The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Baki Ilkin, who was Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States between 1998-2001 and Representative of the Turkish Republic to the United Nations between 2004-2009.
Ambassador Ilkin had a distinguished career at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as the Ambassador to the Netherlands (1996-98), Denmark (1990-93), and Pakistan (1987-90). During his tenure at the United Nations, Turkey returned to the U.N. Security Council as a non-permanent member. Under Ambassador Ilkin's leadership, the Washington Turkish House was purchased.
It was also during Ambassador Ilkin’s tenure that the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans was established. While the Turkey Caucus was initially planned to have 25 members, it reached a record 160 members at the end of the 114th Congress.
Ambassador Ilkin was a very good friend of TCA and its sister organization, the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF).
TCA’s deepest condolences go out to Ambassador Ilkin's family during this difficult time.
