We brought Gaziantep's deep-rooted Ramadan traditions and our cultural values that are in danger of being forgotten to our microphones on Şafak Radio with the unique narration of our esteemed elder Ülger Algın.Under the umbrella of the Bülbülzade Foundation, Şafak Radio aired a very special program this morning that warmed our hearts and took us back to the old days. In the “Vakt-i Ramazan” program, moderated by Hüseyin Rahmi Açıkkol, our guest today was our esteemed elder Ülger Algın, who enchanted us with his narration. We had the opportunity to collectively recall Gaziantep's deep-rooted and sincere neighborhood culture, along with its preparations and excitement.WE WELCOMED RAMADAN WITH OUR CULTURAL CODESThroughout the program, we sought the answer to the question, “Where are those old Ramadans?” in Gaziantep's unique cultural codes and traditions. From suhoor preparations to neighborly relations at iftar tables, from our local customs that are in danger of being forgotten to childhood memories, we conveyed many topics to our listeners through Ülger Hanım's sincere narration. In this broadcast, where we commemorated the richness of our local culture, we shared both emotional and joyful moments.Throughout the month of Ramadan, you can listen to the “Vakt-i Ramazan” program live on Şafak Radio at 98.0 MHz or via www.safakradyo.net.

The President of Bülbülzade Vakfı, Turgay Aldemir, met with regional NGO representatives at Zade Life Otel. Aldemir called for civil society to move beyond a charity-focused structure and transform into a strategic mindset that “sustains people and ideas.”As Bülbülzade Vakfı, we came together in the Zeugma Hall of Zade Life Otel with nearly 60 NGO representatives, academics, educators, and religious officials from Birecik, Nizip, and Halfeti. During the meeting, we discussed a civil society perspective that reads the spirit of the times and demonstrates a founding will rather than merely reacting. Our Chairman of the Board, Turgay Aldemir, warned that in this period when history seems to be repeating itself, Muslims must now move beyond “low-profile minds trying to dismantle enemy strategies” and activate “a greater strategic intellect.” In this gathering, where we discussed not only today but also tomorrow and the fate of our geography, we emphasized that civil society must now go beyond traditional reflexes and enter a new process of construction that is strategic, inclusive, and prioritizes “intellectual security.”WE ARE CONCERNED WITH SUSTAINING HUMANITYIn his speech, Aldemir criticized existing habits in civil society work and underlined the need to move beyond signboard nationalism. Instead of going somewhere and putting up a sign saying “we are here too,” he stated that if there are already people working there, we should adopt the principle of empowering them. Reminding that our organizations exist from Brussels to Africa, Aldemir said, “Our concern is not to enlarge our name, but to sustain people,” emphasizing that states which lose their people are doomed to collapse.WE MUST PROTECT IDEAS MORE THAN BORDERSOne of the most resonant themes in Aldemir’s speech was “intellectual security.” He stressed that while our country has made significant progress in border security, the real danger lies in sieges targeting minds. Saying, “Border security is important, but intellectual security is even more important than border security,” Aldemir noted that if we fail to produce solutions to the intellectual turbulences around us with our own civilizational codes, others will fill this void with their own minds and alienate our people from their own geography.DIVERSITY IS OUR WEALTHStating that our perspective toward differences and the “other” must also change, Aldemir expressed that the intellect of a single group or foundation is not sufficient and that we are in need of one another’s wisdom. He said that while everyone preserves their own institutional identity, each should become a “school” for the other, and that this diversity can turn into great richness. Recalling the words of İmam-ı Gazali, “There are as many paths to God as the number of people He has created,” he invited a complementary approach instead of harsh debates.ALEPPO AKM OPENS ON MARCH 5Referring to our work just across the border, Aldemir announced that a historic building restored in Aleppo will open as the Anadolu Cultural Center on March 5. He stated that this venue, originally built by an Ottoman Pasha, will today become a meeting point for Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Armenians, and Syriacs alike, and drew attention to the humanitarian and conscientious dimension of our presence in the region with the question, “If we do not go, who will?”The meeting concluded in a sincere atmosphere where participants shared their views and suggestions, strengthening common wisdom and the law of brotherhood regarding the future of the region.

At the Art Films Series organized by Katre Art and Science Center, we took a closer look at Mandarines (Tangerines).As Bülbülzade Foundation Katre Art and Science Center, we continue to explore the universal language of cinema in depth through our "Art Films Series" events. In this context, at our recent gathering, we examined the masterpiece Mandarines (Tangerines), which tells the striking story of remaining human in the shadow of war. The event, held at Zade Life Otel Zeugma Hall, was enriched by interactive analyses conducted before and after the screening, during which we unraveled the layers of the film together with our participants. Accompanied by our moderators, we evaluated the film’s cinematographic language, historical background, and profound humanitarian messages through mutual dialogue.WE TRACED THE PATH OF PEACEThrough Mandarines, which was nominated for the Academy Award and Golden Globe, we discussed hope and human nature flourishing despite the destructiveness of war. Set in the midst of the 1990s Caucasus War, the bond formed between a man trying only to protect his tangerine harvest and two enemy soldiers constituted the focal point of our analysis. During this meaningful evening, Katre Art once again emphasized the importance of peace and tolerance, aiming to contribute to social awareness through the transformative power of art.Cinema enthusiasts showed great interest in this special evening, which was also attended by young people from Serbia whom we hosted in Gaziantep as part of our international youth mobility project titled “Digital Balance: Youth and Technology.” The program was further enriched by valuable contributions from participants and a question-and-answer session.

Saf Human Aid Association, which carries out humanitarian aid activities across the world, visited our foundation to strengthen their support for our work in the earthquake region and to consult on new projects.We were pleased to host the esteemed representatives of the Switzerland-based Saf Human Aid Association, known for its humanitarian projects on a global scale, at our foundation headquarters. During the visit, we evaluated the field reflections of the joint projects we have carried out so far and discussed potential new areas of cooperation for the upcoming period. At every step we take on the path of goodness, seeing our international partners by our side and knowing that we move forward with a shared vision gives us strength.We extend our sincere thanks to Saf Human Aid Association President Gökmen Gökdemir and the Board of Directors for their support to Bülbülzade Foundation, especially in the critical humanitarian efforts we are conducting in the earthquake region.

Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir and the accompanying delegation paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Hasan Maral, President of the GAP Regional Development Administration, at his office and presented the project file prepared for the ecological and economic development of the region.As the Bülbülzade Foundation, we carried out a high-level visit to the GAP Regional Development Administration in order to strengthen the development dynamics of the region. During the meeting held under the leadership of our Foundation President Turgay Aldemir, we shared the activities of our foundation units, our field operations in the earthquake-affected region, and the projects we conduct through the Anatolian Cultural Centers (AKM) in Syria. In order to reinforce our ground for cooperation, we presented the strategic steps we plan to implement within the scope of the GAP Administration’s “Call for Proposals for Economic, Cultural and Social Development Projects” (GAP EKÜS) to Dr. Hasan Maral, President of the GAP Regional Development Administration.The focal point of our meeting was our “Kurtuluş Forest” project, which symbolizes our environmental vision, and our “Solar Power Plant (SPP)” initiative in the field of renewable energy. Through these initiatives submitted by the Bülbülzade Foundation, we aim to secure environmental sustainability in the region and to expand technology-oriented rural development initiatives.

Our Foundation President, Turgay Aldemir, met with the esteemed executives of the Gaziantep City Council (GKK) to evaluate migration management and social cohesion processes in our city.The President of the Gaziantep City Council, Erdem Güzelbey, and his accompanying delegation visited President Aldemir. This productive meeting included GKK Vice President Mehmet Berk, Board Member Muhammet Talha Özdemir, and Migration and Refugees Commission Vice President Remzi Yılmaz. Additionally, the President of the Gaziantep Syrian Community, Mustafa El-Hüseyin, was also in attendance.During the discussions, which focused on migration management—one of the most pressing issues on the city's agenda—Aldemir detailed the foundation’s dedicated work for our Syrian neighbors since the early years of the conflict. He specifically highlighted the real-world impact of the “Common Future” meetings, which are designed to strengthen the culture of coexistence between the two communities.A Hopeful OutlookThe meeting also delved into shared hopes for the future and detailed cross-border operations. President Aldemir shared the critical importance of the Anadolu Cultural Centers, which have become operational within Syria through the foundation’s devoted efforts. He emphasized their role as a "cultural lifeline" for the local population.The gathering reflected a highly optimistic outlook, with participants expressing an unwavering belief that Syria will one day return to its peaceful and ancient roots. At the conclusion of the visit, President Aldemir suggested that the City Council delegation hold one of their future meetings at the newly opened Anadolu Cultural Center in Aleppo.