About MARTI
Serving Marylanders since 2003 through education, service, and dialogue.
Our Mission
To serve Maryland communities through education, dialogue, and compassionate service, fostering mutual understanding and social cohesion across diverse backgrounds.
Inspired by the Hizmet movement's universal values of education, dialogue, and service, we strive to contribute to the common good through selfless dedication to humanity.
Our Vision
To cultivate a Maryland where diverse communities flourish together through educational excellence, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative service.
We envision communities united by shared values of compassion, knowledge, and service - where individuals from all backgrounds work together to address societal needs and build bridges of understanding for future generations.
Our History
In the late 1990s, a group of Hizmet-inspired people were already engaged in educating their youth, organizing collective programs, and fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue in Maryland. After the events of 9/11, the need for interfaith and intercultural dialogue became even more critical, leading to the official founding of MARTI in 2003 to formally organize these Hizmet activities in Maryland.
Since our founding, MARTI has grown into a comprehensive community service provider, offering educational programs, health services, interfaith dialogue, and community outreach initiatives. Our commitment to serving both the Hizmet community and the broader Maryland community has remained constant throughout our journey.
Late 1990s - Early Roots
Hizmet-inspired people in Maryland began educating youth, organizing collective programs, and engaging in interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
2003 - Official Foundation
MARTI was officially founded to formally organize the Hizmet activities in Maryland, responding to the increased need for interfaith dialogue after 9/11.
2016 - First Relocation
MARTI moved to a new location.
2019 - Lead Up Launch
Launched Lead Up program to further enhance our educational and community development initiatives.
2022 - Second Relocation
Moved to our current location to better serve our expanding community and programs.
2023 - WhiteTulip Health Clinic
WhiteTulip opened a health clinic, expanding our community health services and outreach.
2025 - Today
Serving over 300 community members through 9 active committees, 60+ annual events with 6,780+ participants, and comprehensive educational programs serving 168 students.
Our Team
Meet the committed team who drive MARTI’s programs and strengthen our community
Fevzi Sarac
Executieve Director
Leading MARTI's strategic vision and overall organizational direction.
Tarik Metin
Outreach Coordinator
Coordinates community outreach and external collaboration initiatives.
Ahmet Dogan
Imam and Community Coordinator
Provides spiritual guidance and coordinates community religious activities.
Yavuz Ertekin
Education Coordinator
Oversees educational programs and coordinates youth learning initiatives.
Mustafa Akpinar
After School Coordinator
Manages after-school programs and student enrichment activities.
Ozlem Yilmaz
Weekend School Coordinator
Manages weekend Turkish language and cultural education programs.
Active Committees
Our committees drive MARTI's mission forward through dedicated service and leadership in key areas.
Outreach Committee
Interfaith dialogue, civic engagement, and community engagement initiatives
Education Committee
Weekend schools, after school programs, youth clubs, and educational programs for all ages
Spirituality Committee
Religious services, spiritual development, and educational programs
Integration & Family
Social integration, family counseling, networking, and community support services
Finance Committee
Budgeting, oversight, and fiscal responsibility
Grant Committee
Researching, writing, and submitting grant applications for funding
Media & Communication Committee
Managing digital presence, communications, and media outreach
Maintenance Committee
Facility upkeep, repairs, and infrastructure management
Regional Platforms
Collaborative networks uniting hizmet-inspired organizations across multiple states to maximize community impact.
Maryland-Delaware Platform
A collaborative network uniting hizmet-inspired organizations across Maryland and Delaware, focused on community service, education, interfaith dialogue, and social cohesion.
Mid-Atlantic Platform
A broader collaborative network spanning Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia facilitating cross-state coordination and resource sharing for enhanced community impact.
Platform Composition
- Representatives from each MARTI committee
- Board representatives of local hizmet-inspired organizations
- Community representatives (women, youth, business professionals)
- Partners like White Tulip Health Foundation
Platform Operations
Both platforms hold regular meetings for discussion, coordination, planning, idea-sharing, and joint project development to maximize community impact across their respective regions.
Collaborating Organizations
Independent organizations with whom we collaborate on shared service and education initiatives.
WhiteTulip
Healthcare collaborator providing free medical services to our community.
Howard County Interfaith Council
Collaborative interfaith dialogue and community service initiatives.
American Red Cross
Monthly blood drives.
LeadUp Humanitarian Aid
Youth-led humanitarian aid organization providing disaster relief and community service.
Embrace Relief
International humanitarian organization providing disaster relief and sustainable development programs.
Divan Center
Youth development center in North Carolina supporting education, spiritual growth, and community service.
Core Education Services
Non-profit organization focused on social, spiritual, cultural, and educational needs of Northern Virginia community.
Rumi Forum
Interfaith dialogue organization fostering intercultural understanding and peace in the Washington DC area.