Anatolian Federation “Strategic Planning and Management” Workshop was held at Kayseri MÜSİAD Branch. The second part of the event, which was attended by representatives of member associations and foundations of the Federation, was visited by Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the National Defense Commission, AK Party MP Ayşe Böhürler, Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek, Kayseri Metropolitan Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç, Talas Mayor Mustafa Yalçın and AK Party Provincial Chairman Hüseyin Ok. Speaking during the visit, Governor Gökmen Çiçek referred to the painful events that took place in Kayseri in the past, known as the 'Kayseri Events', and emphasized the importance of the support given by the Anatolian Federation from the beginning of the process. Thanking Turgay Aldemir, President of the Anatolian Federation, Çiçek said, “The Federation has made great contributions to Kayseri and Turkey to overcome this process.” Çiçek also thanked Aldemir and MP Ayşe Böhürler, saying that he had read the books they had recommended to him and that the intellectual mind provided by these books was of great importance in solving social problems.Speaking during the visit, MP Ayşe Böhürler drew attention to the federation's efforts to make women's labor visible and said, “The Anatolian Federation carries out its work together with women to a great extent, it is a very valuable structure in this sense.” Böhürler stated that the federation acts with systematic and regular working principles even in times of crisis and appreciated their organization especially during the earthquake.Böhürler also stated that the federation has put forward projects centered on unity and solidarity in the Islamic geography and that this is an important contribution to Turkey's intellectual structure. At the end of his speech, he expressed his pleasure to be present at the workshop. He also expressed his satisfaction that he participated in many activities of the Federation.Finally, Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the TBMM National Defense Commission, who took the floor during the visit, emphasized that the work and activities carried out are very important, that he appreciated the work of the federation, and that all NGOs should take initiatives in education, youth and family issues. Akar emphasized that NGOs should make their activities deeper and more efficient, and stated that unity and solidarity are essential.“Sincerity and Ikhlas should be essential in civil society”Akar, who evaluated the management structure of NGOs in his speech, stated that a service-oriented approach should be adopted, away from political expectations. “Our wealth, property and position in this world are empty. What is important is what we prepare for the afterlife,” Akar said, drawing attention to the importance of serving with sincerity and sincerity in non-governmental organizations.However, Akar also mentioned the disorganization in the organizational structure of NGOs. Stating that many foundations and associations are engaged in similar activities, which reduces effectiveness, he said, “The body cannot handle such diversity. Unity and solidarity is a must, especially in NGOs. We should carry out activities in a deeper and more effective way.”“Obstacles to Civil Society: Arrogance, Envy and Indifference”In his speech, Akar also pointed to the main problems that NGOs face and listed three important factors as the source of divisions: arrogance, envy and indifference. Emphasizing the necessity of working towards a common goal by getting rid of these factors, Akar said, “We must work for this homeland, for this nation and for humanity with a pure heart.”Stating that family and child education, which constitute the foundation of society, should be given special importance, Akar said that global trends target the family structure and this should be realized. Emphasizing the importance of evaluating history from a correct perspective, he said, “Those who look down on their history wear a bag around their neck.”Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anatolian Federation, in his short briefing to the visitors, emphasized the common mind that will build the future of Turkey as a Federation, and stated that they carry out trainings for children and youth, education and teachers, family and women, and that each institution attaches importance to social sensitivity, cooperation and the awareness of being a nation in the local area where it is located. He gave information about the mission of the Anadolu Kültür centers that were opened in the safe zone before the Syrian revolution and the centers that will be opened in Aleppo, Damascus and other places deemed necessary after the revolution. He expressed his satisfaction with the visit and thanked the visitors. A plaque was presented at the end of the visit. 

Touch Life Orphan Association high school students organized a surprise program for their mothers.The program started with poetry readings about the meaning and importance of the day. A music recital was performed by the students. In addition, bracelet gifts and flowers prepared by the students with their own hands were presented. Before the program, mothers and daughters had their photos taken in the souvenir corner prepared by the students for their mothers with their own hands.The program ended with a souvenir photo taken after the participating mothers shared their feelings and thoughts.

Regular meetings continue with the participation of representatives of Bülbülzade Foundation, Migration Coordination Unit, BEKAM, Gaziantep Syrian Community, Migrant Services Center and Fajr Radio.During the meeting, evaluations were made with the directors of the Anatolian Cultural Centers, which have been operating in northern Syria, especially in Azaz, Afrin, Jarabulus and Al Bab since 2019. In addition, the education programs for different age groups and branches in the centers were examined. While the preparations for the courses and activities planned for the summer period were evaluated, consultations were held on the progress of the students.The online meeting ended with suggestions for increasing the number of Anatolian Cultural Centers and diversifying them according to regional needs.

As Bülbülzade Foundation, we have been providing clothing aid to thousands of children and families in need every year since 1994. Through the Aid Unit of our Foundation, families and children in need can choose and buy their clothes in a shopping store environment. In April, a new clothing donation was made within the scope of the “Dress a Child” campaign.We sincerely thank all our volunteers who contributed to the “Dress a Child” campaign and our valuable supporters who donated.

A delegation from Bülbülzade Foundation, Migrant Services Center and Gaziantep Syrian Community visited Jarabulus Anatolian Cultural Center.During the visit, a poetry program on Gaza was also attended. In the poetry program, the students of the Anatolian Cultural Center read poems written by themselves and poets.“As Bülbülzade Foundation, we have carried out activities in various fields with the people of the region we have been supporting since 2016 in Jarablus, the first safe region of Syria. The process that started with the aid center, children's park, academies and trainings accelerated education and training with the Jarablus Anatolian Cultural Center in 2019. Turkish lessons, support and compensation trainings, English lessons, computer and art lessons continue with intense participation at the Anatolian Culture Center.”

Today, young people have more opportunities than ever to develop personally and contribute meaningfully to society. One of the most impactful among them is the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).So, what is ESC?The European Solidarity Corps is an initiative of the European Union that encourages young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to take part in volunteering projects that benefit communities. These projects are not limited to Europe; they also take place in partner countries around the world. The main goal is to promote solidarity, encourage social responsibility, and support the personal and professional development of young people.ESC allows young people to engage in projects related to the environment, education, social services, cultural heritage, refugee support, and more. Projects usually last from 2 to 12 months, and the EU covers all basic expenses – including accommodation, meals, travel, and insurance. Participants also receive a monthly allowance.Why Join ESC?Discover new cultures and make international friendsPractice foreign languagesUnlock your potentialGain valuable experience for your future careerGrow in awareness of social issuesAnd the best part? Academic qualifications are not a requirement. What matters most is motivation and a willingness to contribute.Who Can Apply?Young people aged 18–30Residents of EU or partner countriesMotivated individuals open to working in diverse environmentsESC with Bülbülzade FoundationAt Bülbülzade Foundation, we hold official ESC accreditation, enabling young people to take part in international solidarity-based volunteering projects. Through our network, you can access meaningful opportunities that support both personal growth and positive social impact.

A certificate ceremony was held for those who successfully completed the Calligraphy course at Al Bab Anatolian Cultural Center. Officials from Bülbülzade Foundation, Migrant Services Center and Gaziantep Syrian Community participated in the program.Within the scope of the program, detailed information about the courses was received from Cemal Osman, Director of Anadolu Cultural Center. During the meeting, it was stated that Anadolu Cultural Center, which offers courses and education services to different age groups in many fields with more than 600 students actively in the region, attracts the most intense interest in the Calligraphy course, Turkish Arabic lessons and Theater course.The program ended with good wishes and wishes after the theater performance of the students of the theater course with the theme “I will not be an immigrant again”.

Members of the Arab Poets International Association and members of the Syrian Writers and Poets Union came together within the scope of the “Spring of Rhymes - Fifth Period” events organized by Bülbülzade Foundation, Migrant Services Center and Gaziantep Syrian Community.Poetry recitals, hymns and various cultural activities were organized in the meeting that reinforced cultural unity. Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, who made the greeting speech in the program, said: "You were the silent cry of Syria. Until today, you poured the pain into verses. From now on, it is time to talk about the future, children, and reconstruction freely in our own lands, under the sky. We are all responsible for ensuring that this situation in Syria does not regress. It is time to write and speak for the future of Syria, Bilad al-Sham, Jerusalem and oppressed people. We will live in freedom and brotherhood by loving each other and healing the wounds, by saying that if the other's wound heals, our wound will heal."The program, held at Çetin Emeç Hall of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, ended after the presentation of a plaque of appreciation for the contribution and support shown.

Şeref Malkoç, former Chief Public Ombudsman of the Republic of Turkey, visited Bülbülzade Foundation.Former Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç visits our FoundationCorporateŞeref Malkoç, former Chief Ombudsman of the Republic of Turkey, visited Bülbülzade Foundation. Within the scope of the visit, a sincere session was held with Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, foundation management and members of the organization.Speaking during the visit, Malkoç stated that he closely followed the activities of Bülbülzade Foundation and conveyed his thanks for the work done. During the meeting, which took place in a chatty atmosphere, members of the foundation presented information to Malkoç about the current activities of the foundation. Especially the projects in the field of education and the works carried out in Syria and Islahiye earthquake zone were explained in detail.After making a brief assessment of Turkey's social and political developments in recent years, Şeref Malkoç asked various questions about Gaziantep's civil society infrastructure and the activities carried out.At the end of the visit, Malkoç was presented with the book prepared as a result of the Anatolian Meetings program held in 2024 with the theme of “Human Decay” and a plaque of the foundation.Former Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç visits our Foundation