4509 New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, was found. This structure, a very old, abandoned, and dilapidated shirt-making workshop, was covered in garbage and dust, practically abandoned to the merciless wrath of time. With great faith, President Fikret Yurter, Vice Presidents Halit Taşlıyar and Yakup Çilen, and Board Members Abdurrahman Emek, Mustafa Günol, Dursun Giray, Bilal Karabiber, Ahmet Hacıoğlu, and Mübeyyin Altan immediately took action to rebuild this sacred structure, which would serve the community. Under their leadership, community members and volunteers joined forces to rebuild this space, a dream they had dreamed of for years. Dusty walls, worn-out floors, and abandoned corners began to breathe new life into the Crimean Turks' hard work, love, and determination. Some did carpentry, some painted the walls, some repaired the roof, and still others installed electricity and plumbing. Every hammer blow, every stroke of plaster, symbolized the resurrection of a people far removed from their homeland but who had not lost their spirit.

Additionally, Mithat Timur, Dursun Giray, İbrahim Altan, plumber Server, Faruk Semen, Sait Ünay, Abdülhekim Saraylı, and Yunus Ezgin were also at the forefront of this sacred struggle. (Unfortunately, all of these selfless members, except Sait Ünay, have passed away. May God have mercy on them all.)

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of all the other members of the community, the abandoned, dilapidated building was completely renovated and finally opened in 1972. That day, not only the doors of a building were reborn, but also the will of a community to coexist. Those doors were opened with sacrifice, faith, and brotherhood; within them rose not only a story of stone and concrete, but also a story of loyalty and perseverance.

Among the many volunteers who shed sweat for this cause, there are also sad stories. One such example is the late Abdülvahap Kahraman, nicknamed "Okaz," who commuted from the Bronx to Brooklyn by subway for months to work on the newly acquired building. He became a part of this blessed endeavor, making long journeys every day, driven solely by his desire to serve his community, without expecting anything in return. However, one night, as he was returning home from his work, he lost his life in an unfortunate subway accident. Every drop of sweat shed for this building is precious, but Abdülvahap Kahraman's sacrifice and painful loss have left a deep mark on the community's memory. May God have mercy on his soul.

This purchased building served as the community's cultural, political, and religious center for half a century, from 1972 to 2022. Under this roof, meetings were held, holidays were celebrated, important decisions were made, and the spirit of unity grew stronger every day.

This building, which also houses a mosque, has served its members and all Muslims, becoming a symbol of the community's spiritual revival and commitment to its roots. The calls to prayer echoing here have become one of the most striking manifestations of the community's resolve to maintain its identity, even while far from its homeland.

Despite efforts to maintain this historic building, which had served for many years, it became increasingly difficult to pass official inspections and its use became dangerous. With this in mind, the association's management decided to completely renovate the building, taking on a significant responsibility.

Society President Nariman Asanov, Vice President Kemal Kurun, General Secretary Dilek Mergin, and members of the Board of Directors have dedicated themselves to making this sacred site safer and more accessible. Society members have made extraordinary sacrifices to overcome the financial burden, and all expenses have been covered thanks to their support. 

Additionally, the contributions of the Presidency for Turks Abroad (YTB) to the school affiliated with the association and the provision of an elevator by Murat Zincir Bey in memory of his late father have added significant value to this process. Thanks to this support, the community center has been revitalized, strengthened not only physically but also spiritually.

Finally, on September 17, 2023, a magnificent opening ceremony was held with the participation of our esteemed statesmen, representatives of civil society organizations, and valued members of the community. This opening was not merely the reopening of a building, but a symbol of our community's solidarity and unity, taking a solid step forward.