The delegation of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (ISDB) was in the region under the guidance of our foundation as part of the reconstruction efforts in Syria. The first stop of the visits was Aleppo.
The field visit to Syria, organized by the Union of Islamic World NGOs (UISW) and scheduled for April 13–16, 2026, began yesterday. The delegation, which departed from Istanbul and traveled by road via Gaziantep to Aleppo, made one of its first stops at our foundation’s Aleppo Anatolian Cultural Center. The first day’s program was entirely dedicated to analyzing Aleppo’s current situation and strengthening coordination with local authorities. The delegation met with Aleppo Governor Azzam el-Garib and Turkish Consul General Muammer Hakan Cengiz to assess the latest on-the-ground conditions firsthand. Following the official meetings, delegation members conducted inspections around Aleppo Citadel and observed how the infrastructure destroyed by the war could be rebuilt.
SOCIAL RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE THROUGH EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Addressing the delegation at the Aleppo Anatolian Culture Center, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir shared the current situation in the region and the strategic vision of the foundation. Stating that Syria cannot recover solely through physical reconstruction, Aldemir emphasized that social recovery is only possible through education and culture. Drawing attention to the pioneering role undertaken by our foundation across Syria, Aldemir noted that the real impact of humanitarian diplomacy in the field is reflected in the trust established with local communities.
WE UNDERTAKE THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE
In his speech, President Turgay Aldemir elaborated on the progress of one of our foundation’s most important projects, the Anatolian Culture Centers. Stating that the centers operating in Aleppo as well as in Al-Bab, Jarabulus, Afrin, and Azaz are not merely educational institutions, Aldemir said that these centers have also become hubs where social peace is built. Expressing that thousands of young people and children have been reached through these centers, Aldemir reminded that our foundation has undertaken the role of social architecture in the reconstruction of Syria.
