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Groups & Associations

Art Lovers of Istanbul
ALl is an informal group for artists, art collectors and all art lovers living in Istanbul. It is open for any English speaker who enjoys the arts. We hold monthly meetings to share our ideas and talents. We meet to create and inspire! For more information visit www.artloversofistanbul.com or artloversofistanbul@hotmail.com

ARIT (American Research Institute of Turkey)
The Friends of ARIT Istanbul, with branches in North America and Ankara, was established to support the ARIT in Turkey and carry out its scholarly activities. The Istanbul Friends run a year-round program of tours and lectures for members and guests. Member­ship is open to all interested residents of Istanbul. For further information: 0212 257 81 11.

Updated! Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans
An informal network of any Aussies, Kiwis and Springboks. To get on the mailing list or if you are interested in organizing a get together contact: saoznz@hotmail.com

AWl (American Women of Istanbul)
The AWl is a social network open to Americans, Canadians and spouses of U.S. or Canadian citizens living in Istanbul. The AWl provides social programs ranging from special interest groups to charities. If you’re a newcomer to Istanbul please contact our newcomers committee so you can start to feel at home in your new country. Contact Sharon Lewis email: sharonl1951@gmail.com

British Community Council
The British Community council (founded 1942) supports ten pensioners and local charities by its fundraising events. Helpers and new members of the BCC always welcome. www.bccistanbul.org, email: chairman©bccistanbul.org or phone 0212 293 59 22 or 0533 217 12 45.

Boy Scouts I Cub Scouts
The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America is a youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. All boys in grades I - 5 (ages 6 -10) holding a foreign passport are welcome to join Cub Scouts. Older boys (ages II - 18), with foreign passports are welcome to join Boy Scouts. Activities include hiking and camping. Contact: Patricia Lasonde 0216 539 0682, email: plasonde@superonline.com or Vicki Gunay 0216 371 00 71, email: vgunay@superonline.com or mekumcu©superonline.com. www.scouting.org

Bridge Group - All Levels
Our bridge group meets on Fridays at 11a.m. All levels of bridge players are welcome. Please contact Sandra at (212) 257-9781 or 0532-483--5319

CHICAS -Spanish Speaking Women of Istanbul
A group open to all ladies who speak our language, or would like to practice it. We have lots of fun, hilarious Latin parties, and last but not least, cultural venues. Come on, jump on in, you won’t regret it! Contact: Ninoska Gutierrez Sierra 0533 651 35 81 , Norma Maranges 0532 314 29 34, Lorena Martinez 0533 388 63 09 e-mail: chicasestambul@yahoo.com.mx It has also an own blog: http://chicasestambul.blogspot.com/ and it’s in Facebook under “Chicas Estambul”

Corona
Corona Istanbul welcomes you to the city! We are an informal group who want to help each other to settle into the city, explore Istanbul and make the most of our time here. We are open to English speaking ladies from any country who are looking to make new friends and who would like to discover new interests and activities or continue old interests in a new setting. Contact email: coronaistanbul@hotmail.com

Comunita Italiana
For information contact: Armanda Campaner armandacampan­er@ttnet.net.tr (0212) 232 13 51, Beatrice Ghianda 05322118033 or Paola Maresia 05322118033

Die Bruecke
DIE BRUCKE (“THE BRIDGE”) is a platform for the German speak­ing community. It was founded in 1989 to serve the needs of a steadily growing community. It is not a German club; it is open for everybody who speaks German. DIE BRÜCKE issues a monthly newsletter. Different gatherings, charities, information concern­ing everyday life, bi-national education, help with bureaucracy and immigration laws in Turkey are covered as well as assistance to newcomers. Contact:. Tel. +90 212 458 9850. Web-page: www.bruecke-istanbul.org, email: info@bruecke-istanbul.org

NVI- Dutch speaking people in Istanbul
A group of people who like to keep typical Dutch festivities alive, for people who have some sort of connection to Holland, who like to meet up with Dutch speaking people. On a monthly basis we organize a get together. Amongst the festivities we do the typical celebrations like Sinterklaas (5th of December) and Koninginnedag (queensday). For further information and details check our web­site www.nv-istanbul.org or contact: secretariaat@nv-istanbul.org Alice de Baar 0536 205 68 81

Fransız Fakirhanesi - Little Sisters of the Poor
Contact: Mother Philomena 0212 296 46 08.

FOCI (Friends of Contemporary Istanbul)
Working with the international community in promoting the growth and development of contemporary art, the Friends of Con­temporary Istanbul aim to enrich the rising art scent in Turkey and to contribute to the cultural life of Istanbul. For further information, please contact jasmine.taranto@gmail.com TeI:+90 532 687 78 99

Friends of India
Contact: Geetali Bajpai 0542 292 92 34 or Sonica Purl 0544711 01 23

Girls Scouts I Brownies I Daises
The Girls Scouts of the USA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to helping all girls everywhere build character and gain skills for success in the real world. In an accepting and nurturing environment, and in partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop strong values, leadership skills, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Daisies (ages 5 - 6), Brownies (ages 6-8) and Juniors (ages 8 and above). THE IWI IS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THIS GROUP – please email esbie@iwi-tr.org to update this group.

Golf Group
Come and join us! We are a social group of non-professionals who play for enjoyment and exercise. We play every Thursday morning at Maslak Golf Club at 9:30 AM (weather permitting). You do not need to be a member of the club to play and a special rate has been negotiated for group members. We stay for tea/lunch after the game. Contact: Norge Reichenbach 0533 657 78 79 or email: nrbach@hotrnail.com

NEW! InterNations
is the first international online community for people who live and work abroad. Our network is represented by more than 230 local communities all over the world. InterNations users can exchange reliable information on expat-specific topics, both on a global and a local level. The members of InterNations Istanbul meet every month at different locations. Please contact Gundula Strittmatter for information and to join our Istanbul community: gstrittmat­ter@internations.org, 0538 6948728 www.internations.org

International Inner Wheel, Rotary District 242
Contact Mrs. Ulkü Somer 0212 249 517, Fax: 0212 249 1502 or
e-mail: selcuksomer@Superonline.com

Istanbul Accueil
Welcomes French speaking newcomers in Istanbul. We publish a monthly newsletter with many activity groups (scrabble, bridge, baby groups, cooking, etc.) Our common language is French and all French speaking women are welcome! www.istanbulaccueil.org, e-mail: istaccueil@gmail.com

Luso Brasileiro
Portuguese speaking group. Contact : lsabel ponte Gulpan 0212 669 4943 or 0532 274 1653.

The Istanbul Ottomans Rugby Club
Practice every Saturday afternoon at the DikilitaÅŸ Spor Klubu in BeÅŸiktaÅŸ Players of all ages (14+) and levels of fitness welcome. Please contact Emre Sapci, the President of Istanbul Ottomans Rugby Club at +90 532 236 7047 or e-mail esapci@tarsu.com

Patchwork Group
Contact Cynthia Royce 0536 348 4086,cynthroyce@hotmail.com

PAWI
The Professional American Women of Istanbul, is a network of American/Canadian women and spouses of Americans/Canadians living in Istanbul. PAWI strives to empower and support members by promoting professional and personal growth. Members inspire each other to achieve and share success. PAWI meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. Each meeting features a guest speaker, and locations alternate between the European and Asian sides. Contact info@pawistanbul.com or visit www.pawistanbul.com

Photo Club of Istanbul
Contact person: Jennifer Gurcuoglu
E-mail address: photoclubofistanbul@gmail.com

RWG
The Russian Speaking Group provides friendship, social contact and support for Russian speaking-women from Russia, Eastern Eu­rope and Central Asia. All women with an interest in Slavic culture are welcomed. Large social events are organized to commemorate the Russian holiday calendar, while smaller gatherings including a mother’s group (for mothers with children 0 - 4 years old) and a dance group are held on a regular basis. Particular attention is given to developing and maintaining a warm, friendly and helpful atmosphere at all occasions. A contact network enables Russian-speaking women in Istanbul to offer advice based on local knowl­edge and experience. Contact Ludmina Kalimulina 0532 648 7814, meloditurkes@superonline.com or Natalia Zaporozhets, 0533 484 4513, nati@efdilokulu.com.

Scrabble Group
The scrabble Group has been meeting fortnightly on Tuesday’s for the past 25 years. Members take turns at hosting events at their home, providing light refreshments for the group. Newcomers are welcome. No specific knowledge or skill is required, besides an in­terest in the game and in meeting new people. Contact Waltraud Erkut 0212 265 0700for all things Turkey. Here you can find a lively group of people who discuss everything about Turkey, network and organize social events. Over a 1000 members and still growing...
www.sublimeportal.com

SED
(Society for the Education of Social Responsibilites)
SED was founded 2001 to make a change in the way animals are treated in Turkey. SED’s mission is the enlightenment of humans for the protection of other lMng beings. SED has been a pioneer in Turkey in developing a program for the adoption of Street animals and cooperates with municipalities in order to promote humane treatment of animals. Contact Big Dog Yuli 0532 3148238, Kit Kat Rob 0542 423 0633, or Cat Lady Leyla 0555 404 3113; email: sahiplenelim@sed-tr.org or on the web at www.sed-tr org

Speech Bubbles
Is an international group aiming to perform high-quality Is an in­ternational group aiming to perform high-quality musical theater and donating the income to NGO’s supporting children and educa­tion. Speech Bubbles is composed of amateur and professional dancers, singers and musicians from II countries. Contact Tom Godfrey 0532 736 7702;
www.speechbubbles.org

Support Group for Parents of Children with Spe­cial Needs
Looking for the support of other parents of children with special needs and additional resources for your child?
Please contact Debbie L Sainte-Rose for more information at 05317691368
or debbiesainterose@yahoo.com

SWEA
(Swedish Women Educational Association)
A world-wide network for Swedish or Swedish-speaking A world-wide network for Swedish or Swedish-speaking women with a chapter in Istanbul. Contact birgitta©turk.net

IWI Tennis Club
Our IWI Tennis Group meets every Monday at Enka Spor Kulubu in Istinye.  Our tennis season begins in October and ends in May with a very popular friendly tournament. During the cold months we are lucky to be able to play on covered and indoor courts. We welcome all players from beginners to intermediate, to advanced  players. We generally have about eight teams made-up of five members.  Teams are formed based on skill level. If you are interested in some great and fun tennis please contact our IWI Tennis Coordinator Sydney at Sydney@iwi-tr.org

Toastmasters International-Istanbul Chapter
Toastmasters is an international group whose members are inter­ested in developing their public speaking and communications skills, It is open English speakers and the group meet approxi­mately twice a month, usually weeknights. For information, call Jennifer Eaton Gokmen 0533 468 8477, jgokmen@expatharem.com or Mats Krause mattkrause I 969@yahoo.com

Turkish-American University Association
For information call 0212 2472188.

Union Church of Istanbul
Is an international, inter-denominational church that offers ser­vices in English. Please contact Elaine Van Rensburg
0212 244 5763.