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.

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