NYC- A memorable event was held in New York City's prestigious Yale Club to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of a great leader, Heydar Aliyev. He was known as the architect of modern-day independent Azerbaijan. The event was attended by H.E. Ambassador Yashar Aliyev, the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, H.E. Aslı Güven, Deputy Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations, Mr. Vugar Gurbanov, Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in DC, Honorable Reyhan Özgür, New York Consul General of Turkish Republic, Honorable Mehmet Dana, the Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) in New York, Honorable Raushan Yesbulatova, the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, Mr. David Dangoor, President of the American Sephardi Federation, and members of the Azerbaijani-Americans and Elshad Aliyev, Deputy chairman of the Azerbaijan Republic State Committee on work with Diaspora.

Over 50 thousand people, with the majority from the United States, have contributed to Bridge to Turkey Funds's 2023 earthquake relief efforts, showcasing global support and unity. The earthquake relief fund raised over $10,000,000, with 40% of the funds utilized so far, supporting immediate needs and ongoing rebuilding programs. BTF differs from other nonprofits as it sends 100% of the donations directly to those in need without any fees, relying on volunteers to work on projects until completion. Neslihan Önder Spada, BTF New York / New Jersey Circle Leader and Philanthropist at Bridge to Türkiye Fund told their effort.

The number of food and beverage establishments owned by Turks or offering Turkish cuisine in the states of New York and New Jersey has reached 300. A comprehensive list of Turkish-owned or foreign-owned but Turkish cuisine-serving dining establishments was compiled in a study conducted by TURKOFAMERICA magazine. In New York and New Jersey, there are nearly 300 establishments operating in categories such as fine dining, authentic Turkish cuisine, steakhouse, seafood restaurant, fast food, cafe, lounge, bistro, diner, bakery, pizza & pide salon, hookah lounge, food trucks, and catering. While the number of businesses owned by Turkish entrepreneurs in America was around 50 in 2009, there has been a noticeable increase in the last 10 years. Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 until now, nearly 100 businesses have been established.

Elvis Baez is the son of a family who migrated from the Dominican Republic to Union City, New Jersey in early 1970’s. After getting education from Memorial High School, he pursued courses at Bergen Community College, furthering his education. His first professional job was in car sales. After gaining about five years of experience in the industry, he transitioned into album production in 1996. Along with his two brothers, he rented a studio and produced albums under the name LR Records from 1996 to 2004. Elvis developed a fondness for cigars at the age of 18. It was also the year when his first child was born. His father used to smoke cigarettes, so Elvis asked him not to smoke cigarettes around his son. His father respected his decision and quit smoking cigarettes around his grandchild, but Elvis’s brother introduced him to cigars instead. He recalls, "I asked my father not to smoke around my son, but I ended up starting cigars myself."