Hi! My name is Majed, and I'm from Jordan. Two months ago, I was accepted into an ESC project called "Youth Bridge" in Gaziantep, Turkey. Back then, I had no idea that it would turn out to be a life-changing experience. It was my first ESC project and my first time abroad, so I was both nervous and excited. From the moment I was warmly welcomed at the airport, I knew I was about to embark on something special — and it truly was.Majed Darweesh - ESC VolunteerOur days were filled with art, culture, and joyful moments. Being surrounded by loving and kind people took the experience to a whole new level. The activities we participated in contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth and carried deep meaning. One particularly emotional and impactful experience was visiting the earthquake-affected zones, where we met resilient souls who found light even in the darkest times. Playing with the children there, seeing how little it took to bring joy to their hearts, left a lasting impression on me.Another favorite activity of mine was the Art Club. For me, art has always been more than just a hobby — it is a lifestyle. However, it had always been a personal pursuit. Being among people who shared my passion and having the chance to share my knowledge with them gave me a completely new perspective on what art could mean.February 6 Earthquakes RegionIn my last couple of weeks, I had the unexpected opportunity to teach English in a formal middle school. It was an experience I never imagined myself having, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of my journey. It was both heartwarming and challenging, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Through this experience, I could clearly see the personal growth I achieved. Humanitarian Aid ActivitiesThis project will always hold a special place in my heart. It allowed me to discover wonderful parts of myself, to grow, and to realize that volunteering can be much more than service — it’s about connecting with a community and creating unforgettable memories with amazing people who will always have a place in my heart.I would like to sincerely thank Bülbülzade Foundation and BEKAM for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.

Mr. Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation and the accompanying delegation paid a visit to Mr. Erdal Kılıç, who was appointed as Gaziantep Provincial Director of National Education in the new term.During the visit, information was given about the educational activities carried out by our foundation in Gaziantep, in safe areas and in İslahiye and Nurdağı earthquake zones. Consultations were made in order to further develop these educational activities.

We continue to host young people aged 18-30 from abroad as part of the short- and long-term individual volunteer projects supported by the Turkish National Agency and carried out by our foundation.As part of sustainable environmental activities, they contribute to raising environmental awareness by pruning trees and collecting almonds in the Bülbülzade Foundation Kurtuluş Forest.In addition, our volunteers actively participate in speaking club events for high school and university students, helping them improve their foreign language skills. This facilitates mutual cultural exchange and language practice between the students and the volunteers.The young volunteers also support the processes of organizing and distributing aid in our foundation's charity shop, ensuring assistance reaches those in need.Furthermore, our volunteers engage with children in the earthquake-affected regions of Nurdağı and Islahiye, playing games with them to help them cope with traumatic experiences, while boosting their morale and motivation through educational and fun activities.

Mr. Yasin Uğraş, Secretary General of Al Sharq Forum and the accompanying delegation visited the President of the Foundation. During the visit, information was given about the realized and ongoing activities of our foundation.During the meeting, consultations were held on the Sharq Forum to be organized in Gaziantep in October.

The education and teacher unit, one of the units operating within Bülbülzade Foundation, held its first meeting with its new format to discuss certain agendas.During the meeting, the main concepts of education, students and teachers were discussed and information was given about the activities planned to be carried out in the new academic season, periodic training programs and the process of Bekam focus group meetings. In addition, discussions were held about the annual activity report and book reading lists to be prepared.The unit will continue its sessions with specific agendas and topics throughout the semester.

An experience to add to the luggage of life: my journey of service and solidarity with the Bülbülzade Vakfi Foundation within the ESC project “Together We’re Better” Hello, I'm Federica,In August 2024, I joined the “Together We’re Better” project in Gaziantep, Türkiye, through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)—a program by the European Commission that empowers youth to contribute to solidarity and mutual understanding across Europe. Hosted by the Bülbülzade Vakfi Foundation, I found myself part of a warm, resilient community where service, learning, and cultural exchange went hand in hand. During my three-month stay, I took part in a range of humanitarian and social activities—from assisting in earthquake-affected areas with aid distribution and shelter support, to engaging directly with orphaned children and young Syrian refugees, offering academic support and mentorship to help foster stability and inclusion. I also contributed to vocational training courses for disadvantaged women, where I saw firsthand the transformative power of education in restoring confidence and autonomy. These efforts, though modest, became bridges—connecting people, empowering lives, and reinforcing community resilience. What truly enriched the experience was the deep cultural exchange—shared meals, honest conversations, and the bonds formed with fellow volunteers and locals. I learned as much as I gave, gaining a deeper understanding of Turkish hospitality, Syrian strength, and the universal value of human dignity. Thanks to the ESC, this journey allowed me not only to serve, but to grow. It strengthened my commitment to humanitarian work and reminded me that solidarity is built not just on action, but on empathy. When I reflect on my time in Gaziantep, I carry with me the voices, the faces, and the stories—and the enduring belief that, indeed, together we’re better.- Federica Pizzo

A delegation from Bülbülzade Foundation visited foundations and unions active in Gaziantep. At the first stop of the visits, a series of visits were made to unions such as Memur-Sen, Diyanet-Sen, Sağlık-Sen, as well as Anadolu Tevhid Foundation, Hasan Hoca Foundation and Vahdet Foundation.The delegation consisted of Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, Mahmut Kaçmazer from the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Remzi Yılmaz, Director of Migrant Services Center and Mustafa El Hüseyin, President of Gaziantep Syrian Community. During the visits, the delegation talked about the work of the foundation in Gaziantep and the activities carried out for migrants. Particular emphasis was placed on the work in the Islahiye earthquake zone and the projects of the Anatolian Cultural Center, which works in safe zones, and comprehensive information was given about the work done and to be done in these areas.The visited unions and foundations also informed the delegation about their activities. In this context, issues such as active activities, contributions of foundations and unions to society, social solidarity projects and humanitarian aid activities were discussed.At the end of the meetings, there was a mutual exchange of ideas. The visits ended with the exchange of gifts and thank yous between both sides. It was stated that these contacts were an important step in strengthening the activities of foundations and trade unions in and around Gaziantep. The delegation will continue to organize new visits at regular intervals.

On July 27, 2023, the fully equipped Mobile Clinic Vehicle, which is the last stage of the work carried out for earthquake victims affected by the earthquake in cooperation with Bülbülzade Foundation, Hayat Yolu Association and Palestinian doctors, was delivered to Gaziantep Provincial Directorate of Health. The doctors of the Provincial Health Directorate, who expressed their gratitude for the Mobile Clinic Vehicle, visited our foundation.During the meeting, the areas of use of the Mobile Health Vehicle were discussed. Consultations were held on possible collaborations.

Wushu Kungfu National Team Coach Ayhan Öztürk, Ömer Tıbık and Wushu Kungfu National Team Athlete İrem Su Öztürk visited our foundation president. During the visit, information was given about the realized and ongoing activities of our foundation.During the meeting, the relationship between young people and sports and the mental and physical effects of sports on young people were discussed.Wushu-Kungfu and Wing Chun;As a word, it means hard work, difficult technique and art. In Wushu, in addition to attack and defense, choreographic movements similar to acrobatics and ballet are exhibited. It is aimed to ensure the harmony of body and soul.The development of human character, the strengthening of willpower and the ability to learn, and tolerant behavior are ensured. The main thing in training is to work each part of the body separately. Balance, breathing exercises, flexibility, thought, practical intelligence and meditation are important in Wushu. These affect the health of the body in the best way.