The Education Curricula Workshop organized by the Anadolu Federation began on June 6-7 at the Bülbülzade Foundation headquarters with the participation of numerous academics, educators, and civil society volunteers.Organized by the Anadolu Federation with the aim of shaping the new-term vision that will guide educational activities, the Education Curricula Workshop was held with the intensive participation of many academics, expert educators, and civil society volunteers from all corners of Anatolia. Opening its doors with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, this intensive two-day program is being held on June 6-7 at the Bülbülzade Foundation headquarters. During the sessions, where participants share their knowledge, experience, and expertise, the new challenges, cultural transformations, and structural issues brought about by the rapidly digitalizing modern world are examined in depth. All stages of building a human-centered, profound, original, and entirely indigenous educational model capable of standing against this global and digital wave are being comprehensively discussed through the collective wisdom of academics and experts.A HOLISTIC AND FLUID EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHYSpeaking at the opening of the workshop, Anadolu Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir emphasized that education is not merely a technical process. Drawing attention to the rapid consumption, digitalization, and superficiality of today’s world, Aldemir stated that, as the Federation and Foundation, they advocate a holistic and fluid educational philosophy that addresses the human being in six fundamental dimensions: intellectual, emotional, moral, spiritual, physical, and aesthetic. He noted that through this curriculum study, they aim to transform their efforts to produce good people, effective words, and qualified works into tangible opportunities.A JOURNEY OF AWAKENING AND PERSONALITY FORMATIONDefining the role of education in this age of digitalization and rapid consumption, President Aldemir stated: “In such an era, education is no longer merely a technical process; it is about opening the doors to an environment, a deepening process, and a character-building journey that amplifies the essence within a person and enables the liberation of that strengthened essence.” Stating that they shape the Federation’s vision in line with these principles, Aldemir expressed their approach to humanity with the words: “In our perspective, education is not an engineering process that imposes a form from the outside; it is a journey of awakening, revival, and discovering one’s character that unfolds from within.”THE ENTIRE SOCIETY WILL BENEFIT FROM THE CURRICULUMTouching upon the institution’s fundamental mission and the connection established across generations, Aldemir stated, “Our primary goal is not to create generations dependent on us, but to establish a habitat where individuals can realize themselves, strengthen their essence, and at the same time work together.” Emphasizing the importance of responsibility, Aldemir said, “The past is our root, the present is our responsibility, and the future is our trust. We must act responsibly toward this and make preparations accordingly.” He added that the fundamental purpose of education is not to dull the potential within people but to reveal it. Aldemir announced that once the curriculum is completed, it will be opened to the contributions of the entire society in a fluid manner and will be published in different languages for the benefit of all humanity.WE WILL ADVANCE THE FEDERATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF EDUCATIONProf. Dr. Ahmet Yayla, who contributed significantly to the preparation of the Anadolu Federation Education Curricula Workshop and serves as the coordinator of the program, also addressed the participants at the opening ceremony. Stating that for a long time they had been working tirelessly with a broad team in homes and virtual environments on this issue, Yayla expressed his gratitude to all educators who made sacrifices in carrying out the project. He stated that the primary aim of this gathering is to strengthen mutual openness in education, establish a common language, and contribute to the quality of future educational programs. Yayla emphasized that throughout the workshop, they would not only review the modules but also advance the Federation’s understanding of education through the valuable suggestions of the participants.THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO TRANSFORM KNOWLEDGE INTO VIRTUEDrawing attention to the ontological, epistemological, and axiological foundations of education, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yayla described the tendency of modern educational systems to view knowledge as a commodity to be bought and sold as a major deadlock of the capitalist system. Stating that merely memorizing knowledge is not sufficient, Yayla emphasized that what truly matters is the practical reflection of that knowledge in life and how it is transformed into virtue and wisdom. He also opened a separate discussion on the importance of the aesthetic and artistic dimension. Noting that positivist and reductionist approaches define human beings in a one-dimensional manner and thereby pave the way for the crises of the modern world, Yayla stated that humanity’s spiritual and metaphysical needs should not be ignored. He added that an aesthetic sensitivity capable of addressing spiritually hungry souls through all branches of art, from literature to cinema, must certainly be incorporated into educational programs.

Preparations for the Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival, traditionally organized under the umbrella of the Bülbülzade Foundation, are continuing at full speed. Within this scope, we held a broadly attended organization meeting at the foundation headquarters.Prior to the Traditional Spring Festival, which has been organized uninterruptedly by the Bülbülzade Foundation for more than twenty years and will be held this year at the Festival Park between June 11–14, 2026, the foundation’s units came together for an organization meeting. During the meeting, which was organized to ensure that the festival is carried out flawlessly and in a manner befitting the institution’s corporate identity, details regarding site management and coordination were discussed. During the session attended by the administrators of the Mosaic Women and Family Association, Hayata Dokun Orphan Association, Pusula Bookstore, Katre Art and Science Center, and the foundation’s children, secondary education, project, and media units, the site layout plans and the four-day event schedule were reviewed.TASK DISTRIBUTION AMONG UNITS COMPLETEDIn the first part of the meeting, the commissions that will serve throughout the festival were determined, and an official distribution of duties among the units was carried out. It was clarified which units would assume responsibility for critical areas such as children's activities, stage coordination, sports performances, and logistics. In this section, where each unit presented its work plan related to its field of activity, the necessary planning for the professional execution of event scheduling and on-site coordination was approved.STANDS AND PRODUCT PREPARATIONS DISCUSSED IN DETAILAnother important agenda item of the organization meeting was the stands to be established at the festival area and the preparation processes for the products to be exhibited there. Comprehensive information was provided regarding the products that will be featured at the promotional and sales stands to be opened by the foundation units and affiliated associations. Detailed presentations were made on the logistics of products prepared through the handiwork of volunteers, the hygiene and supply processes of gastronomy stands where local delicacies of Gaziantep will be offered, and the preparation stages of publications to be exhibited at cultural stands.

Fecr Radio, which broadcasts in Arabic, is enriching its content by introducing four new programs prepared under the leadership of its dynamic and young team.Continuing its broadcasting activities in Arabic, Fecr Radio is expanding its audience by adding new content to its existing program schedule. With a young and dynamic broadcasting team, the radio station is simultaneously launching four new programs covering a wide range of topics, from social issues and family matters to quick information sharing and current politics. In the new broadcasting period, where existing programs continue uninterrupted, Fecr Radio is strengthening its institutional presence in the media field with content that closely follows both the Turkish and Syrian agendas.NEW CONTENT RANGING FROM DAILY LIFE TO POLITICSOne of the prominent productions of the new broadcasting period, “Mornings Are Better with Lina,” hosted by Lina Baghdadi, continues to meet listeners every morning. The program addresses social and societal issues from a current perspective. The new program “Connection Point,” prepared to support the family institution and social structure, presents family-related problems and possible solutions to listeners through remote internet connections. The program is hosted by Rania Aisha and Betül Hassun, with Ghada Hamadoun serving as its permanent guest.YOUNG STAFF AND DYNAMIC FORMATSAnother new production reflecting the energy of the radio station’s young team, “After the Question,” aims to provide listeners with quick and easily accessible information. The program is hosted by Muntasir Billah Mohammed and Yusuf Mohammed. Meanwhile, for listeners closely following regional politics, the program “Harvest of the Week” brings current political developments in Syria and Türkiye to the agenda. Presented by Alaaddin Husso, the program offers an in-depth analysis of the period’s prominent political developments through the insights of guest Savfan Cemmo.Fecr Radio continues to offer a broader range of content to its listeners with its new programs while maintaining its existing broadcasting approach.

Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, held high-level meetings at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Washington and the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) as part of his special visit to the United States (USA). The meetings, during which civil society activities, international educational collaborations, and regional developments were discussed, proved highly productive.Regional Developments and NGO Activities Discussed at the Ambassador’s ResidenceAs part of the visit program, Turgay Aldemir was warmly received by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Washington, Sedat Önal, at the ambassadorial residence, where they engaged in discussions regarding civil society activities in Türkiye and across the region.During the meeting with Ambassador Önal, who had previously taken an active role in field activities during the Ambassadors Conference held in Gaziantep, Türkiye’s humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives on the international stage were evaluated. In particular, an insightful exchange of views was held on critical issues including Syria, the Geneva process, safe zone initiatives, and Ambassador Önal’s extensive experience in Iranian diplomacy accumulated over many years. The meeting also included a substantive discussion on the current situation of Turkish and Muslim communities in the United States, strengthening communication among them, the challenges they face, and their participation in social processes.Steps Toward International Cooperation in EducationAs part of his engagements at the Embassy, Aldemir also met with Washington Education Counselor Prof. Dr. Fatih Savaşan to discuss the circumstances of Turkish undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students studying in the United States, as well as visiting academics.During the meeting, where potential global-scale educational projects were evaluated, Counselor Savaşan stated that the Anatolian Federation’s educational initiatives, international activities, and educational partnerships would be welcomed for all forms of qualified collaboration.Emphasis on a Shared Vision at the Diyanet Center of AmericaWithin the framework of the U.S. program, Turgay Aldemir also visited Fatih Kanca, Counselor for Social Affairs and Religious Services at the Diyanet Center of America (DCA), and received information about the center’s ongoing activities.During the comprehensive and extensive meeting, a common understanding was reached on numerous social and cultural issues. During the visit, hosted warmly by Fatih Kanca, he was also invited to participate in the traditional “Anatolian Gatherings” program to be held in the upcoming period.“We Are Strengthening Our Collaborations on a Global Scale”Following the visits, Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, expressed his satisfaction with the warm hospitality extended to him and stated:"We held highly productive meetings in the United States in both diplomatic and cultural spheres. Benefiting from the extensive diplomatic experience of our Ambassador, Mr. Sedat Önal, discussing the future of our youth and academic collaborations with our Education Counselor, Prof. Dr. Fatih Savaşan, and uniting around our shared values with our Religious Services Counselor, Mr. Fatih Kanca, were all extremely valuable for us. As the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, we remain committed to carrying the strength of civil society onto the international stage and sustaining these meaningful collaborations."Located in the state of Maryland, near Washington, D.C., the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) is not merely a place of worship; with its architecture, social facilities, and mission, it stands as one of the most visionary projects in North America.As emphasized during Turgay Aldemir’s visit, this complex serves as a bridge of culture and faith, carrying the strength of Türkiye’s deep-rooted civilizational heritage into the modern world.The architectural structure of the Diyanet Center of America, its distinguished activities, and the way it represents the unifying mission of the Ottoman legacy can be examined under the following headings:1. Architectural Grandeur: The Signature of Classical Ottoman Art in AmericaThe Diyanet Center of America is a masterpiece that carries the aesthetic vision of 16th-century Classical Ottoman architecture to the American continent. Designed by architect Muharrem Hilmi Şenalp, this complex is virtually a living museum with its exceptional quality of materials and craftsmanship.Traditional Building Materials and Craftsmanship: The marble used in the construction of the mosque was brought from Türkiye (Afyon and Marmara Island); stone, wood, mother-of-pearl, and tile craftsmanship were executed on-site by Turkish artisans using traditional methods.Central Dome and Twin Minarets: The mosque, featuring two minarets, embodies the expansive central dome concept that is the hallmark of traditional Ottoman architecture. The calligraphic inscriptions and ornamental decorations within the dome present some of the finest examples of classical Islamic art.The Rebirth of the Külliye Tradition: The center is not merely a mosque. It has been built according to the concept of the “Külliye,” which formed the foundation of urbanization in Islamic civilization. The mosque stands at the center, surrounded by social, cultural, and recreational facilities that touch every aspect of life.2. Distinguished and Visionary Initiatives: A Living CenterThe DCA is a multifaceted community center that enriches the religious and cultural lives of Muslims and the Turkish community in America while strengthening their integration into society.Cultural and Educational Center: Through its library, exhibition halls, conference facilities, and classrooms located within the complex, the center continuously hosts panels, seminars, and language and arts courses. Both academic and public-oriented programs are carried out to accurately present Islamic civilization.Well-Equipped Sports Center: The modern indoor sports hall, fitness center, and social facilities foster a sense of belonging among young people and families, seamlessly integrating spiritual life with social engagement.Accommodation and Living Spaces (Cultural Houses): Constructed in the style of traditional Turkish-Islamic architecture, these residences serve both as guesthouses and as accommodation and study centers for researchers, students, and visitors.Interfaith and Intercultural Communication: The center functions as a diplomatic hub with an “open-door” policy, conveying Islam’s message of peace and tolerance to the diverse religious and cultural communities of American society.3. Reviving the Ottoman Mission of Inclusiveness and UnityFor centuries, the Ottoman Empire upheld a vision often described as Pax Ottomanica (Ottoman Peace), successfully enabling communities of different religions, languages, ethnicities, and sects to coexist in harmony. The Diyanet Center of America revives this inclusive and integrative mission in the modern world.A Common Roof for the Ummah: Muslims living in America do not come from a single background; African Americans, South Asians, Arabs, and Turks constitute a rich diversity. Reminiscent of the just and inclusive spirit of the Ottoman “Millet System,” the DCA serves as a unifying force that brings together all Muslims without regard to ethnic distinctions.A Vision of Aesthetics and Civilization: Wherever it reached, the Ottoman Empire brought not only stone buildings but also a sense of aesthetics and justice. In the heart of the Western world, this center represents the aesthetic dimension of Islam, its architectural elegance, and its intellectual depth, providing one of the strongest cultural responses to negative perceptions such as Islamophobia.A Vision for the Future: This investment by Türkiye offers a deeply rooted point of reference for the construction of the future American Muslim identity. Like a tree whose roots run deep into the Ottoman-Seljuk heritage while its branches extend toward the future through modern opportunities in education, sports, and science, it creates a foundation upon which future generations can preserve their identities while attaining respected positions within society.In summary; the Diyanet Center of America is not merely a collection of structures made of stone and marble. It is the most visionary and distinguished reflection in 21st-century America of the külliye spirit of the Ottoman tradition—one that places people at its center, unites aesthetics with worship, and integrates sports with education.

Nurdağı District Governor Nurullah Cemil Erciyas visited our foundation headquarters and received detailed information about our activities in the earthquake-affected region, humanitarian efforts in Syria, and upcoming projects.Nurdağı District Governor Nurullah Cemil Erciyas paid an official visit to the headquarters of the Bülbülzade Foundation. During the visit, Erciyas met with our Foundation President Turgay Aldemir and members of our board of directors, receiving first-hand information about the activities carried out by our foundation.The main agenda of the meeting was the projects implemented by our foundation in the Nurdağı earthquake zone following the February 6 earthquakes. We discussed in detail with Governor Erciyas the social, cultural, and humanitarian aid activities we have been carrying out in the region to help erase the traces of the disaster, and evaluated potential areas of cooperation for the coming period.Humanitarian aid efforts across Türkiye and Syria, as well as regional developments, were also among the important topics discussed during the meeting.FULL MARKS FOR OMIM STUDIO AND KATREAs part of the visit program, District Governor Nurullah Cemil Erciyas toured the Middle East Media and Communication Center (OMIM Studio) and the Katre Art and Science Center, both operating under our foundation. Examining the technical infrastructure and ongoing activities on-site, Erciyas emphasized the importance of these digital and artistic spaces in contributing to the development of young people.SPRING FESTIVAL AND SUMMER SCHOOLS ON THE AGENDAPlans for the upcoming period were also discussed during the visit. We exchanged views on our traditional Summer Schools project, for which preparations are ongoing, as well as the approaching Spring Festival.We were pleased to share that products handmade by earthquake-affected women at our Tailoring Workshop in Nurdağı will be showcased at the festival stands. We noted that this production initiative, which supports women’s employment and rehabilitation, will be one of the most meaningful highlights of the festival.At the conclusion of the visit, our Foundation President Turgay Aldemir expressed his gratitude to Nurdağı District Governor Nurullah Cemil Erciyas for his close attention to and support for the region.The visit concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill and an emphasis on continued cooperation.

As part of the U.S. visit of Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) hosted two significant and well-attended programs. The first was a strategic seminar organized within the framework of Friday Gatherings, while the second was a major workshop comparing the higher education systems of Türkiye and the United States.First Stop: Strategic Deliberation on Civil Society, Civil Diaspora, and SyriaWithin the scope of the "Friday Gatherings" program hosted by Fatih Kanca, Social Affairs and Religious Services Counselor at DCA, a high-level seminar and consultation meeting titled “Civil Society, Civil Diaspora, and Syria” was held.Following the presentation delivered by Turgay Aldemir, the topics were discussed extensively with the active participation of Turkish academics, researchers, and experts residing and working in the United States. Benefiting from the participants’ expertise and field experience, the meeting proved highly productive, offering illuminating perspectives and a forward-looking vision regarding regional policies, migration processes, and ways to make the diaspora more effective through civil society initiatives. In his presentation, Aldemir stated:“Türkiye-Syria relations, rooted in a deep civilization and an ‘urban twinship’ bond that artificial borders could not separate, experienced a historic rupture beginning in 2011 with the brutality of the Baath regime and the sacrifice of one million martyrs. In the face of this crisis, which was prolonged by proxy wars among global actors and U.S. support for terrorist organizations such as the PYD/YPG, Türkiye taught the world a lesson in humanity through its Open Door Policy, cross-border operations, and the schools, hospitals, and local council models it established within a 30-kilometer safe zone, enabling the dignified return of more than 1.5 million people. Although the collapse of the Baath regime on December 8, 2024, and Assad’s flight left behind a country with 65 percent of its infrastructure destroyed and an empty treasury, the peaceful stance demonstrated by the revolutionaries through the Transitional Justice Committee and diplomatic achievements such as the removal of Caesar sanctions have marked a new milestone for a New Syria. In this new era, where reconstruction costs exceed 600 billion dollars, civil society organizations must completely close the chapter of ‘emergency aid’ and transition to a model of ‘sustainable development’ that will revive production, law, education, and universities, thereby rebuilding Syria spiritually and intellectually.”Second Major Step: Higher Education Workshop with the Participation of 27 University RectorsAnother major event held at the Diyanet Center of America was the Higher Education Workshop organized under the sponsorship of the Turkish National Agency and coordinated by National Agency President İlker Astarcı.The workshop was attended by Ambassador of Türkiye to Washington Sedat Önal, embassy officials, representatives of relevant institutions, and Anatolian Federation Chairman Turgay Aldemir, alongside approximately 80 academics working in the United States and rectors from 27 universities in Türkiye.Within the framework of the workshop, comprehensive academic and administrative analyses were conducted under the title “Comparison of the American Higher Education System and the Turkish Higher Education System.” The strengths of the educational models of both countries, student and academic exchange programs, internationalization strategies, and joint scientific projects were discussed in a highly qualified consultative environment.“Historic Steps in Academic and Cultural Diplomacy”Following the events, Turgay Aldemir stated that the Diyanet Center of America serves as a bridge worthy of Türkiye’s global vision and said:“Bringing together our academics, who represent our intellectual strength in America, to discuss both our civil diaspora vision and the realities of Syria and the region was an extremely strategic step. Immediately afterward, the Higher Education Workshop, organized under the leadership of the Turkish National Agency with the participation of our Ambassador in Washington, 27 university rectors, and 80 academics, constitutes a historic collaboration that brings the academic worlds of our two countries closer together. I would like to thank our Counselor Fatih Kanca and all officials who contributed to and hosted these distinguished gatherings.”You can access the full speech of Turgay Aldemir’s session titled “Türkiye and Civil Diplomacy in the Reconstruction of the New Syria” here.