Green Crescent Gaziantep Branch President Prof. Dr. Haluk Şen and Vice President Ümit Helvacı Kara visited our Foundation President Turgay Aldemir.During the visit, Prof. Dr. Haluk Şen gave information about the projects to be initiated by the Green Crescent in Gaziantep, especially in rural areas, and provided comprehensive information on the general activities of the Green Crescent.Turgay Aldemir, on the other hand, emphasized the value of Green Crescent's work in the fight against addictions and gave information about the foundation's activities especially with young people and children. He also emphasized that civil society activities play an important role in preventing young people from falling into addiction.

Touch Life Orphan Association organized an iftar program hosted by Bülbülzade Foundation on Tuesday, March 4. The program was attended by children and their families, members and volunteers of Bülbülzade Foundation, Mosaic Association, BEKAM and Touch Life Orphan Association.The program started with a prayer by our students before iftar. After iftar, entertaining shows and theater games were performed for the children. Flowers were distributed as gifts to the participating mothers.The iftar program ended with balloon distribution and face painting activities for children.

Within the framework of Bülbülzade Foundation's educational, cultural and artistic activities, Gaziantep Anatolian Cultural Center was visited by a team consisting of Gaziantep Syrian Community, Gaziantep Syrian Community, Bülbülzade Foundation migration unit and Islahiye Nurdağı Earthquake zone unit.Within the scope of the visit, performances prepared by the children for Ramadan were exhibited and Ramadan was celebrated.Gaziantep Anatolian Cultural Center provides educational services to children of different ages and classes in 4 Gasmek centers within the scope of the protocol signed with Bülbülzade Foundation and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. Volunteer teachers provide make-up classes for schools, Turkish and Arabic lessons for children.

As a non-governmental organization that is the voice of different social segments, we find every step taken for the “Terror Free Turkey Process”, which will end the spiral of terror and violence that has surrounded our country for more than 40 years, valuable and we offer our support. We announce to the public that we wholeheartedly support this process, which is of great importance for the future of our country.The environment of terrorism and violence that our country has been subjected to for decades has deeply affected not only the peace of our society and the integrity of our state, but also democracy, economy and civil politics. We believe that the steps taken in this critical period have the potential to remove the bricks built on the wall of peace and brotherhood and strengthen national unity and solidarity.We advocate a social structure in which different identities, languages and beliefs can be freely expressed and everyone has equal access to democratic political channels. Therefore, we wholeheartedly agree with the idea that “the second century of the Republic should be crowned with democracy”. Democratic reconciliation and social consensus is the strongest cornerstone of a peaceful future where ideas speak instead of weapons.Throughout the process, it is vital that all parties use a non-violent, honest, constructive and patient communication language, taking into account the expectations and sensitivities of the society. State institutions, political parties, civil society organizations and especially the media have a great responsibility in following these steps sincerely.As a civil society organization, we respectfully inform the public that we will continue to support this important period with calmness and common sense, and that we are ready to make all the contribution we can to end terrorism and establish lasting social peace.A Turkey without terrorism and a pluralistic, prosperous, intellectually and industrially competent society is our common goal. We will continue to support every step towards this goal, to make the language of peace dominant and to strive for a just future.

We are experiencing the peace of reaching the month of Ramadan, the sultan of eleven months, the month of mercy, blessings and forgiveness. We congratulate the entire Islamic world on Ramadan and wish that it brings peace, tranquility and happiness to the world and humanity.

Within the framework of Bülbülzade Foundation's educational, cultural and artistic activities, a team consisting of Rabia Aldemir, President of Mosaic Association, Mustafa Hüseyin, President of Gaziantep Syrian Community and representatives of Bülbülzade Foundation visited Al Bab Anatolian Cultural Center located in safe areas.Within the scope of the visit, the active functioning of the cultural centers, the activities carried out, the educational processes and the situation of the educators and students involved in these processes were discussed with the Director of Al Bab Anatolian Cultural Center Cemal Osman. In addition, classes were visited and one-to-one meetings were held with teachers and students.Anadolu Cultural Centers, as institutions providing education in 15 branches to students between the ages of 5-35 in Al Bab, play an important role in normalizing the region and healing the wounds of war. The cultural centers continue their educational and various activities uninterruptedly, taking into account the dynamics of the region.

Businesswomen, opinion leaders, Aleppo University Faculty of Fine Arts students, relevant authorities and civil society representatives came together at Bülbülzade Foundation Aleppo Liaison Office. Among the participants were Mustafa Hüseyin, President of Gaziantep Syrian Community, Rabia Aldemir, President of Mosaic Association, Şehadet Gerçek, Sociologist of Burial Services Center, Zülal Sevinç, Education Coordinator of Anatolian Federation, Eyüp Keleş, Coordinator of Bülbülzade Foundation Aid Center and relevant officials.During the session, the constructive role of women in Syria's new process, how the psychological and sociological situation after the Baath regime can be recovered with hope, cooperation and joint activities that can be done in the future, steps to be taken for a better future with young people and when the next meeting will be held were discussed.

“Talking Islam with Young People” Workshop was heldOn Saturday, February 22, 2025, the workshop titled “Talking Islam with Young People” organized by Bülbülzade Foundation Education and Teacher Unit was held at Zade Life Hotel within the foundation. Educators, university and high school students, academics and experts participated in the program.The workshop started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Then, Ayşegül Ağcalar Günaslan, a member of the Education and Teacher Unit, gave a general information about the purpose and objectives of the organization. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahsum Aytepe, one of the academicians of Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University, made a presentation titled “New Generation and the Place of Faith in the Modern World”.The seminar explained how the new generation makes sense of religious teachings, how they redefine the place of traditional religious questions in the modern world, how scientific developments, social change, digital culture and global interactions shape religious thought, the effects of factors such as religious and cultural conflicts, social media, digitalization on religious perceptions, the difficulties young people face when approaching religion, internal conflicts and social pressures.The program continued with Prof. Dr. Şaban Ali Düzgün's conference on “Youth at the foot of the steep slope”, which was presented via online connection. After the presentations, an interactive question and answer session was held with the participants.Participants actively exchanged ideas in workshops consisting of five different topics.Workshop Topics1. “Social Media and Young People's World of Faith: Religious Identity in Digital Times”This workshop explored how social media shapes young people's religious identities. The use of digital platforms as a tool for questioning, learning and sharing beliefs was discussed. The balance of religious identity between authenticity and societal pressures was discussed and how social media can enrich religious experiences.2. “Religious Dilemmas Faced by Young People”In this workshop, the dilemmas that young people face in their daily lives with their religious beliefs were discussed. The difficulties of young people in preserving their religious values in modern society as they encounter different cultures, beliefs and social norms were discussed. The focus was on the conflicts between religious teachings and societal expectations, family values and individual freedom. Participants explored these dilemmas and shared their experiences on coping strategies.3. “Young People's Religious Questioning Processes in Modern Society”In this workshop, participants discussed their religious beliefs, social pressures and questioning processes. The conflicts they experience while questioning their beliefs were discussed and how this process can be managed. It was emphasized that questioning religion is not about rejecting faith, but about building a more meaningful faith.4. “Religious Identity Development of Young People and Its Psychological Dimensions”In this workshop, the interaction of religious identity development with psychological and social development was discussed. Participants examined the influence of factors such as family, society, peer groups and the media on religious identity. They also discussed the conflicts and psychological difficulties experienced during religious identity development and how these processes can be managed. The effects of religious identity on self-esteem, belonging and coping with social pressures were discussed.5. “Religion Against Religion”The workshops discussed the diversity and contrasts within religion and the contrasts between different denominations and religious movements. In the workshops, participants learned how to see these contradictions as richness, opportunities to develop religious tolerance and healthy communication, and to raise awareness about accepting religious diversity.The program ended with a closing and evaluation speech by Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation.The workshop was conducted using the station method, with each topic lasting 20 minutes. The report of the workshop will be prepared and published by a team.

The book fair organized by Şule Yüksel Şenler Foundation and held at Gaziantep University Mavera Congress and Art Center started on 24 February 2025. The fair includes workshops and various programs prepared by various publishing houses.Within the scope of the event, with the joint work of the Anatolian Federation and Bülbülzade Foundation, Tire Publications' carefully selected books and a large collection of Bülbülzade Foundation's own publications are also presented to visitors at the fair.  Symposium books, promotional bulletins on migration and Syria studies, works published on specific topics and promotional materials of the foundation are also available at the stand.The five-day book fair will end on Friday, February 28th.