Consulate General of the United States Istanbul, Turkey

The Public Affairs Section is responsible for media, cultural, and educational affairs for the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul. Working closely with the Turkish media, Public Affairs organizes public outreach for Embassy and Consulate personnel, visiting U.S. officials, and American cultural programs.  Our goal is to disseminate accurate information about the United States to a wide audience, including on the topics of politics, environment, business and economics, defense, international relations, civic education, English language teaching, and American culture. 

By promoting projects to collaborate on topics of interest or importance for both countries, Public Affairs Section works closely with NGOs as well as government officials on these issues, and provides International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchange programs in the United States, allowing Turkish professionals to meet with their American counterparts. We also work with the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States and Turkey commonly known as the Fulbright Commission which provides a rich variety of academic exchanges through its Humphrey and Fulbright scholarship programs and through educational advising.

Public Affairs Section provides support for the teaching of American English, especially in underserved communities that often struggle with mastery of the English language. Through the Consulate Speaker Program, our Consulate officers regularly visit high schools to share various aspects of American culture with Turkish students and educators. Public Affairs Section cooperates with higher education institutes, bringing American subject experts to participate in conferences/lectures taking place at Turkish institutions.

Public Affairs Section also seeks to promote American values through showcasing the best of American art and culture to the local audience. It supports and facilitates visits of major American artists in various fields such as dance, music, filmmaking, literature, painting and more. It also organizes special events for unprivileged audiences engaging these artists and emphasizing the role of art in building a better community.