The Mihail Ciachir Library in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, which promotes Gagauz culture, literature, history and traditions, has been renovated and officially reopened with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Established in 1992 within the B.P. Hasdeu Municipal Library, the facility underwent comprehensive renovation and modernization as part of TİKA’s restoration project.
The opening ceremony was attended by Chisinau Mayor, Ion Ceban; TİKA’s Vice President, Dr. Mahmut Çevik; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Chisinau, Uygar Mustafa Sertel; as well as members of the Moldovan Writers’ Union, scholars, academicians, and representatives of relevant institutions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban highlighted the successful projects implemented by TİKA in the city and stated:
“We have collaborated with TİKA in various fields, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and culture. These projects have made significant contributions to the people of Chisinau. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to TİKA for its support.”
“We are happy to contribute to Gagauz culture”
TİKA’s Vice President Dr. Mahmut Çevik shared his thoughts on the project, stating:
“Today, we are inaugurating a library named after Mihail Ciachir, a prominent figure in intellectual and religious Gagauz history. We are honored to contribute to a project dedicated to this distinguished individual, who devoted his life to the development of the Gagauz language and history and made contributions to Moldovan literature.”
About Mihail Ciachir
Mihail Ciachir was one of the most influential figures in Bessarabia’s cultural, educational, scientific, journalistic, and religious life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A prominent intellectual of Gagauz origin, he dedicated his life to educating diverse communities in Bessarabia, promoting literacy in both religious studies and native languages.
He is also recognized for his spiritual and moral leadership among the Gagauz people. His extensive research on the Gagauz language and history and his efforts to introduce the Gagauz culture to the world were instrumental, as reflected in the first books and newspapers published in Gagauz Turkish.
Respected throughout Moldova, especially in Gagauzia, Mihail Ciachir stands as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different cultures.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has successfully completed a water system project in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The project provides a long-term solution to the community’s critical need for clean and safe drinking water.
Mvezo, globally recognized as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has faced severe water shortages for years. Relying on the Mbhashe River, a shared water source for both domestic use and livestock, residents were exposed to serious health risks. Many had to walk more than two kilometers daily to fetch water, while others endured the high financial costs of water deliveries. The lack of reliable access to clean water has not only affected public health but has also hindered socio-economic development in the region.
To address this challenge, TİKA carried out a comprehensive upgrade of Mvezo’s deteriorating water distribution system. As part of the project, a borehole was fully equipped, enabling it to produce 259,200 liters of clean water in just 12 hours— more than double the daily demand of 130,000 liters, ensuring both current and future water needs are met. The water distribution network was also modernized with the installation of new pipes, valves, and fittings, while damaged infrastructure was replaced. Additionally, new water taps were strategically positioned to enhance accessibility, and rigorous water quality testing was conducted to ensure the supply meets all health and safety standards for consumption.
This enhanced water system marks a transformation for the people of Mvezo. It eliminates reliance on the Mbhashe River, greatly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, and eases the time-consuming and physically demanding task of fetching water.
The project was officially inaugurated at a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela of the Mandela Royal House, a TİKA representative, Türkiye’s Ambassador to South Africa Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç and local leaders.
Chief Zwelivelile Mandela expressed his deep gratitude to TİKA, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the people of Türkiye for their support. He commended Türkiye’s development approach, which prioritizes mutual respect and sustainability, and emphasized the sacred nature of water as an essential resource for health, dignity, and development. Mandela also urged the community to cherish and safeguard the new water system, ensuring its benefits for future generations.
Ambassador Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç expressed her gratitude to Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, the Mvezo Traditional Council, and TİKA, commending their joint efforts in making the project a success. She highlighted the broader global water crisis, emphasizing that billions of people worldwide still lack access to clean water, which makes this initiative in Mvezo—honoring President Mandela’s legacy—even more significant. Ambassador Yıldırımgeç also urged the community to preserve and maintain the water system, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
“It is a tremendous honor for TİKA to contribute to the well-being of the people of Mvezo and to uphold the legacy of President Mandela,” said the TİKA representative, emphasizing that access to water is a fundamental human right.
This project exemplifies TİKA’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation. Providing Mvezo residents with reliable access to clean water, the project not only enhances their quality of life but also pays tribute to Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided aid packages containing essential food and hygiene supplies to 1,700 families in the areas most severely affected by the floods in Colombia.
As the climate crisis continues to pose a growing threat to Latin American countries, extreme rainfall in Colombia has further intensified the need for emergency assistance, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities. The devastating floods that struck at the end of 2024 impacted a total of 40,000 families, leading to the government to declare a year-long state of emergency.
Accordingly, TİKA delivered aid packages to ease the impact of the floods in the city of Riohacha, located in the La Guajira administrative region of Colombia, during a ceremony.
The event was attended by Colombian Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá, Beste Pehlivan Sun; National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) Director, Carlos Alberto Carrillo; Riohacha Mayor, Genaro Redondo Choles; and officials from TİKA’s Colombia Program Coordination Office.
In the first phase of distribution, aid supplies were delivered to 500 families in rural areas of Riohacha, as part of a broader initiative that will ultimately support a total of 8,500 people.
Strategic Cooperation in Bilateral Relations
Speaking at the ceremony, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo extended his greetings to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, stating: “Colombia and Türkiye are experiencing a highly positive period in their bilateral relations. TİKA’s contributions to peace, regional development, and emergency response are further strengthening our strategic partnership. I see great potential to enhance our cooperation through shared agendas, particularly in South-South Cooperation.
Beste Pehlivan Sun, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá, stated: “TİKA’s initiatives contribute to peace and prosperity across different regions of Colombia. Following the flood disaster, we responded swiftly to Foreign Minister Murillo’s request for assistance from the Turkish authorities and prepared these aid packages. Through this humanitarian project, we have once again strengthened the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Colombia.” Referring to the assistance provided by UNGRD during the earthquake disaster in Türkiye, she added “We will never forget this support.”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Bogotá Merve Zengin stated, “Operating in more than 150 countries, TİKA serves as Türkiye’s helping hand. Our projects aimed at fostering prosperity and peace play a key role in our strategic partnership with Colombia. Flood relief efforts represent not just technical cooperation but also solidarity between nations.”
“Türkiye’s support has elevated our cooperation beyond humanitarian aid, demonstrating that we are stronger together,” said UNGRD Director Carlos Alberto Carrillo, emphasizing that the assistance was directed toward the most vulnerable communities in the La Guajira and Chocó regions.
Local Community Expresses Gratitude
Following the ceremony, 500 aid packages were distributed to the Panterramana, Kamuchasain, and Jayaktama communities in the village of Kamuchasain, home to the Wayuu indigenous people. Foreign Minister Murillo stated, “With Türkiye’s swift response, we have once again witnessed the strength of our bilateral relations. We extend our gratitude to TİKA and Türkiye.”
A Kamuchasain community leader also conveyed his thanks, saying: “Our village is home to an ethnocultural school that plays a crucial role in our children’s education. Addressing our needs was essential, and we are deeply grateful to Türkiye for this support.”
The program concluded with a traditional dance performance by the Wayuu children.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed the renovation and equipping of the Nursing Home in Fier, Albania, officially opening the upgraded sections of the facility.
The inauguration visit to the nursing home was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tirana, Tayyar Kağan Atay; TİKA’s Coordinator in Tirana, Mustafa Ata; Deputy Mayor of Fier, Suela Prifti; Director of the Fier Nursing Home, Dorina Gjino; Education Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, Dr. Metin Bulut; officials from the Türkiye-Albania Fier Friendship Hospital, hospital doctors, and elderly residents of the care home.
Ambassador Atay, who met with the elderly following the visit to the renovated areas, emphasized the deep-rooted brotherhood and friendship between the Turkish and Albanian peoples, which dates back centuries. He stated that activities are carried out within this framework and that the project completed by TİKA has contributed to improving the daily lives of the elderly, allowing them to rest in a more comfortable environment.
“We would like to thank the Turkish people for this project implemented by TİKA. It has not only improved the lives of our elderly but also enabled us to provide them with higher-quality care,” said Gjino, Director of the Nursing Home.
Health screenings for nursing home residents
Before the inauguration ceremony, doctors from the Türkiye-Albania Fier Friendship Hospital—built in Fier with Türkiye’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic—conducted health screenings for the elderly residents of the nursing home.
As part of the project, the nursing home’s bedrooms, dining hall, TV room, terrace lounge, infirmary, and laundry room were renovated and equipped with essential facilities.
Originally built in 1950 and repurposed as a nursing home in 1960, ‘Fier Nursing Home’ is the largest facility of its kind in Albania with a capacity of 55 residents.
The nursing home comprises 29 rooms in total and is divided into separate sections for men and women.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided essential equipment to the Honduran National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF) as part of the ‘Forest Pest Management Program’.
In 2013, Honduras faced a devastating outbreak of the Dendroctonus frontalis bark beetle, which spread rapidly and inflicted severe damage on the country’s pine forests. Due to prolonged drought, the infestation is estimated to have destroyed a quarter of Honduras’ pine forests. In response to this environmental crisis, Honduran authorities sought TİKA’s support in 2016 to combat the threat effectively.
Biological control with the Ömer Halisdemir Laboratory
In 2017, TİKA established the first biological control laboratory in Central America at the ICF in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Named after July 15th martyr Ömer Halisdemir, the laboratory began producing a predatory insect species capable of combating the pine bark beetle infestation, which had severely damaged the country’s forests. By releasing these natural predators into the forest, a chemical-free pest control method was developed, helping to protect the ecosystem while effectively managing the infestation. This approach initially yielded positive results. However, unfavorable conditions during the pandemic led to a resurgence of forest pests.
Drone-assisted fight against forest pests
When Honduran authorities once again requested support, TİKA provided comprehensive assistance to enhance the fight against forest pests. In December 2024, the ICF Ömer Halisdemir Laboratory received advanced technological equipment, including drones (UAVs), chainsaws, insect traps, bark peelers, and test tubes for forest inspection and pest control.
Gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA
The equipment was delivered during a ceremony attended by TİKA experts, Honduran officials, and ICF employees. In her speech, Annya Melissa Chavez, Director of the National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development and Wildlife of Honduras, expressed her deep gratitude for Türkiye’s long-standing support. She emphasized that the technical equipment provided by Türkiye would have a significant long-term impact on forest conservation.
Following the ceremony, ICF officials gave a presentation to TİKA experts, highlighting the crucial role of TİKA’s support in combating forest pests. They also expressed their willingness to continue exchanging knowledge with Türkiye and strengthen future cooperation.
A memorandum of understanding between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) was signed in a ceremony held in Ankara. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in various fields and facilitate the development of joint projects.
The signing ceremony took place at TİKA Headquarters with the participation of TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar, IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn, and delegations from both organizations.
A protocol aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two institutions, along with a memorandum of understanding to develop joint projects in various fields—including food and water security, agriculture and rural development, and biotechnology—was signed by TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar and IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn. The agreement particularly emphasizes sustainable development goals and humanitarian priorities in member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, TİKA’s President, Kayalar highlighted the significance of the memorandum in reinforcing institutional cooperation. He emphasized that the collaboration between TİKA and IOFS will play a crucial role in international initiatives undertaken within this framework.
“With the strength this memorandum of understanding provides, we will work to share the expertise of IOFS and TİKA with third countries on food security issues in Africa, South America, and other regions,” Kayalar stated.
IOFS Director General Aryn emphasized that the memorandum of understanding marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration and partnership. He stated, “We have an excellent partnership with TİKA. This memorandum will hopefully enable us to enhance our cooperation and expand our areas of collaboration even further.”
Under the agreement, projects will be implemented to combat poverty, strengthen food security, and address environmental challenges.
These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in advancing development goals both regionally and globally.
As part of the protocol, the two institutions will engage in joint activities, including domestic and international training programs, study visits, and workshops. Additionally, they will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise to further reinforce their cooperation.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a state-of-the-art technology classroom at School No. 1 in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii province, aligning it with modern education standards.
Founded in 1940, School No. 1 currently educates 1,500 students. Under Mongolia’s national education curriculum, technology courses are mandatory from Grade 6 to Grade 12. However, due to the lack of a dedicated classroom, technology lessons at the school had previously been limited to theoretical instruction. Thanks to the project implemented by TİKA, students can now engage in hands-on learning.
The initiative aims to provide children in rural areas with equal access to digital education, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their peers in urban centers. By introducing students to technology at an early age, the project also seeks to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Bayan-Ölgii’s only fully equipped technology classroom”
Principal Berikbol Habdola of School No. 1 highlighted TİKA’s significant contributions to education in the region, particularly in areas with a high Kazakh population. He stated:
“TİKA has established a modern technology classroom at our school. Previously, technology lessons were taught only theoretically. However, thanks to this project, we now have a dedicated classroom designed for hands-on training. Not only is it one of the model classrooms at our school, but it is also the only fully equipped technology classroom in Bayan-Ölgii province that facilitates both practical training and production. This classroom will benefit not only our 1,500 current students but also thousands more who will begin their education here in the coming years.”
Principal Habdola expressed the enthusiasm of students, teachers, and parents for the project, stating “We sincerely thank the Turkish people and TİKA for this invaluable contribution.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated the sports fields at Rizal Technological University, which continues to provide quality education in the Philippines.
Rizal Technological University, known for its excellence in sports, offers scholarships to students from various regions of the country, allowing them to pursue both academic education and athletic careers.
As part of the project carried out by TİKA, the flooring of the sports fields at the university—home to 18,000 students in the capital, Manila—was upgraded, and a modern lighting system was installed for both indoor and outdoor facilities. Additionally, TİKA provided equipment for the university’s teams competing in sports such as basketball, volleyball, futsal, table tennis, baseball, and sepak takraw.
The newly installed lighting system will allow athletes to train uninterruptedly, day and night, while the renovated sports fields and upgraded equipment will enable them to prepare more effectively for national and international competitions.
Rizal Technological University to host inter-university sports competitions
Donata Estocada, Director of the International Cooperation Department at Rizal Technological University, announced that the university will host this year’s inter-university sports competitions, which are held annually in the Philippines.
Estocada stated, “With the support provided by TİKA, we will be able to host the competitions in a much better way. We sincerely thank the Republic of Türkiye and TİKA for this meaningful and valuable contribution.”
“We are proud to support young athletes”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Manila, İbrahim Katırcı said, “At TİKA, we enhanced the sports infrastructure of Rizal Technological University, allowing young athletes to train and compete in improved conditions. We take great pride in supporting young people from different regions of the Philippines who come to Manila with the dream of becoming professional athletes and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. Through projects like this, we will continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a fully equipped operating room at the Dr. Juan Manuel Jijena Durán Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Tarija, Bolivia.
Implemented as part of TİKA’s Program for the Development of Health Services and Infrastructure in South American Regional Countries, the project will serve not only patients from Tarija but also those from surrounding regions and the Argentinian border. As the only operating room dedicated to gynecological surgery in the department of Tarija, which has a population of 550,000, it fulfills a critical healthcare need.
The operating room was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by Bolivian Foreign Minister, Celinda Sosa Lunda; Minister of Internal Affairs, Carlos Eduardo Del Castillo Del Carpio; Türkiye’s Ambassador, Ertan Yalçın; Tarija Governor, Oscar Montes; TİKA officials and hospital staff.
In her speech at the opening ceremony, Foreign Minister Lunda expressed gratitude to TİKA for its support, stating “This operating room fulfills a long-standing need in our region. Türkiye’s cooperation with Bolivia reflects the strength of our bilateral relations and the solidarity between our countries.”
Governor Montes of Tarija also conveyed his appreciation to Türkiye, emphasizing that the operating room will serve not only the Tarija region but also surrounding areas and patients from Argentina.
About the Hospital
Opened in 2022 with a capacity of 270 beds, the hospital was previously unable to perform complex surgical procedures due to infrastructure limitations. With the support of TİKA, a fully equipped operating room was established, enabling surgeries in gynecology and orthopedics. It is expected that 3–4 surgeries will be performed daily.
TİKA’s Program for the Development of Health Services and Infrastructure in South American Regional Countries aims to address infrastructure deficiencies in essential healthcare services. By improving access to medical care, the program supports regional development strategies and contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Good Health and Well-Being’.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) renovated the Gulbutta Neighborhood Health Center in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, and equipped it with modern medical devices.
Originally built in 1973, the health center had become inadequate due to population growth and infrastructure deficiencies. Through TİKA’s comprehensive renovation project, the facility has been upgraded to provide more efficient and higher-quality healthcare services to the local community.
The newly renovated health center was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Dushanbe Deputy Mayor, Dilbar Odilzoda; Dushanbe Provincial Health Director, Khosvakt Sharafzoda; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Dushanbe, Umut Acar; and TİKA’s Coordinator in Dushanbe, İbrahim Ethem Ünal.
Expressing her appreciation for TİKA’s contributions to the healthcare sector and conveying her gratitude on behalf of the Dushanbe Municipality, Deputy Mayor Odilzoda emphasized the critical importance of equipping primary healthcare centers with modern and high-quality infrastructure. She also expressed hope that this productive collaboration would continue.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Dushanbe Ünal highlighted that, alongside strengthening healthcare infrastructure, various training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives could also be implemented for healthcare personnel. He expressed his satisfaction in sharing Türkiye’s expertise in this field with Tajikistan.
With the completion of the project, the Gulbutta Neighborhood Health Center is expected to serve approximately 29,500 residents with its modernized design, increased number of rooms and upgraded medical equipment, enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided desks and educational materials to a school in Herat, Afghanistan.
As part of the project, which aims to create a safer and more modern learning environment at Herat Inkılap High School—one of the largest high schools in the city, serving approximately 4,000 students—500 desks for students and teachers, along with 25 teacher desks and chairs, were delivered to the school administration in an official ceremony.
Local Authorities Express Gratitude to Türkiye
The Herat Director of Education and high school administrators who attended the delivery ceremony expressed their deep appreciation to TİKA, extending their gratitude to both the Turkish nation and the agency.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established an audiovisual production studio within the National Center for Children and Youth Informatics, operating under the Tunisian Ministry of Family, Women, Children and the Elderly.
Founded in 1996, the National Center for Children and Youth Informatics has branches in 24 provinces and serves 1,500 students annually. As part of the project, the center completed the installation of a state-of-the-art studio and provided training for instructors on media and communication technologies.
The opening ceremony was attended by Tunisian Minister of Family, Women, Children and the Elderly, Asma Jebri; Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan; and TİKA’s Coordinator in Tunis, Muhammed Enes Hancıoğlu.
Ambassador Demircan, who participated in a broadcast produced by children as part of the opening program, emphasized that media content has both positive and negative aspects. He highlighted the importance of teaching children to recognize these differences, encouraging them to embrace the positive while developing the skills to identify and address the negative. Demircan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Tunisia.
Minister Jebri noted that this media hall, which will produce engaging content designed to spark children’s curiosity, is a significant investment in their development. She called on all institutions and organizations to support similar initiatives that promote innovation among younger generations.
The project aims to foster creativity and enhance digital content production skills by providing children and young people with training in photography, videography, editing, short film production and media communication. Additionally, it seeks to contribute to the development of Tunisia’s human capital by equipping future generations with the skills and competencies required in the modern era.
