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.

The Common Future Meeting, organized as part of the Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival by Bülbülzade Foundation, brought together representatives of Turkish and Syrian communities around a strategic and philosophical vision.As part of the Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival events organized by Bülbülzade Foundation, a comprehensive Common Future Meeting was held to discuss social cohesion processes in the region and strategic steps for the future. The meeting, attended by Syrian community leaders, academics, and bureaucrats, featured speeches by Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, Migration Services Center Coordinator Remzi Yılmaz, Foundation Board of Trustees Member Mahmut Kaçmazer, Temporary Protection Integration Group Head Raşit Korkmaz, and Prof. Dr. Yücel Karadaş. During the meeting, many critical topics were discussed, including the legal status of Syrian migrants, travel permits, economic integration, and future institutional cooperation.A NEW ERA IN MIGRATION MANAGEMENTRaşit Korkmaz, Head of the Temporary Protection Integration Group, first shared information regarding institutional restructuring within the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and current legal procedures being implemented. Korkmaz stated that the residence permit unit has now been incorporated into the scope of regular migration and reminded participants that it is legally impossible for individuals who did not enter the country through legal channels to obtain residence permits. He announced that the Gaziantep Consulate has become operational and noted that various conveniences have been provided regarding address declarations and travel permits for individuals under temporary protection status, while legal obligations continue in full. He stated that there is currently no comprehensive study on the matter, but that in the long term they expect those under temporary protection status to transition to a residence permit model.WE WILL LEARN FROM THE PAST AND BUILD THE FUTURESpeaking at the meeting, Mahmut Kaçmazer stated that they share the same history and view the suffering experienced as their own. Kaçmazer emphasized that just as people stood shoulder to shoulder at Gallipoli, today they also share a common destiny and future. He noted that after enduring great hardships, attention should now be focused on learning from the past and determining how to build the future. Kaçmazer stated that an overarching vision must be developed to produce together, set common goals, and witness once again the days when bridges between Gaziantep and Aleppo can be rebuilt without even asking for identity documents. He stressed that societies are like the fingers of one hand.THE ADMINISTRATION OF COEXISTENCE WILL OVERCOME BUREAUCRATIC OBSTACLESProf. Dr. Yücel Karadaş evaluated the current state of relations between the Turkish and Syrian peoples from an academic perspective. Karadaş stated that especially over the last two years, both sides have come to understand much more clearly the awareness of coexistence and the inevitability of this reality. He shared his vision of a common future in which bureaucratic obstacles are overcome and a more comfortable system of entry and exit is established.A VISION OF A GREAT GEOGRAPHY AFTER A CENTURY OF LONGINGIn the closing section of the meeting, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir stated that the two societies are like Jacob’s children who were separated from one another and that the painful war has reunited these people after a century of longing. Aldemir expressed that this historic process represents an important opportunity to carry societies into the future. He emphasized that, without becoming trapped by daily problems, it is necessary to revive the pluralism and diversity that have been lost on earth in order to once again become the hope of Aleppo, Damascus, Baghdad, Jerusalem, Mecca, Cairo, and indeed all humanity. Aldemir stressed that every individual must work harder by focusing on this great issue that transcends geographical borders. Concluding his speech, he stated that the time has come to discuss not problems, but planning, investments, ideas, thought, and philosophy.

The Traditional Spring Festival organized by Bülbülzade Foundation at Festivals Park hosted its official opening ceremony on its second day. Messages of unity, solidarity, and cooperation came to the forefront during the ceremony, which was attended by city officials and numerous guests.The official opening program of the Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival, which Bülbülzade Foundation has brought to Festivals Park this year, was held on the second day with strong participation. The opening ceremony was attended by Gaziantep Provincial Mufti Mustafa Soykök, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Feray Yılmaz, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Abdülkadir Sökücü, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, Mosaic Women and Family Association President Rabia Aldemir, heads of foundation units, volunteers, and many invited guests.THE RIBBON WAS CUT WITH PRAYERSSpeaking at the ceremony, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir said, “As Bülbülzade Foundation, we are honored to keep alive the spirit of solidarity in our city through this tradition that is approaching a quarter of a century. This movement of goodness, which has grown with the handcrafts of our volunteers and the great support of our people, is much more than a bazaar; it is the strongest bridge carrying our brotherhood and culture of sharing into the future.” Following the protocol speeches, ribbons were cut with the opening prayer led by Mufti Soykök, and participants toured the stands together afterward to receive information.STRENGTHENING SOCIAL BONDSThe festival, which will take place across the spacious area of Festivals Park between June 11–14, has attracted significant interest from the people of Gaziantep since its first day. The stands, prepared through weeks of effort by women’s branches, volunteers, and foundation units, showcase a wide range of products from handmade crafts to local delicacies. Aiming both to contribute to the foundation’s humanitarian aid activities and to strengthen social ties within the city, this meaningful organization once again demonstrated one of the finest examples of social solidarity on its opening day.

The Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival organized by Bülbülzade Foundation opened its doors at Festivals Park with first-day activities. On the opening day, which attracted significant participation from the people of Gaziantep, the festival grounds were enlivened with workshops and stage performances.One of the city's most established events, the Bülbülzade Foundation Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival, offered visitors moments filled with entertainment and solidarity on its first day. The first day's activities began at 4:00 PM with the "Children's Songs" stage performance for children aged 4-6, held on the main stage. This program, which witnessed joyful moments for children, was followed at 5:00 PM by a Nature Walk for children aged 4-12 around the festival area. During the evening hours, creative spaces were established within the stands for children. The Salt Ceramics Workshop for ages 7-11, which began at 6:00 PM, and the Art Workshop held at 7:00 PM enabled young guests to showcase their skills and enjoy a memorable first day. The stands opened by the foundation's units, along with handmade local delicacies, attracted great interest from visitors from the very first day.EXCITEMENT CONTINUES ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVALThe activities of the festival's second day, Friday, June 12, will begin at 4:00 PM with the Mind and Intelligence Games Workshop in front of the stands. At 5:00 PM, Family Competitions for children aged 4-12 will be held on the main stage. During the evening session, an Art Workshop themed "Fake Marbling Art" will take place inside the stands at 6:00 PM, followed by a Treasure Hunt Game at 7:00 PM. At 7:30 PM, an Aikido Demonstration by Instructors and Students will be presented in front of the stage. At 8:00 PM, a Nature Walk will be held around the festival grounds, while the GAP School for the Visually Impaired – Mini Concert and Performance Program will meet the audience on the main stage. Following the Banner Preparation activity in front of the stage at 8:30 PM, the second day of the festival will conclude with the Katre Instructors' Music Recital at 9:00 PM.