Kurtuluş Forest, established by Bülbülzade Foundation, combines agricultural production with international solidarity.
The almond orchard project, launched by transforming an area in Gaziantep that had lost its forest status, now brings together young people from all over the world. This valuable land, allocated to our foundation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 2008, has been transformed into a rich ecosystem as a result of meticulous efforts. Offering both local residents and international volunteers the opportunity to be immersed in nature, the project provides a significant source of funding for our foundation's charitable activities through its harvest revenues.
THE CULTURE OF COLLECTIVE WORK IS KEPT ALIVE
Enriched with 7,000 almond saplings and more than 25,000 various trees, Kurtuluş Forest has revitalized the region's flora in a short time. Young people who come to our city from Azerbaijan, Italy, Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) actively take part in many stages, from the maintenance of the orchard to the harvesting process. In this unique experience, where the culture of collective work is kept alive, young people learn about agricultural production, while the income generated from the products is delivered directly to those in need.
A CAMPSITE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir emphasizes that the area has been transformed from rocky land into almost a bird sanctuary. In the forest, which provides shelter for various animal species, training sessions in gardening, cooking, farming, and beekeeping are also organized, contributing to the personal and professional development of local residents. Among our foundation's future plans are establishing a campsite for young people by making use of earthquake relief containers, setting up a renewable energy farm, and supporting agricultural development through new greenhouses. Designed as a prototype for agricultural development and independence in the field of food, this visionary project offers young people the opportunity to gain awareness by experiencing nature firsthand.
THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IS STRENGTHENED
Oussama Hannouch, 24, who joined the charity initiative from Italy, states that supporting the local community and discovering nature is an experience he will never forget throughout his life. Jordanian doctor Yasmeen Al-Abdallat, on the other hand, draws attention to the healing power of the bond they have established with nature, saying that this environment of solidarity deeply strengthens the spirit of mutual assistance.
You can watch the video report prepared by Fevzi Kemal Karagöz of Anadolu Agency on the subject below:
