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.

One of the significant works of Turkish cinema, "My Father and My Son", met with audiences as part of the Katre Art Film Series.Organized regularly every month by the Katre Art and Science Center, which continues its activities under the umbrella of our Foundation, the Katre Art Film Series continues to bring cinema enthusiasts together with distinguished productions. Within the scope of the program, a screening and analysis of "My Father and My Son", directed by Çağan Irmak and leaving a deep mark on the history of Turkish cinema, was carried out. The event, which attracted intense participation, was hosted in the Zeugma Hall of Zade Life Hotel.A PLATFORM FOR IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONCinema enthusiasts attending the event participated in a professional film-reading session before and after the screening. During this session, conducted with the active contributions of the participants, the film’s screenplay structure, character analyses, historical background, and cinematographic elements were examined in all aspects. An in-depth discussion platform was formed around the production, in which themes such as intergenerational conflict, family ties, belonging, and confrontation were intensely explored.During the analysis section, emphasis was placed on the film’s reflections in individual and collective memory. Participants evaluated the director’s visual language and the emotional dynamics of the scenes from a technical perspective. The program, which continued with an analysis of the psychological depth of the characters, concluded following a question-and-answer session and mutual exchange of ideas.

Anadolu Federation will hold a comprehensive workshop on June 6-7 at Bülbülzade Foundation with the participation of expert academics and educators to finalize civil education curricula designed for all age groups.As part of civil education efforts, preparations for new curricula that will raise awareness and instill values across all segments of society have reached the final stage. The educational content that federation members have been working on for a long time will be discussed in detail during a large-scale event hosted by Bülbülzade Foundation on June 6-7. The event, which will bring together expert teachers, academics, and educators, will examine the prepared programs from different perspectives and help make them stronger and more applicable.COLLECTIVE WISDOM IN THE CURRICULUMBeyond shaping educational programs through individual evaluations alone, a systematic review process is now being implemented. In the federation’s curriculum development approach, the workshop system carries a meaning far beyond that of a standard meeting organization. Thanks to this structured model, which includes collaborative production and institutional learning processes, working groups are not limited to the modules they have developed themselves. Teams that have the opportunity to review content prepared by other groups contribute to the formation of a common quality language by identifying shortcomings at an early stage through the “Cross-Reading” method.REVISION PROCESSES WILL BE MADE SYSTEMATICAmong the main focal points of the organization is bringing together different working groups around the same educational philosophy to create a common approach. While improving the content in terms of pedagogical structure and institutional alignment is prioritized, a common concept pool will also be established to prevent the inconsistent use of key concepts across different modules. Thanks to this system, which transforms criticism into practical and concrete revision proposals, the institution’s overall educational vision will be elevated to a higher level at the end of the event.

İstikrar Sports Club has launched the application process for its summer term courses, which will provide training in seven different branches. The club is waiting for participants who want to make sports a habit.İstikrar Sports Club has started the registration process for its summer sports training programs. Aiming to contribute to the physical development of children and young people in Gaziantep, the club seeks to help participants adopt sports as a way of life through its new season program, which will be conducted under the guidance of expert coaches. Applications continue for candidates of all ages who wish to spend their holiday period actively and productively through sports.GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL LESSONSHaving prepared a comprehensive training program, İstikrar Sports Club will operate in the branches of karate, taekwondo, basketball, swimming, kickboxing, aikido, and fitness. The training programs are planned to be open to all participants aged 6 and above. The goal is for children and young people to gain sports discipline at an early age. Accordingly, athletes between the ages of 6 and 17 will receive training in kickboxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, and aikido. Adults who wish to maintain their physical fitness and lead a healthy lifestyle have not been forgotten in the program. Individual fitness lessons and professional coaching services are offered for participants aged 17 and above.Those who wish to take their first step into sports by joining the summer courses are required to complete their registration in person. Applications are being accepted face-to-face at İstikrar Sports Club.Address: Güneykent, 102265. Sk. No:11, 27470 Şahinbey/Gaziantep

The Summer Schools, traditionally organized every year under the umbrella of the Bülbülzade Foundation, will open their doors on June 29 with a rich educational curriculum and a wide range of social activities.The Bülbülzade Foundation has completed preparations for its Summer Schools, which are designed to help children and young people spend their summer holidays productively while having fun and gaining multidimensional benefits. Serving participants between the ages of 7 and 20 across a wide geographical area, primarily in Gaziantep, the program will continue uninterrupted for five weeks from June 29 to July 31, 2026. Activities will be carried out actively at the Foundation Center, Semt-i İbrahimli, Bilim-Der, Gaziantep and Syria Anatolian Culture Centers, as well as in earthquake-affected regions such as Nurdağı and İslahiye, bringing together thousands of young people.THEORETICAL COURSES AND SOCIAL WORKSHOPS TOGETHERPrepared to support both the intellectual and physical development of children, who are the guarantee of the future, this term’s curriculum stands out with its rich course content and enjoyable social activities. Throughout the five-week period, participants will receive comprehensive instruction in Qur’an Recitation, Hadiths Through Stories, STEAM, 5W1H in My Faith, Basic Religious Knowledge, Living with Values, Drama, and Digital Literacy.In addition to theoretical education, the schedule also includes special programs such as swimming, karate, taekwondo, botany, horseback riding, guitar, violin, robotics coding, clay workshops, and art workshops, where young people can develop their manual skills, artistic abilities, and athletic talents. Through picnics, nature camps, and cultural excursions organized throughout the term, it is aimed to help students gain environmental awareness while contributing to the development of humanitarian, social, and spiritual values.CALL FOR VOLUNTEERSWe invite all volunteer instructors who wish to touch the lives of children and share their knowledge and experience during this meaningful educational journey to join us as part of our Summer School team: Click Here to Volunteer

The Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival, traditionally organized every year by the Bülbülzade Foundation, will welcome visitors at Festivals Park between June 11-14, 2026.The Charity Bazaar and Spring Festival, which the Bülbülzade Foundation has been consistently organizing for more than twenty years and which represents an important culture of solidarity in the city, is opening its doors this year at Festivals Park. The event, which will begin on Thursday, June 11 and continue until Sunday evening, June 14, aims to appeal to all age groups with a wide range of activities. The Mosaic Women and Family Association, Hayata Dokun Orphan Association, Pusula Bookstore, Katre Art and Science Center, as well as the foundation’s children, secondary education, project, and media units, will take their places at the festival with their own stands.At these stands, both institutional promotions will be carried out and handmade products prepared with the contributions of volunteers will be offered for sale. One of the most important elements strengthening the social solidarity aspect of the festival will be the traditional culinary delicacies of Gaziantep, carefully prepared by the foundation’s volunteer women and the mothers of orphans under the Hayata Dokun Orphan Association. ESC international volunteers will also be present in the activity areas to contribute to intercultural interaction.CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPSThe program on the first day of the festival, Thursday, June 11, will open at 4:00 PM in the stage area with “Children’s Songs” 4-6 Age Group Stage Performances. Immediately afterward, at 5:00 PM, a nature walk for children aged 4-12 will be held in the festival area. Workshop activities will gain momentum toward the evening. At 6:00 PM, a Salt Ceramic Workshop for children aged 7-11 will be organized inside the stand area. The closing event of the first day will be the 7-11 Age Group Art Workshop, starting at 7:00 PM inside the stand area.ACCESSIBLE MUSIC PERFORMANCESThe activities on Friday, June 12, will begin at 4:00 PM with a Mind and Intelligence Games Workshop to be set up in front of the stand area. At 5:00 PM, Family Competitions will be organized on the stage with the participation of children aged 4-12. At 6:00 PM, a “Fake Marbling Art” activity will be held within the Art Workshop inside the stand area. At 7:00 PM, the adventurous “Treasure Hunt Game” will bring children together inside the stand area. At 7:30 PM, an “Aikido Demonstration” will be presented in front of the stage with instructors and students. While a “Nature Walk” will be held throughout the festival area at 8:00 PM, a “Mini Concert and Performance” prepared by the students of GAP School for the Visually Impaired will meet the audience on the main stage. At 8:30 PM, a “Banner Preparation” activity will be conducted in front of the stage, and Friday’s program will conclude at 9:00 PM with the “Katre Instructors’ Music Performance” in the stage area.CULTURAL TOURNAMENTS AND CHILDREN’S CHOIR TAKE THE STAGE ON THE THIRD DAYThe program on Saturday, June 13, will start early at 11:00 AM with “Henna Application” inside the stand area. At 1:00 PM, a “Drama Workshop” in the stage area and a “Wallet-Making Art Workshop” inside the stand area will begin simultaneously. At 2:00 PM, a “Tile Art” themed Art Workshop in front of the stand area and a “Nature Walk” throughout the festival grounds will be organized. As an activity aimed at increasing family interaction, a “Father-Son Mangala Tournament” will be held at 4:30 PM in the stage area. At 5:00 PM, “Wood Painting” in front of the stand area and a “Giant Painting Activity” in front of the stage will take place simultaneously. At 6:00 PM, “Traditional Children’s Games,” which are gradually being forgotten, will be played in front of the stage. At 6:30 PM, a “Taekwondo Demonstration” will be held in front of the stage with instructors and students. At 7:00 PM, the “Katre Instructors’ Music Performance” will delight audiences. Saturday’s program will conclude at 8:00 PM with the “Children’s Choir” on stage.THE FINAL DAY WILL CLOSE WITH QUIZZES AND A CULTURAL TALKThe event schedule for the final day of the Spring Festival, Sunday, June 14, will begin at 11:00 AM with “Henna Application” inside the stand area. At 1:00 PM, an “Recycling Workshop” in front of the stand area will contribute to environmental awareness. The entertaining “Crazy Cups Game” will take place on stage at 2:00 PM. At 3:00 PM, the “Nature Walk” will be repeated throughout the festival grounds. The afternoon will be devoted to intellectual and religious knowledge competitions. At 4:00 PM, a “Siyer-i Nebi Quiz Competition” and at 4:30 PM a “History of Prophets Quiz Competition” will be held in the stage area. At 5:00 PM, a “Karate Demonstration” will be performed in front of the stage with instructors and students. At 6:00 PM, the “Katre Instructors’ Music Performance” and at 7:00 PM the “Children’s Choir” will once again meet visitors.The grand festival will conclude with an important session to be held at 8:00 PM in the stage area. This year’s traditional event will come to an end with a “Talk and Music Performance” featuring H. Rahmi Açıkkol, Mehmet Kırıcı, Asım Mıhçıoğlu, and İbrahim Alisinanoğlu.