Bülbülzade Foundation is also waiting for you to attend the Eid Event.📅Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025🕑Time: 13.00📍Location: Bülbülzade Foundation Winter Garden

As the Bülbülzade Foundation, a “Common Future Meeting” was held with Syrian Opinion Leaders as part of the traditional Spring Festival that we organize with great excitement every year. The meeting hosted by the Bülbülzade Foundation was attended by Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, Gaziantep Provincial Migration Administration Director Mehmet Erkoç and Syrian opinion leaders in Gaziantep.The meeting, where Syrian opinion leaders in Gaziantep came together, was attended by Ataa Association, Takaful Sham Association, Rahma Foundation Turkey Representative Office, Anadolu Cultural Center educators and Gaziantep Syrian Community members, as well as Syrian doctors, lawyers and students. Evaluations were made regarding the new period that Syria is in at the meeting. Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir and Gaziantep Provincial Migration Administration Director Mehmet Erkoç answered the questions of Syrian opinion leaders and participants regarding the new period.The opening speech of the meeting was made by Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, who emphasized Turkey’s civil society and intellectual experience, and said, “We will build the new Syria together. It is now time to be an active subject in Syria. Hopefully, the Syria-Turkey union will solve the problems of both this region and this geography, and will be a safe and peaceful homeland.”In addition to consultations on activities and studies that can be carried out regarding the new period in Syria by participants from various fields, questions were answered regarding closed neighborhoods, transitions from Syria to Turkey, out-of-town permits, residence statuses, and students’ higher education equivalents and educational problems.

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin and Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir and their accompanying delegations carried out a comprehensive study visit to Aleppo, Syria. Various official contacts and field inspections were carried out during the visit.The delegations first met with Aleppo Consul General Hakan Cengiz and evaluated Aleppo’s current problems and priority needs. During the meeting, steps that could be taken, particularly regarding education, infrastructure, water supply and home renovations, were discussed.The delegations then visited Aleppo Governor Azzam Garib in his office. A meeting with broad participation was held at the governor’s office, and the sister city protocol between Gaziantep and Aleppo was also signed again as part of this visit. The protocol undertook mutual cooperation and technical support for infrastructure, transportation, environment and urbanization, protection of cultural heritage, economic and industrial cooperation and social projects supporting voluntary returns.The visit continued with an on-site examination of the city’s important cultural heritage sites, Zekeriya Mosque and Aleppo Castle. During the examinations, evaluations were made regarding restoration and conservation efforts.

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin and Aleppo Consul General Hakan Cengiz visited the Bülbülzade Foundation Aleppo Liaison Office on May 29, 2025, and met with foundation volunteers and opinion leaders in the region.Stating that it is valuable for the Bülbülzade Foundation to be on the field in Aleppo, Fatma Şahin stated that solutions to Aleppo’s problems can be found by the administration, civil society and business people working hand in hand, such as the “Gaziantep Model”.During the meeting, where the common past of Aleppo and Gaziantep was frequently emphasized; educational activities regarding the present and future of Aleppo, projects for children, infrastructure problems (water, electricity), parks and solution proposals and ideas regarding the reconstruction of Aleppo were discussed. During the visit, mutual experience sharing and cooperation opportunities were evaluated. He also touched on the importance of the mission undertaken by the Bülbülzade Foundation in the region, emphasizing that civil society organizations played a key role in the process of Aleppo’s recovery. He also expressed his support with the words, “We will succeed together. We must move forward quickly by sharing our experiences.”The program ended with the presentation of gift paintings prepared at the Anatolian Cultural Centers and a visit to the Aleppo Anatolian Cultural Center, which will soon be operational.

Anatolian Student Union (AÖB) organized a cultural trip to Cappadocia with the participation of university students, volunteers and educators.During the day trip, the students visited Göreme and Avanos districts of Nevşehir and had the opportunity to watch hot air balloons at sunrise accompanied by the natural beauties of the region. The students visited the Fairy Chimneys and had a new experience by making pottery in Avanos.

Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, and the accompanying delegation paid a visit to Novi Pazar and Belgrade cities of Serbia in order to make various contacts and develop collaborations.Within the scope of the visit, a general cooperation protocol was signed with Novi Pazar Turkish Cultural Center and Novi Pazar Hatice Women's Association, including joint activities, especially youth work. The protocol signing ceremony was held at the Novi Pazar Turkish Cultural Center.The ceremony was attended by İbrahim Kara, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Novi Pazar, Amila Džafo Liçina, President of Hatice Women's Association, Cenan Palamar, Director of Novi Pazar Turkish Cultural Center, Nejra Zupljanin, Coordinator of the Turkish Cultural Center, Dr. Lütfiye Güvenç and Dr. Ahmet Çam from Novi Pazar State University, Nazım Liçina, President of Serbia Turkey Alumni Association and members of the board of directors of Bülbülzade Foundation.Speaking at the ceremony, İbrahim Kara, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Novi Pazar, stated that this cooperation is an important step for the people of Novi Pazar and especially for the youth and thanked all the institutions that contributed to the process.After the signing ceremony, the delegation of the foundation visited the Turkish Cultural Center in Novi Pazar and also visited the Hatice Women's Association. During the visit hosted by Amila Džafo Liçina, President of the Association and Nazım Liçina, President of Serbia Turkey Alumni Association, the delegation was informed about the activities of the association. Following the visit, a meeting was held with the Mayor of Novi Pazar Nihat Biševac.The program also included a courtesy visit to the Education Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Belgrade.  

Located between Adana-Şanlıurfa Highway and Gaziantep-Kahramanmaraş road, Bülbülzade Foundation Liberation Forest aims to convey the struggle of the people for independence to future generations.With an area of 250,000 square meters, the Liberation Forest is one of the most important green areas in the region, with 21,130 pines, 6,520 almonds, 1,600 pomegranates and 5,750 different tree species. The forest is located in the place where on January 20, 1920, during the War of Independence, Mullah Mehmet Karayılan led a raid against the French occupation troops and liberated Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş from occupation. For this reason, this forest, created by the Bülbülzade Foundation in dedication to our heroic soldiers who were martyred and veterans in the War of Independence, is named “Liberation Forest” and keeps their memories alive.The forest area also includes social areas such as activity areas, activity tents, hiking trails, children's playgrounds, camping areas, picnic tables and shaded resting areas.

Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, and the accompanying delegation visited Azzam Hancı, President of Midad Association, and Dr. Muhammed Wajih Cuma, who was appointed as Aleppo Provincial Health Director in Syria.During the visit, in addition to evaluating the joint activities and past work between Turkey and Syria, consultations were held on new projects that can be carried out in Aleppo. Issues such as youth projects in Aleppo, family workshops and bringing together writers' associations in Turkey and Syria were also discussed.During the visit of Midad Association, where the current situation in the field of education was also evaluated, it was shared that there are approximately 2400 schools in Aleppo, 2000 of them are in need of serious restoration and 400 of them are completely unusable. It was emphasized that Midad Association, which stands out with its work in the field of education, will continue to play an important role in this process.During the visit to Aleppo Health Directorate, the importance of the support given to the health activities in Syria was emphasized. In addition, consultations were held on new activities and projects in the field of health.

Bülbülzade Foundation also took part in the Gaziantep Family Year Festival organized within the scope of the “Family Year” in cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, Gaziantep Governorship and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality by opening a stand. Starting on May 16, 2025 and lasting for 3 days in Gaziantep Festivals Park, our foundation participated in the festival with its Secondary Education unit, Katre Art and Science Center, İstikrar Sports Club and Project Office and attracted the attention of visitors with its various activities.Various public and local institutions and non-governmental organizations from Gaziantep participated in the festival, which was opened by the Minister of Family and Social Services, Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, and included family-themed activities, good news, raffles and surprises. Bülbülzade Foundation stand attracted great interest from the visitors with various activities. In addition to activities for children such as the “Palestine Flag from Painted Hands” event, fun face painting and mind games; plaster painting, nature, “Mother-Child”, “Father-Child” and “Colorful Canvases” workshops created an environment where family members could spend quality time together. In addition, the “My Notebook” workshop aimed to instill a love of writing in children. Sports activities, traditional children's games and live music concerts organized by the Foundation provided visitors with pleasant moments.Especially the Kanun Concert of Katre Art and Science Center, which was staged in the festival area, received great appreciation from the participants. This special concert, integrated with the elegance of the notes, brought together both music lovers and families in an emotional atmosphere.On the first day of the festival, Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, visited the booth area and both followed the work of the foundation on site and gave a message of cooperation and solidarity by visiting the booths of other institutions and organizations. President Aldemir also met with the Minister of Family and Social Services, Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, who opened the festival and held a short meeting. This meeting was a meaningful meeting that emphasized both the importance of Gaziantep Family Festival and the contribution of Bülbülzade Foundation to family-themed activities.Gaziantep Family Festival will continue for three days at Festival Park between May 16-17-18, 2025. During the festival, a full program that appeals to all segments of society through educational science and art workshops for children, fairy tale narrations, traditional games; seminars and psychological awareness activities for families and social responsibility projects involving elderly individuals awaits visitors.

Regular meetings continue with the participation of representatives from Bülbülzade Foundation, Migration Coordination Unit, BEKAM, Gaziantep Syrian Community, Migrant Services Center and Fajr Radio.During the online meeting, evaluations were made with the directors of Anadolu Cultural Centers operating in northern Syria, especially in Azaz, Afrin, Jarabulus and Al-Bab, since 2019. During the meeting, detailed information was received about Aleppo Anatolian Cultural Center, which is in the process of renovation, and plans were made to organize a family workshop in Aleppo. In addition, consultations were held on opening a Bülbülzade Foundation Liaison Office in Damascus, sharing the work of all our centers in Syria, including Idlib and Deir ez-Zor, on the foundation's social networks, and the official infrastructure of Fajr Radio, which is planned to be established in Aleppo.The education programs for different age groups and branches in Anatolian Cultural Centers were examined. The preparations for the courses and activities planned for the summer semester and the progress of the students were evaluated.The online meeting ended after discussions on the Bülbülzade Foundation Liaison Office established in Aleppo.