Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation, and the accompanying delegation attended the 25th International Bethlehem Academic Symposium, hosted by Mardin Artuklu University for the second time this year. “Academia and Zionism: Zionism, International Community and Global Conscience”, the symposium aims to discuss this human tragedy on an academic basis in the second year of Israel's devastating attacks on the Palestinian territories.The symposium drew attention to the fact that tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives, especially in Gaza, while hundreds of thousands are facing crises such as hunger, epidemics and forced displacement. The international community's silence and inaction in the face of these atrocities calls into question the legitimacy of the “norms-based” international system built after World War II.In the event, the supportive or silent attitudes of Western states, especially the US and European countries, towards the Socio-Genocide were criticized, while the rising objections of the global conscience were emphasized. The determined stance of civil society was evaluated as a promising picture for the protection of human dignity. The intellectual dimensions of these reactions, which developed despite the pressures of the media, capital circles and governments, were among the important topics of the symposium.

“Vocational Education in Syria and Gaziantep” Ali Kocakaya, a Germany-based investor in vocational education, and Selçuk Sayın, owner of private schools, visited Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation.During the visit, the strengthening of vocational education in Turkey and especially in Gaziantep, investments and cooperation opportunities in this field were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the employment of young people, building bridges between industry and educational institutions and increasing qualified labor force.In addition, consultations were held on joint projects that can be carried out in order to contribute to the reconstruction efforts in the post-revolutionary process in Aleppo, Syria, to integrate young war victims into society through education and to equip them with vocational skills and to bring them into economic life.

Visit to Mehmet Tahmazoğlu with IFS EMMAUSIn the scope of Erasmus+ KA151 Youth Accreditation, the international participants who came to Gaziantep within the framework of the “Young Leaders for Green Solutions” project hosted by Bülbülzade Foundation visited Şahinbey Mayor Mr. Mehmet Tahmazoğlu in his office together with Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation.The delegation, consisting of representatives of the IFS EMMAUS association from Bosnia and Herzegovina, informed Mayor Tahmazoğlu about the environment-themed studies they carry out.Speaking during the visit, Mehmet Tahmazoğlu shared the environmentally sensitive projects of Şahinbey Municipality and its activities for young people with the participants. Tahmazoğlu stated that he appreciated the sensitivity shown by young people towards environmental problems and emphasized that such international projects are of great importance for a sustainable future.IFS EMMAUS representatives explained the activities they carried out in their countries and shared the experiences gained within the scope of the project.The visit, which was completed with mutual goodwill wishes, ended with a collective souvenir photo taken.

Visit from Young Leaders to Fatma ŞahinIn the scope of Erasmus+ KA151 Youth Accreditation, the international participants who came to Gaziantep within the framework of the “Young Leaders for Green Solutions” project hosted by Bülbülzade Foundation visited Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mrs. Fatma Şahin in her office together with Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation.The delegation consisting of representatives of Maarif Europe, US Akademiker Platform, IFS Emmaus, Bridge Association, Majka Association, Emu, Bülbülzade Association and BEKAM from Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, France and Turkey gave information about their work.Speaking during the visit, Fatma Şahin shared with the participants the achievements of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality abroad and the international organizations they are members of. Şahin stated that she appreciated the sensitivity of young people towards environmental problems and emphasized the importance of such projects for a sustainable future.The participants introduced the associations operating in their countries and gave information about the projects they carry out through these associations.The visit, which was completed with mutual goodwill wishes, ended with a collective souvenir photo.

Under the coordination of Bülbülzade Association, the “Young Leaders for Green Solutions” project, carried out within the scope of Erasmus + KA151 Youth Accreditation, will be held in Gaziantep between 7-13 April 2025. Maarif Europe and US Akademiker Platform from Germany, IFS Emmaus from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bridge Association and Majka Association from North Macedonia, Emu from France, Bülbülzade Association, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and BEKAM from Turkey are participating in the project, which brings together about 60 young people.After the first day, which started with the introductory session, the opening ceremony was held at the Bülbülzade Foundation center on the second day. Turgay Aldemir, President of Bülbülzade Foundation and Bülbülzade Association, members of the board of directors of the foundation, all participants and volunteers attended the program. After the opening program, the participants went to the Gizem Doğan Living Learning Center of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. After settling in, camping and archery activities were organized.In the afternoon session, Mesut Aydağ, Board Member of BEKAM, gave a seminar titled “Ecological Degradation and Intervention Methods for Human-Induced Degradation”.In his speech, Mesut Aydağ discussed the effects of ecological degradation caused by human activities from the historical process to the present day. Emphasizing the consequences of this degradation, methods of struggle, the importance of individual and social responsibilities, Aydağ pointed out that in order to restore the ecological balance, human beings need to re-establish their relationship with nature with an approach based on responsibility, trust and compassion.Participating organizations introduced themselves in the networking workshop held after dinner. The second day of the project ended with a music concert.Until April 13, the project will include seminars, workshops, visits to recycling facilities, nature walks, cultural trips, ecological practices and various workshops. At the end of the program, saplings will be planted in the Bülbülzade Foundation Salvation Forest on behalf of each participant. YouthPass certificates will be presented to all participants.

Bülbülzade Foundation shared the joy of Eid with Syrian opinion leaders and guests at the Eid celebration program. The program was attended by foundation volunteers, unit managers, members and guests from different cities of Turkey.After the Eid celebration, a discussion was held with Syrian opinion leaders. During the meeting, the reconstruction process of Syria, the developments in this process and the challenges faced were discussed. The opinion leaders expressed their gratitude to Turkey and especially to Bülbülzade Foundation for their support and work in the last 14 years.

Bülbülzade Foundation shared the joy of Eid with its volunteers with a Eid celebration program. The program was attended by the volunteers, unit officers and members of the foundation, as well as guests from various cities of Turkey, Syrian opinion leaders, Anatolian Federation management and children of volunteers.The event started under the moderation of Adem Er, Secretary General of the Foundation. İbrahim Özmantar, Member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, delivered the opening speech and emphasized the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings on Eid and underlined the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood. He also expressed the joy of Eid al-Fitr around the world and the happiness that Syria has reached this Eid in freedom.Adem Er offered his Eid greetings and gave information about the future goals and projects of the foundation. He gave information about the iftar programs organized by the foundation during Ramadan in Gaziantep, Islahiye and Nurdağı earthquake zone, member associations and in Azaz, Afrin, al-Bab, Jarablus, especially Aleppo, Syria.During the program, the participants took the microphone in turn to congratulate Eid and share their good wishes. Unit managers took the microphone and gave information about their activities during Ramadan. Children participating in the event added color to the program by playing games.

We are also waiting for you to attend Bülbülzade Foundation's Eid celebration event.Date: March 31, 2025  Clock: 13.00Location: Bülbülzade Foundation

In partnership with Bülbülzade Foundation and Swiss Aid Forum (SAF), an iftar program was organized at Bülbülzade Foundation Children's Life Center located in Nurdağı Container City Nur 1-C Güneş Ada on Monday, March 24, within the scope of Ramadan. The program was attended by Musa Yıldırım, Nurdağı District Director of Education, Bülbülzade Foundation, Swiss Aid Forum, BEKAM, Touch Life Orphan Association, container city residents and children.The program started with the greeting speech of Bülbülzade Foundation representative. In his speech, he said, “Ramadan is a blessed time when sharing, solidarity and brotherhood are experienced in the most beautiful way. The fact that we have come together here today is the most beautiful manifestation of these feelings.” Then the representative of Swiss Aid Forum made a short speech and said, “We are happy to take part in this meaningful organization. The smile on children's faces is the greatest reward for us.”The iftar program continued with a prayer by the students of the Child Life Center. After the iftar, our volunteers played games with the participating children.The program ended after a group photo shoot.