Bülbülzade Foundation participated in the panel titled "Discussing the Return of Syrians Between Hope and Pessimism" held at Ege University, where it shared its extensive field experience in Syria and Gaziantep, its educational activities, and its vision regarding the psychological dimension of return.
As part of World Refugee Day on June 20, Ege University hosted an important panel. Organized in cooperation with Bornova Youth Center, Ege University Institute of Turkic World Studies, the Youth Studies Center Association, and the İzmir International Student Association, the event addressed the topic "Discussing the Return of Syrians Between Hope and Pessimism." The opening speeches of the panel, held at the Meeting Hall of the Institute of Turkic World Studies, were delivered by Ege University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Boyacı, Director of the Institute of Turkic World Studies Prof. Dr. Atıf Akgün, and Vice President of the İzmir International Student Association and Board Member of the Youth Studies Center Association.
EVERY PERSON'S STORY IS UNIQUE
The program, attended by expert academics, researchers, and representatives of civil society organizations, evaluated the return processes of Syrian refugees in light of academic studies and field experiences. During the panel, where voluntary return, integration processes, security conditions, and regional developments were discussed, the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in producing sustainable solutions was emphasized. Representing Bülbülzade Foundation at the program to present the foundation's migration studies and the activities of its cultural centers across Syria and Gaziantep, Şehadet Gerçek delivered a speech. Referring to the foundation's comprehensive migration efforts since 2011, Gerçek stated that they act in accordance with the principle, "Let people live so that humanity may live." She emphasized that they value every individual's story and strive to make these stories partners in solutions and hope.
WE ARE TRYING TO TURN PAIN INTO HOPE
Announcing that the Anatolian Cultural Centers established throughout Syria continue their activities in Aleppo following Azez, Afrin, Jarabulus, and Al-Bab, and that educational programs and activities will soon begin in Damascus, Gerçek continued her speech as follows: "This is like talking about flowers among the ruins, transformed by hope, culture, and art. We walk for kilometers and witness lives being transformed. From a 70-year-old woman learning Turkish to women attending handicraft classes stitch by stitch, we encounter countless stories that inspire hope for the future. We can think of our cultural centers as saplings through which culture, art, reading, and education are being revived for a society emerging from war. We are now preparing summer schools that will bring together students from the age of 5 to 70 across many different fields. Through ideas and art, we are striving to overcome difficult times and transform pain into hope."
RETURN IS A NEW MIGRATION
Stating that they continue to hold joint future meetings with Syrian opinion leaders without interruption, Gerçek emphasized the importance of ensuring that refugees remain engaged as active participants in the process and partners in the solution. Drawing attention to the psychological dimension of return, Gerçek said, "Return actually means migrating once again, and it requires serious psychological preparation. How many times can a person start life over in one lifetime? We also maintain contact with many of the families who have returned to Syria and continue our communication with them." Concluding her speech by emphasizing a shared past and a shared future, Gerçek said: "The stories of these lands did not begin recently; they began 100 years ago. Our shared story will continue for centuries. We will continue striving to make this story more beautiful and to bring our efforts together."
The panel, which attracted great interest, concluded with a plaque presentation following the question-and-answer session in which participants' questions were answered.
