Turkish American Cultural Center Opens in Lakewood

The property, once the home of the , was bustling with activity on Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds attended the grand opening of the new at 13303 Madison Avenue.

Ersin Isbilir, the center's acting director, told Lakewood Patch that Lakewood is a perfect for the new facility.

He estimates that there are between 200 and 300 people of Turkish descent living in Lakewood, but added that the west side of Cleveland also boasts a large Turkish population. 

Murat Efe, a native of Turkey, lives in Mayfield but is considering moving his family to Lakewood to be closer to the center.

“Of course, why not?” he said. “Maybe others will think about moving here, too.”

Local dignitaries also attended Sunday’s event, including State Rep. Nickie Antonio and Fatih Yildiz, the consul general for the Republic of Turkey.

“It was a holy place, and it still is a holy place,” said Yildiz, referring to building’s former use as a church. “The facility will bring together this community.”

Another event, open to the public, is expected soon.

In addition to hosting gatherings for its members, the center will host , meetings and social events.

According to property records, the nearly 15,000-square-foot property was sold to the Scioto Education Foundation for $232,000 in December.

The facility is the second Turkish American Cultural Center in the Cleveland area — the other one’s on the East Side in Highland Heights.