The Bülbülzade Foundation delegation visited Nadi Al Muhafaza Sports Club in Damascus, Syria, and examined the joint project activities on site.Representatives of the Bülbülzade Foundation Board of Directors and Project Unit paid an official visit to Nadi Al Muhafaza Sports Club, which operates in Damascus, Syria. During the visit, the club's existing infrastructure was examined, and the field reflections of the ongoing projects were observed firsthand. The delegation met with young people participating in sports activities at the facility and had the opportunity to directly hear about the opportunities provided by the project and its practical outcomes in the field. In addition, during the technical meeting held with the club's management, efficiency reports of the ongoing activities were reviewed, and a consensus was reached on the work schedule for the upcoming period.NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIESThe current status of the project implemented through the cooperation between the Traditional Sports Federation and the Bülbülzade Foundation was evaluated in detail. Within the framework of the project, which aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the sports club in the fields of modern and traditional sports, delegation members received comprehensive information from the officials. During the visit, emphasis was placed on the contributions of the activities carried out to the physical and social development of young people. The discussions also addressed the sustainability of the project, as well as new joint initiatives and strategic cooperation opportunities that could be implemented in the future. Following a mutual exchange of ideas, the visit concluded with expressions of goodwill.

A comprehensive consultation meeting was organized with the participation of organization members operating under the umbrella of Bülbülzade Foundation. Representatives of various units gathered at the foundation center, evaluated the projects implemented in the recent period, and shared their plans regarding future activities.One of the main agenda items of the meeting was the Bülbülzade Foundation Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival, which was completed in recent days with intense participation and interest. During the meeting, all units made presentations about their activities, evaluating field reflections and the achievements obtained. Another important topic on which the units expressed a common opinion was the Summer Schools, which will open their doors next Monday. Organization members were informed about the preparation processes and curriculum details of the summer activities that will be organized under 23-24 different headings at more than 60 locations both domestically and abroad.WHAT IS PLANTED IN THE HEART NEVER DISAPPEARSFollowing the consultation meeting, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir addressed the organization members and delivered an important speech on the humanitarian and intellectual dimensions of the work carried out under the foundation's umbrella. Emphasizing the themes of sacrifice, dedication, and winning hearts, Aldemir referred to the verses of Yunus Emre, saying: “We did not come for conflict / Our purpose is for love / The home of the beloved is hearts / We came to build hearts. This is the story of this foundation. How many hearts have we touched, how many hearts have we entered. What is planted in the heart never disappears.”WE ARE PEOPLE WHO CARRY A MESSAGEUnderlining the need to be cautious against the trends of individualization and ordinariness observed in society recently, Aldemir stated that individuals who undertake social responsibility should carry meaning and direction, saying: “For some time now, there has been a tendency toward selfishness. I will now become like ordinary people. I will eat, drink, travel, and share on social media. There is such an ordinariness. This is simplification and vulgarization. Dear friends, whether you are Muslim or not, if you aspire to a social duty, it means you have a message. If you have no message, your body and existence have no value. We are people who carry a message.”SUCCESS HAS BOTH A REWARD AND A TESTEmphasizing the unexpected turns of life and the importance of living without postponing time, Turgay Aldemir gave examples from the approaches of Ibn Khaldun and Mustafa Özel. Stating that people build their own character through what they do or fail to do in life, Aldemir argued that a renewal of mentality is needed. Pointing out that successes should not stop a person, he said: “If there is success, it has both a reward and a test. Success is like the landing of a staircase in an apartment building. If we sit there and explain how we climbed that floor, we remain there. At present, there is an incredible field of work before us in Türkiye and throughout the Islamic world,” emphasizing that greater importance should be given to intellectual efforts on a global scale.LET US ELEVATE OUR ACTIONS, NOT OUR VOICESStating that curriculum studies and international collaborations occupy an important place in the foundation’s future vision, Aldemir touched upon the work being carried out in fundamental areas such as children, family, and university. Drawing attention to three basic principles in foundation activities, Aldemir listed them as “intention, capability, and effort.” Referring to Ibn Khaldun’s concept of the “active intellect,” he stated: “Those who rescue nations from the constraints into which history has fallen are a small number of people possessing active intellect. They are those who unite reason with action and action with wisdom. In this period, our main task is not to raise our voices but to raise our actions.”WITNESS THE EFFORT OF A NEW GENERATIONAt the end of the meeting, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir thanked all organization members who had worked with great dedication over the past year and called on all units to support and take ownership of the Summer Schools organization that will begin next week. In his closing remarks, Aldemir said: “My special request to you, friends, is this: the summer schools and summer activities will take place under approximately 23-24 headings at more than 60 locations, both domestically and abroad. Take part in them. This is not a task carried out by a group of educators alone. Support it, embrace it, trust it, see it, participate in it. Let us witness the efforts of a new generation, those lively children striving for the future.”

Şafak Radio, which continues its broadcasting activities under the umbrella of the Bülbülzade Foundation, discussed Gaziantep’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and traditions with its guests on the “Ayıntap Sohbetleri” program.Aiming to pass on Gaziantep’s rich historical and cultural values to future generations, the “Ayıntap Sohbetleri” program met with listeners on Şafak Radio at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18. In the special broadcast titled “Gaziantep Culture: From Tradition to the Future,” the city’s past, present, and future were discussed in all aspects. Moderated by Hüseyin Rahmi Açıkkol, the program attracted great interest from listeners.CONTRIBUTION TO THE CITY’S CULTURAL MEMORYAmong the guest speakers of the program were Emel Soysal, known as “Terzi Emel Amerika'da” (Tailor Emel in America), Researcher-Writer İbrahim Alisinanoğlu, and Historian-Writer Asım Mıhçıoğlu, who shared valuable insights into Gaziantep’s social structure and traditional way of life. During the broadcast, many topics were discussed in detail, ranging from the city’s architecture and handicrafts to its culinary culture and oral history. The importance of preserving local identity in its authentic form was emphasized. Through this meaningful gathering, Şafak Radio made another contribution to its mission of keeping the city’s cultural memory alive and passing it on to future generations.You can watch the full program via the link below:

Our foundation, which assumed the Presidency of the Migration and Refugees Working Group within the Project for Strengthening Civic Participation for the Development of Democratic Local Governance in Türkiye, was honored with a plaque for its successful and voluntary activities.A closing and presentation ceremony was held within the scope of the “Project for Strengthening Civic Participation for the Development of Democratic Local Governance in Türkiye,” implemented in partnership with the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, the General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). During the program hosted by the 25 December Panorama Museum, a meaningful plaque was presented to Bülbülzade Foundation, which successfully carried out the Presidency of the Migration and Refugees Working Group throughout the project period.The project, which aimed to increase civic participation across Gaziantep and enable citizens to participate more effectively and sustainably in local government decision-making mechanisms, sought to build a bridge between local administrations and civil society organizations. Throughout the period, multidimensional democratic mechanisms were developed to establish an effective, transparent, and continuous communication environment between municipalities and civil society structures.“COMMON FUTURE” MEETINGS CONTINUEActing entirely on a voluntary basis throughout the process, Bülbülzade Foundation carried out strategic collaborative efforts to strengthen coordination among migrants, local residents, and administrative authorities. Within this framework, “Common Future” meetings, attended actively by Syrian community leaders, business representatives, and young people, were held periodically and continue to be held. In order to support social cohesion in the city, many visionary education-based projects focusing particularly on migrant women, children, and youth were implemented. These institutional activities, which contributed to social solidarity and local governance, were crowned with the plaque presented at the ceremony.

Kahta Mayor Mehmet Can Hallaç and Kahta District Governor Muhammed Üsame Soysal visited Bülbülzade Foundation and received detailed information about the educational, environmental, and humanitarian aid activities carried out by the foundation.During the meeting hosted by Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, the foundation’s projects focused on social development and solidarity were discussed. The Kahta delegation closely examined the Kurtuluş Forest project, which breathes life into nature, as well as the comprehensive educational activities conducted within the foundation. The delegation also received information about the operation of migration and cultural centers that strengthen social cohesion and brotherhood, and stated that Bülbülzade Foundation’s multifaceted institutional structure and field experience are inspiring for local administrations as well. During the visit, it was decided to take joint steps toward strengthening cooperation between civil society and public institutions.SOLIDARITY IN THE DISASTER REGION AND FUTURE VISION WERE DISCUSSEDOne of the most important agenda items of the meeting was the recovery and rehabilitation efforts being carried out in the earthquake-affected regions of İslahiye and Nurdağı. The foundation’s permanent projects and social support activities in the region, where it has played an active role since the very first moments of the earthquake, were highly appreciated. Kahta Mayor Mehmet Can Hallaç and Kahta District Governor Muhammed Üsame Soysal emphasized the importance of this strong solidarity in the aftermath of the disaster. Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir also expressed his satisfaction with the visit and stated that they are ready for cooperation and sharing experiences in every field that produces social benefit.

The Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival organized by Bülbülzade Foundation at Festivals Park between June 11-14 continues with the participation of hundreds of residents of Gaziantep.The events held on Saturday at the charity bazaar and festival area established in Festivals Park attracted great interest from the people of Gaziantep. On this first day of the weekend, guests enjoyed a wide range of activities, from handicraft workshops and environmental walks to traditional children's games and sports performances. The artistic events, talks, and music recitals held during the evening session brought the excitement to its peak, providing visitors who filled the festival grounds with an enjoyable Saturday evening.THE EVENT PROGRAM WAS HELD WITH INTENSE PARTICIPATIONThe busy program that continued throughout the day began in the morning at the Children's Activities Stand with henna painting. The afternoon session was devoted to handicrafts and artistic activities; in this context, a drama workshop, a wallet-making art workshop, and a tile art workshop were organized. Following the artistic activities, an environmental-themed walk was held. The late afternoon program continued with workshops and sports performances; the process that began with a wood painting activity continued with traditional children's games and a Taekwondo demonstration performed on stage. The final part of the day was entirely dedicated to culture and art; following the Katre Art activities in front of the stage, a Talk and Music Recital program was held with the participation of Hüseyin Rahmi Açıkkol, Bekir Taha Güvenç, Asım Mıhçıoğlu, and İbrahim Alisinanoğlu.THE FOURTH DAY OF THE GREAT GATHERINGThe activities on Sunday, June 14, the final day of the traditional festival, will once again be presented to visitors with a rich program. The fourth day's schedule will begin at 11:00 with henna painting inside the stand. At 13:00, a Recycling Workshop aimed at raising environmental awareness will be set up in front of the stand, and from 14:00 onwards, entertainment will continue with the Crazy Cups Game. Following the Environmental Walk to be held at 15:00, the program will continue with intellectual competitions. At 16:00, the Siyer-i Nebi Knowledge Competition will be held on stage, followed by the History of Prophets Knowledge Competition at 16:30. During the evening session, at 17:00, a Karate Demonstration accompanied by teachers and students will be performed in front of the stage. The closing events of the festival will feature music-filled moments. At 18:00, the children's choir performance will meet the audience, and the grand organization will conclude at 19:00 with the Katre Teachers Music Recital.