Students recharged their spirits ahead of their midterm exams during the Mardin trip organized by AÖB Gaziantep on October 24. This special route, where history and culture intertwine, offered young people an unforgettable experience.The Gaziantep branch of the Anatolian Student Union (AÖB) organized a comprehensive trip to Mardin for university students on October 24. Aiming to help young people relieve stress ahead of the upcoming midterm exams and become better acquainted with the region’s rich historical heritage, the event took place in the captivating atmosphere of Mesopotamia.THEY EXPERIENCED ANCIENT HISTORYThe tour program began in the district of Midyat, renowned for its stone craftsmanship. The students explored Midyat’s enchanting stone mansions and the famous Sıla Mansion with great admiration. Following a pleasant walk through Midyat’s narrow and authentic streets, they observed the intricacies of the telkari (filigree) art firsthand at the Silverwork Bazaar. Mor Gabriel Monastery, one of the region’s most important centers for faith tourism, was also among the special stops where the young people experienced its ancient history.A WELCOMING ATMOSPHEREFollowing the monastery visit, the group headed to Beyaz Su for a break surrounded by nature. The cool waters and tranquility of nature helped the young people forget the fatigue of the journey. Continuing the program, they embarked on a journey through time among the mysterious ruins of Dara Ancient City, known as the “Ephesus of Mesopotamia.” Upon arriving in central Mardin, students were welcomed by the lively and embracing atmosphere of Culture Street and Art Street.From Cumhuriyet Square, the young people admired the city from above and, during their free time, had the opportunity to independently discover Mardin’s local delicacies and cultural richness. Having both mentally unwound ahead of exam week and felt the deep-rooted heritage of Anatolia in their hearts, the students returned to Gaziantep with fresh smiles on their faces.

A delegation consisting of representatives of civil society organizations visited Bülbülzade Foundation and held important consultations.Managers of civil society organizations and opinion leaders from various regions of Türkiye gathered in Gaziantep. Civil society representatives who attended the “Terror-Free Türkiye” program organized by the Foundation for Voluntary Organizations of Türkiye (TGTV) in Gaziantep paid a visit to Bülbülzade Foundation with broad participation. During this gathering, key issues such as the strength of civil society on the ground, its future, and institutional social solidarity were discussed in detail.EXPERIENCE SHARINGThe visiting delegation included many experienced and young figures from the civil society sector. Deputy Secretary General of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW), Dr. İbrahim Altan, and President of Mehir Foundation, Mustafa Özdemir,Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dalgıç Solidarity Foundation, Şaban Odabaşı, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Rıdvan Hoca Foundation, Seyfi Pınarbaşı, President of AKADDER, Rabia Aldemir, Kahramanmaraş Representative of Mehir Foundation, Rana Müştekin, İlyas Göbebakan, and Attorney Betül Kırmacı were among the delegation members who shared their experiences at this gathering.YOUTHFUL RENEWAL IN CIVIL SOCIETYThe main agenda items of the meeting included steps toward rejuvenation in civil society, the active representation of women in management and field activities, and strengthening social solidarity networks. Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir briefed the delegation on the foundation’s ongoing field activities and projects developed for the benefit of society. Drawing attention to the foundation’s vision in the field of civil diplomacy, Aldemir emphasized the importance of civil society organizations acting together.

The Malhıtalı Köfte Competition, organized by Bülbülzade Foundation at the Winter Garden, witnessed moments full of flavor.A special event was organized by Bülbülzade Foundation in Gaziantep with the aim of keeping local flavors alive and bringing families together. The Malhıtalı Köfte Competition, in which participants showcased their skills, was held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the foundation’s Winter Garden. The event, which attracted great interest from families, offered participants the opportunity to spend an enjoyable time.THEY CHOSE THE BEST PLATEAt the event, for which Mustafa Uncuer was responsible for the organization, participants prepared all the ingredients, such as köfte, salad and pickles, at home and brought them to the competition venue. In this competition, where family participation was the main principle, evaluations were carefully conducted based on presentation and taste criteria. Jury members Mustafa Uncuer, Hüseyin Rahmi Açıkkol, Terzi Emel (Emel Soysal) and Asım Mıhçıoğlu tasted the beautifully presented plates and scored them to select the best one.Following the excitement of the competition, all participants sat down at the table together and enjoyed the menu consisting of the prepared malhıtalı köfte. At the event, where surprise gifts were presented to the contestants who placed in the top three, Buket Açıkkol came first, Ülkü Çıngı came second, and Ayşe Erdoğan came third.

A special workshop for young people was held within the framework of the Pusula project, supported by the Ministry of Interior.The “Pusula: Reading, Thinking, Producing Youth” project, implemented with the support of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Relations with Civil Society, continues to contribute to the personal development of young people. Within the scope of the project, carried out by BİLİM DER (Science Youth Education Social Health Culture Assistance and Solidarity Association), the “Competency Development Workshop,” scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, brought together participants.WE DEVELOPED BASIC SKILLSThe event, moderated by Merve İnce, was held at 13:30 in the Bilimder Farabi Book and Coffee Hall. The program aimed to develop young people's fundamental skills, such as strategic thinking and problem-solving. During the session, which proceeded under İnce's effective presentation, young people had the opportunity to engage in in-depth work on the competencies they would need in today's competitive environment.COOPERATION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLEOrganized in line with the project's main motto of a youth that reads, thinks, and produces, such activities lay the groundwork for participants to prepare for the future with greater competence. This strong cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and civil society organizations plays a critical role in unlocking the potential of younger generations. The organizers stated that similar educational activities, which will also be announced through www.bilimder.org in the coming period, will continue without slowing down.

Children gathered on Sof Mountain for a hike organized in cooperation with the Secondary Education and Volunteering Units of Bülbülzade Foundation.This event, specially planned for secondary school students seeking to take a break from their busy school schedules and academic stress, instilled in children a love of nature. Coming together through the foundation’s organization, the young participants enjoyed the fresh air and spent a productive day socializing with their peers. Participants gathered in front of the Bülbülzade Foundation building at 10:00 a.m. for the event held on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Departing from there, the group set off toward Sof Mountain, designated as the hiking route, and enjoyed pleasant moments immersed in nature.A PROFOUND EXPERIENCEEvery step taken within the ecosystem of Sof Mountain turned into an open-air classroom for the children. Life lessons that cannot be fully understood simply by reading about them in books within four walls were conveyed to the young participants firsthand through the language of nature itself during this hike. Listening to the sound of the wind, feeling the texture of the soil, and closely observing the cycles of life in nature, the students developed a lasting awareness on their path toward becoming environmentally conscious individuals. Overcoming the challenging sections of the hiking trail by supporting one another and joining hands, the children learned through a profound experience the value of solidarity, patience, and, most importantly, respecting the world we live in.

Within the scope of the project supported by the Ministry of Interior, participants were introduced to the practical and theoretical intricacies of visual storytelling.The Young Career and Digital Media Skills Academy project, carried out by the Anatolian Technical and Office Employees Association (ANTEB), continues its training activities. Within the scope of the project supported by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior, Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society, participants received training in camera and lighting techniques. The certified training program, organized with limited capacity and free participation, enables young people to transform their technical knowledge into an artistic form of expression.FROM THEORY TO PRACTICEDuring the lessons, which covered the language of the camera, the architecture of light, and advanced movement techniques, participants had the opportunity to experience numerous fundamental topics in the field, ranging from exposure mathematics to three-point lighting. In the final project at the end of the process, students demonstrated their practical skills by creating lighting setups in a darkened studio environment that reflected the character concepts of trustworthy, mysterious, and melancholic.