About Us

The Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation (AGSF) offices are located in the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center (STCCC) building on East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The charity, Bridge to Türkiye also has office space in the facility. It is a separate entity from the foundation and has no direct affiliation with the foundation.

The Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation

The Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation (AGSF), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2007 by Drs. Aziz and Gwen Sancar, is dedicated to educational and philanthropic endeavors aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and friendship with Türkiye and its people, while also nurturing stronger ties between the United States and Türkiye.

Our Foundation’s mission is clear: to enhance awareness and appreciation of Türkiye and its Turkic heritage within the United States. In pursuit of this goal, we have established the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center (STCCC) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. STCCC serves as a vibrant hub for various educational activities, including lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, forums, and social gatherings, all meticulously curated to promote dialogue and exploration of Türkiye’s rich civilization, language, and culture.

Moreover, the Foundation extends its support to students in the Triangle area of North Carolina who aspire to engage in study abroad programs in Türkiye, thereby facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and enriching educational experiences.

As a non-profit entity, the Foundation operates solely for charitable purposes, with no financial gains benefiting any individual or organization associated with it. Our commitment lies in fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange, serving as a bridge between nations and peoples.

Learn More About Nobel Laureate Dr. Aziz Sancar

Our Story

Carolina Turk Evi ~ 2008

August 30, 2018 STCCC Groundbreaking

Drs. Aziz and Gwen Sancar nurtured a longstanding aspiration for a Turkish cultural hub adjacent to a university campus, a vision cultivated over many years. On May 19, 2008, coinciding with Turkish National Youth Day, this aspiration materialized into reality as UNC-CH proudly unveiled the first-ever Turk Evi (Turkish house) in the United States, serving both its student body and the wider community. Operated by the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation (AGSF) based in Chapel Hill, NC, the Carolina Turk Evi not only offered graduate housing to Turkish scholars on sabbaticals and short internships but also hosted vibrant celebrations of Turkish traditions, culinary workshops, and language courses.

A significant milestone was reached on August 20, 2018, as dignitaries from Türkiye, alongside UNC-CH officials and Chapel Hill town representatives, united with AGSF Board Members to commemorate the groundbreaking of the Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center, spanning an impressive 9,700 square feet. This distinguished center, honoring Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Aziz Sancar and his wife, Gwen, symbolizes a beacon of cultural exchange and collaboration.

Although construction commenced in 2019, progress was hindered by the global Covid pandemic, resulting in unavoidable delays. However, despite these challenges, the facility proudly opened its doors to the public in June 2021. Embracing sustainable principles, the center stands as an exemplar of eco-conscious design, incorporating solar panels and geothermal heating systems to minimize energy consumption. Furthermore, the generous contributions of Turkish businessmen have adorned the center with exquisite marble, ceramic, woodwork, vanities, handmade tiles, and furnishings, enriching its cultural ambiance and fostering a sense of community pride.