Ali Baba Mediterranean and Turkish Cuisine

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

Sayın Ender Bey,

Öncelikle Türk mutfağını, kültürünü ve ülkemizi tanıtmak adına yapılan her emeğe saygı duyuyorum. Ancak bir konuya da gönülden değinmek isterim…

Bizler burada, Amerika’da yıllardır Türk restoran işletmecileri olarak sadece yemek satmıyoruz…
Türk kültürünü, misafirperverliğini, bayrağımızı ve Anadolu’nun ruhunu temsil ediyoruz.

Bu mücadele bugün başlamadı…
1980’lerden beri binlerce emekçi, restoran sahibi, aşçı ve çalışan; hiçbir devlet desteği almadan, tamamen kendi emeğiyle Türk mutfağını Amerika’ya ve dünyaya tanıttı.

Bizler lahmacunu, kebabı, mantıyı, pideyi anlatırken aslında Türkiye’yi anlattık.
İnsanlara sadece yemek değil; kültür, dostluk ve samimiyet sunduk.

Bu yüzden “New York’tan dünyaya açılıyoruz” söylemini biraz talihsiz buluyorum.
Çünkü bizler zaten yıllardır bu mücadelenin içindeyiz.
Bugün Türk mutfağı New York’ta biliniyorsa, bunda yıllardır gece gündüz çalışan Türk esnafının çok büyük emeği vardır.

Asıl yapılması gereken;
buradaki Türk restoranlarını, emek veren işletmeleri ve gerçek mutfak temsilcilerini bir araya getirerek güçlü bir tanıtım organizasyonu oluşturmaktır.

Diğer ülkelerin yaptığı gibi;
ünlü şefler getirilmeli,
Osmanlı ve Anadolu mutfağının zenginliği profesyonel PR çalışmalarıyla dünyaya anlatılmalı,
Türk esnafı devlet kurumlarıyla birlikte desteklenmelidir.

Çünkü Türk mutfağı birkaç tabaktan ibaret değildir…
Bu mutfak; tarih, emek, kültür ve medeniyettir.

Bizler yıllardır bunu gönülden yapıyoruz.
Ve yapmaya da devam edeceğiz.

Saygılarımla,

Aliriza Doğan
New York’un Alibaba’sı

Türkiye in New York T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı Kültürbakanlıgı T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Başkanlığı Dr. Ender Saraç. Aliriza Alibaba Dogan

05/12/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYHm8laxquH/?igsh=MW12Z2YxcGNyazZzYw== Your beautiful shares and meaningful support truly honored us… 🙏❤️

As the Ali Baba family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
The more we share, the stronger we become, and the more lives we are able to touch with hope.

So glad you exist…
You reminded us once again that we are never alone.

We have never forgotten where we came from…
And we never will.

What we do is not just a business…
It is a mission of humanity.

As we always say:
One plate of food means one human life.

You are not just supporters…
You are truly part of the Ali Baba family. 🤝

With your love, prayers, and support,
we will continue this journey of kindness and compassion.

Because together, we are stronger…
And together, we will touch more hearts. 🌹

With love, respect, and gratitude. 🙏

05/05/2026

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all these beautiful and meaningful cards… 🙏❤️

During this difficult time, while my father has been unwell, your kind words have truly honored me and touched me deeply.
You reminded me that we are not alone… and for that, I am forever grateful.

We have never forgotten where we came from…
And we never will.

What we do is not just a business…
It is a mission of humanity.

As we always say:
One plate of food means one human life.

You are not just supporters…
You are part of the Ali Baba family. 🤝

With your love, prayers, and support,
we will continue this journey of kindness and giving.

Together, we are stronger…
Together, we will touch more lives. 🌹

With love, respect, and gratitude. 🙏

05/03/2026

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sharing this beautiful news and for your kind, meaningful comments. 🙏❤️

Your support truly means everything to us…
Because of you, we continue, we grow, and we reach more people in need.

We have never forgotten where we came from…
And we will never forget those who are still struggling.

Please remember:
One plate of food means one human life.

With every meal we share, we bring hope, warmth, and dignity to someone’s life.
And with your support, we are able to touch more hearts every single day.

Together, we are stronger…
Together, we make this world more human.

Because of you, we exist. 🌹🙏

. 🙏❤️🌹🙏Grazie di cuore a tutti per aver condiviso questa bellissima notizia e per i vostri commenti sinceri e pieni di significato. 🙏❤️

Il vostro supporto significa davvero tutto per noi…
Grazie a voi continuiamo, cresciamo e raggiungiamo sempre più persone in difficoltà.

Non abbiamo mai dimenticato da dove veniamo…
E non dimenticheremo mai chi sta ancora lottando.

Per favore ricordate:
Un piatto di cibo significa una vita umana.

Con ogni pasto che condividiamo, portiamo speranza, calore e dignità nella vita di qualcuno.
E grazie al vostro supporto, riusciamo a toccare sempre più cuori ogni giorno.

Insieme siamo più forti…
Insieme rendiamo questo mondo più umano.

Grazie a voi, esistiamo.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani Google Turtle Bay Association - NYC United Nations The New York Times Aliriza Alibaba Dogan Positibo

Dopo aver sperimentato cosa significasse dormire per strada quando emigrò negli Stati Uniti nel 1986, Ali Riza Dogan, proprietario del ristorante Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine a Manhattan, è diventato un punto di riferimento per i più bisognosi. Da oltre cinque anni, Dogan distribuisce tra i 100 e i 150 pasti gratuiti ogni mercoledì: «Un piatto non è mai solo cibo... è speranza», ha dichiarato.
Durante il rigido inverno newyorkese, ha persino sistemato l’ingresso riscaldato del suo locale in modo che le persone senza dimora potessero passarci la notte. Motivato dalla propria storia di sopravvivenza, l’imprenditore turco distribuisce anche sacchi a pelo, assicurando che «non dimentichiamo mai da dove veniamo» mentre progetta di creare una fondazione per formalizzare il suo aiuto.

05/03/2026

On cold nights, the restaurant’s heated entryway remains open to those in need.

05/02/2026

In 1997, we introduced a flavor to New York that many had never truly experienced before…

Our lahmacun—known as “Turkish Pizza”—was featured in The New York Times, bringing a piece of our culture to the heart of the city.

And even today, we proudly say…
It’s not easy to find this level of taste, craftsmanship, and authenticity—even in Turkey.

With its thin, perfectly baked dough, finely balanced spices, and carefully prepared topping…
Every bite carries years of experience, passion, and dedication.

Since 1997, one thing has never changed:
Our quality.

Because we truly believe:
“Our name is our quality.”

This table is not just food…
It’s a story, a legacy, and a labor of love.

Enjoy with pride, love, and passion. ❤️

04/24/2026

Thank you 🙏 ❤️ for video. This evening, under a peaceful sky, we shared our meals with love, care, and gratitude.

When they smile, we feel it in our hearts…
Because no one in this world should ever feel alone.

We hold on to one simple truth:
One plate of food means one human life.

With your support, we reach more souls,
bring warmth to cold nights,
and remind people that they are not forgotten.

Every plate we share carries hope…
Every act of kindness brings light to someone’s darkness.

Please don’t hold back your support…
Because together, we can make this world a little more human,
a little more hopeful, and a lot more beautiful. 🙏🌹

⸻

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🙏❤️

04/20/2026

04/19/2026

A powerful story from New York City shows how one restaurant owner stepped up during a dangerous cold wave in early 2026. Ali Riza Dogan, who runs Ali Baba Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine in Manhattan, offered a simple but life-saving solution when temperatures dropped to extreme levels.
During the severe Arctic freeze, he allowed homeless individuals to rest in the enclosed entryway of his restaurant. To make the space safer and warmer, he used heat lamps inside the glass vestibule, giving people protection from freezing winds and sub-zero temperatures.
This act of kindness came at a time when the city faced many challenges, with long days of freezing weather and rising pressure on public shelters. Reports shared that many shelters were overcrowded, making community support even more important.
Ali Riza Dogan’s actions were also inspired by his own life experiences. Having faced hardship when he first arrived in New York, he understands the value of warmth, food, and safety during difficult times. Along with shelter, he and his staff have also provided free hot meals to people in need in their neighborhood.
This inspiring story highlights compassion, community support, and humanitarian action during crisis. It shows how small spaces and simple ideas can make a big difference when people come together in tough situations.

04/17/2026

Dünya paylaşmakla güzel olur…
Çünkü bazen bir tabak yemek, bir insan demektir.

Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine olarak biz, her lokmanın bir umuda dönüşebileceğine inanıyoruz.

Her Çarşamba, evsizler ve ihtiyaç sahipleri için hazırladığımız yemeklerle
sadece karın doyurmuyor, aynı zamanda umut ve sıcaklık paylaşıyoruz.

Unutmayın…
Ali Baba’da yediğiniz her yemek, bir başka sofrada ihtiyaç sahibi birine ulaşır.

Paylaştıkça çoğalır, sevdikçe güzelleşir bu dünya. 🌍🙏
Çünkü siz varsınız, biz varız…. 🙏🌹❤️🙏. The world becomes more beautiful when we share…
Because sometimes, one plate of food means one human life.

At Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine, we believe every meal can turn into hope.

Every Wednesday, we prepare and share meals with the homeless and those in need—
not just to feed, but to bring warmth, dignity, and a little light into their lives.

Please remember…
Every meal you enjoy at Ali Baba becomes a meal for someone else in need.

As we share, the world grows kinder.
As we love, it becomes more beautiful. 🌍🙏
Because of you, we exist…. 🙏❤️🌹🙏. https://g.page/r/CbZFWIlQrFgXEAE/review

🍽️ In 1986, Ali Baba came to New York as an immigrant, starting from zero. Through hard work and dedication, he built Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine into a ...

04/17/2026

When temperatures drop to dangerous levels ❄️, kindness becomes a lifeline ❤️

Ali Riza Dogan, owner of Ali Baba Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine, is making a real difference by opening his restaurant’s heated vestibule overnight for anyone in need of warmth.

Having experienced homelessness himself, he understands how much something as simple as heat can mean. His message is clear and powerful: “Heat is ON.” 🤯

Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can save lives.

04/17/2026

Thank you so much for this beautiful post and for sharing our story. 🙏❤️

Just a small clarification: we do not bring people inside. To help protect from the cold, we created a closed area between two entrance doors and placed a heater there. We simply want to avoid any misunderstanding.

As we do every Wednesday, we continue to share meals with the homeless and those in need. Because we truly believe:
One meal means one human life.

With the support of kind-hearted people like you, we keep going.
Because of you, we exist.

We have never forgotten where we came from…
And we warmly invite you to be part of the Ali Baba family and this journey of kindness. 🤝

If you could visit our page on Google and leave us a 5-star ⭐️ review with a kind comment, we would truly appreciate it. Your support means everything to us. 🙏

With love and respect. 🌹. https://g.page/r/CbZFWIlQrFgXEAE/review

A New York restaurant owner opened his doors on freezing nights, offering warmth and shelter to those without homes. Rather than turning a blind eye to those in need, he chose to extend compassion to strangers, providing them with a safe space to stay during the coldest nights. His act of kindness didn’t stop at serving food—it was about creating a community, where those who had nowhere to go could find solace.

In a world where it’s easy to overlook the most vulnerable members of society, this restaurant owner took a stand and made sure people in his neighborhood knew they were cared for. His restaurant became a place of refuge—a home away from home for those who didn’t have anywhere else to turn. By opening his doors, he showed that kindness could be shared through the simplest actions.

What this owner demonstrated was that generosity doesn’t require grand gestures; sometimes it’s about providing warmth and care when it’s needed the most. His story reminds us that, no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for kindness and compassion.

By offering shelter to those without homes, he turned a restaurant into a community space, a sanctuary for people to find warmth, both physically and emotionally. It’s a reminder that a simple act of generosity can create ripples that spread far beyond what we can imagine.

This man’s actions show us that we all have the power to make a difference—one act of kindness at a time. 🍲🛏️

04/15/2026

Fransızca konuşuyor olabilir, tam anlayamadım ama yaptığı bu güzel videodan kalbinin güzelliği belli oluyor. Eminim çok güzel şeyler söyledi. Bu anlamlı paylaşımı ve desteği için kendisine gönülden teşekkür ederim. 🙏❤️

Biz her zaman şuna inanıyoruz:
Bir yemek demek, bir insan demektir.

İnsanlığa dokunan her güzel destek bizim için çok kıymetlidir. 🙏❤️🌹🙏. I may not understand French, but I can feel the kindness behind this beautiful video. I’m sure the words spoken were heartfelt and meaningful. Thank you sincerely for this wonderful support and for sharing our story. 🙏❤️

We always believe in one simple truth:
One meal means one human life.

Every act of kindness that touches humanity means the world to us. 🌹

04/14/2026

https://www.posta.com.tr/galeri/new-yorklu-evsizlerin-kahramani-sivasli-ali-baba-o-notu-kalpleri-fethetti-isitici-sabaha-kadar-acik-2982541/1

New York’taki dondurucu soğuklarda restoranında evsizler için sığınma alanı oluşturan Türk göçmen Ali Rıza Doğan, iyilik hareketiyle gönüllere taht kurdu.

04/14/2026

The city can feel icy in every way, but sometimes all it takes is one small sign in a window.

On the coldest nights in New York City, restaurant owner Ali Riza Doğan does something quiet but extraordinary. He runs Ali Baba Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine on East 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, and when temperatures drop to dangerous levels, he keeps the restaurant’s heated vestibule open for anyone with nowhere to go. It’s not the dining room, and it’s not the kitchen—just a small, sheltered space out of the wind where people can stay dry and warm.

For Doğan, this act isn’t charity—it’s personal. Back in 1986, only days after arriving from Turkey, he got lost on a freezing night. He couldn’t speak English and couldn’t find help. Eventually, he discovered an unlocked building and slept in a heated hallway just to survive until morning. He later said that moment felt like a “five-star hotel” compared to being outside.

Now, when severe cold hits, he prints a simple sign and tapes it to the window, inviting anyone stuck outside to come in. No big speech, no spotlight—just warmth, a door left open, and a quiet reminder that small acts of kindness can literally save lives.

Sometimes the difference between night and morning isn’t money, fame, or grand gestures. Sometimes it’s just a warm hallway, a kind heart, and a sign in the window.

04/13/2026

Babamla birlikte bu ülkeye 1986 yılında geldiğimizde,
sıfırdan başladık…
Yan yana bulaşık yıkayarak hayat mücadelesi verdik.

Dondurucu soğuk bir gecede yolumu kaybettim
ve açlığın, soğuğun, çaresizliğin ne demek olduğunu bizzat yaşadım.

O gün kendime bir söz verdim:
Zor günlerin ne hissettirdiğini asla unutmayacağım.

İşte bu yüzden bugün,
elimden geldiğince insanlara yardım etmeye çalışıyorum.

Hangi dine mensup olduğumuzun,
hangi ülkeden geldiğimizin hiçbir önemi yok…
Hepimiz insanız.
Ve hepimiz aynı Allah’a inanıyoruz.

Önemli olan iyi bir insan olabilmek,
vicdanlı ve merhametli yaşayabilmektir.

Hikâyemizi paylaşan, destek veren,
güzel yorumlarıyla yanımızda olan herkese
yürekten teşekkür ederim. 🙏❤️🌹

Özellikle hikâyemizi paylaşan tüm sayfalara
ve sevgiyle bize ulaşan on binlerce insana sonsuz teşekkürler.

Birlikte her zaman daha güçlüyüz.

Bir yemek, bir insan hayatı demektir.

Alibaba’da yediğiniz her yemek,
ihtiyaç sahibi evsizlere ve göçmenlere
bir öğün olarak geri dönüyor.

Sizin sayenizde bu yardımları sürdürebiliyoruz.
Kalbimin en derininden teşekkür ederim. 🙏🌹❤️🙏

04/10/2026

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Michelle from GoodNews for this beautiful share. 🙏
We are truly grateful—so glad you exist.

We always believe in one simple truth:
One meal means one human life.

Every meal you enjoy at Alibaba becomes a meal for someone in need.
With your support, one plate turns into hope, and one act of kindness brings a smile to another soul.

Please never forget…
Because of you, we exist. ❤️

With love, respect, and gratitude—thank you. 🙏🌹


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04/10/2026

I came to this country as an immigrant…
I have experienced hardship, poverty, cold, and loneliness.

My father and I started from zero,
washing dishes side by side.

What we do today is not just charity…
It is a matter of humanity and conscience.

No matter where you are from…
No matter your religion or the color of your skin…
None of that matters.

Just be human.

We have never forgotten where we came from.

Please, let no one twist this kindness into something else or give it a different meaning.
Everything we do comes purely from the heart.

Every good person should help others as much as they can.
Because I truly believe:
God is One, and He sees and hears everything.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supports us
and for being part of the Alibaba family. 🙏

Let’s remember…
One meal can mean a thousand lives.

At Alibaba Restaurant,
every meal you enjoy also becomes a meal for someone in need.

Every plate brings hope to another table…
and touches another heart. ❤️.
Turtle Bay Association - NYC United Nations Google The New York Times Google Small Business Things You Don't Know

Ali Riza Doğan moved to the United States in 1986.
At the time, he didn’t speak English and didn’t have stable housing.
On one cold night, he found an unlocked building and slept inside to get through it.
Years later, after opening his own restaurant in New York City, he set a rule during winter conditions.
When temperatures drop, he allows people without shelter to come inside and sleep.
The space is used after business hours, giving them a place out of the cold.
He also provides food when available.
The decision is based on his own experience of not having a place to stay during cold nights.
A situation he once relied on as a one-time solution is now something he offers regularly inside his own business.

04/09/2026

Tonight was Wednesday again…
Even though it was cold, we prepared our meals as always.

As the weather got colder,
the line got longer…

But thankfully, the food was enough for everyone.

The happiness on their faces
became our greatest joy.

Please never forget…
One plate of food means one human life.

Every meal you enjoy at Alibaba
becomes a warm meal for someone in need—
for the homeless and immigrants.

We don’t see this as charity…
We see it as humanity.

Because we never forgot where we came from…
And we believe that when you share,
blessings grow and the world becomes a better place.

With your support,
we will continue to reach more people.

🙏❤️

04/08/2026

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you for your beautiful comments and for sharing our story. 🙏

I came to this country as an immigrant…
I have experienced hardship, poverty, cold, and loneliness.

My father and I started from zero,
washing dishes side by side.

What we do today is not just charity…
It is a matter of humanity and conscience.

No matter where you are from…
No matter your religion or the color of your skin…
None of that matters.

Just be human.

We have never forgotten where we came from.

Please, let no one twist this kindness into something else or give it a different meaning.
Everything we do comes purely from the heart.

Every good person should help others as much as they can.
Because I truly believe:
God is One, and He sees and hears everything.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supports us
and for being part of the Alibaba family. 🙏

Let’s remember…
One meal can mean a thousand lives.

At Alibaba Restaurant,
every meal you enjoy also becomes a meal for someone in need.

Every plate brings hope to another table…
and touches another heart. ❤️

@.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/alirizaalibaba/3870815281836821724?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=cjBnOHc1N2ppcDE=. Turtle Bay Association - NYC Best Diplomats United Nations Google EatingWell Google Small Business Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani The New York Times City of New York Government

498K Followers, 3,018 Following, 761 Posts

04/08/2026

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you for your beautiful comments and for sharing our story. 🙏

I came to this country as an immigrant…
I have experienced hardship, poverty, cold, and loneliness.

My father and I started from zero,
washing dishes side by side.

What we do today is not just charity…
It is a matter of humanity and conscience.

No matter where you are from…
No matter your religion or the color of your skin…
None of that matters.

Just be human.

We have never forgotten where we came from.

Please, let no one twist this kindness into something else or give it a different meaning.
Everything we do comes purely from the heart.

Every good person should help others as much as they can.
Because I truly believe:
God is One, and He sees and hears everything.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supports us
and for being part of the Alibaba family. 🙏

Let’s remember…
One meal can mean a thousand lives.

At Alibaba Restaurant,
every meal you enjoy also becomes a meal for someone in need.

Every plate brings hope to another table…
and touches another heart. ❤️

://www.instagram.com/p/DWcGr5cD8Al/?igsh=MmVjeHg4Z2lnbHE1