The “8th Women and Fashion Days in the Turkic World” festival, organized under the auspices of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Mangystau Regional Administration, was successfully held in Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Held on June 28–29, the festival brought together distinguished designers and artists in the fields of traditional handicrafts and ethnic fashion from across the Turkic World.
At a special fashion show held at the Aktau Amphitheater, designers from Turkic countries presented stylized collections that blended traditional motifs with contemporary lines, featuring themes such as silk, felt, miniature art, and weaving. Representing Türkiye, designer Gözde İşbilir and the Izmir Olgunlaşma Institute captivated audiences with their collections of traditional garments enriched with modern touches.
In his opening remarks, TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev stated, “Women are the bearers of the Turkic World civilization. Each handcrafted motif is not merely an aesthetic element, but a reflection of our identity, history, and spirit.” Raev emphasized that this project, which places women at its center, contributes meaningfully to a shared cultural future.
The event was attended by TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Mayor of Aktau Abilkair Baipakov, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Aktau Sabri Alptekin, and Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Aktau Jamoliddinhoca Abdukarimov.
Participants from 13 countries and regions, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, Mongolia, and North Macedonia, took part in the festival, which reinterpreted the cultural heritage of the Silk Road through the lens of fashion. A 12-meter-long felt carpet — the result of months of dedicated craftsmanship — was also unveiled at the festival with the support of TİKA. The carpet will remain on display throughout the year for visitors in Aktau.
With exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses, and fashion shows, the festival once again highlighted the cultural richness and artistic creativity of the Turkic World. TİKA continues its efforts to promote and support the shared cultural and artistic heritage of the Turkic world.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided technical support to the organic egg production farm of the “Bolja Budućnost” Tuzla Women’s General Cooperative, which operates in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With the support provided within the scope of the project, the production capacity of organic eggs from free-range hens reached 150,000 units annually. The increased production capacity contributed to higher income and sustainability for the cooperative, paving the way for potential future investments.
The project handover ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki; TİKA Sarajevo Coordinator Erdinç Işık; Minister of Economy of Tuzla Canton Edin Duraković; President of the Bolja Budućnost Romani Women’s Association Indira Bajramović; representatives of the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management; the Chamber of Commerce; and members of the Romani community.
In his speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Akseki stated that the farm, equipped with a modern production infrastructure thanks to TİKA’s contributions, provides employment opportunities for Romani citizens in the country. He emphasized that Türkiye will continue to support projects that strengthen social solidarity in all regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has launched the “365 Days of Fresh Feed” project in the Tajoura district of Tripoli, the capital of Libya, to support the development of the livestock sector and contribute to sustainable feed production.
The “Hasılmatik: 365 Days of Fresh Feed” project was implemented by TİKA in cooperation with the Municipality of Tajoura. The project, introduced for the first time in Libya, is expected to significantly improve feed production efficiency.
TİKA’s Tripoli Coordinator, Ali Suha Bacanakgil, stated that the project would have a transformative impact on the livestock sector and emphasized the goal of expanding it across the country. “In this project, wheat and barley seeds turn into fresh fodder within 7 to 10 days. The feed produced by Hasılmatik is much more efficient than dry feed. Animals can consume it entirely, including its sprouts and roots, with 100% digestibility,” he explained.
Bacanakgil underlined that the project was carried out with a spirit of social solidarity and noted their intention to increase the number of local stakeholders and expand cooperation with municipalities and agricultural cooperatives.
Tajoura Deputy Mayor Ayman Al-Salim highlighted the issue of groundwater scarcity in the region, stating that the project offered a significant solution to this problem in terms of livestock production. “A simple system, low water usage, and high productivity—this project will revitalize animal husbandry. We thank TİKA,” he said.
Mahmoud Marwan, one of the local farmers benefiting from the project, emphasized that the “365 Days of Fresh Feed” system saves both land and time and noted that the resulting product is suitable for cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Supported by TİKA, this project stands out as a model initiative promoting sustainable agriculture and livestock farming in Libya.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) supports sustainable agriculture and local production in Palestine through the Fish Farming Facility and Aquaponic Greenhouse Project, implemented in cooperation with the AMAN Association in the city of Jericho.
Working in partnership with the AMAN Association, which has been active in Jericho for 22 years, TİKA established an integrated production facility under the “Fish Farming Facility and Aquaponic Greenhouse Installation Project,” offering an alternative source of livelihood for Palestinian farmers.
The project aims to address the deepening economic crisis and growing challenges in food accessibility in Palestine, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Gaza. It consists of a fish farming pool and an aquaponic greenhouse system, in which waste is converted into natural fertilizer. This method enables the production of vegetables without chemical fertilizers and allows for the healthy cultivation of fish.
At the same time, the initiative provides a sustainable source of income for the AMAN Association’s aid activities, which are directed toward women and families in need.
As one of the few integrated production models of its kind in Palestine, the project promotes environmentally friendly food production. It aims to improve food security, reduce dependency on imports, and contribute to public health.
TİKA continues to contribute to development efforts in the region not only through humanitarian aid but also by establishing production-based, self-sustaining structures in Palestine.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed restoration and exterior lighting works at the historic Turunçlu Fethiye Mosque, located in Nicosia, the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
As one of the key symbols of Ottoman and Turkish heritage on the island, the mosque’s physical condition was improved, while the newly installed exterior lighting now highlights its architectural details and historical texture even at night.
Situated within the Walled City of Nicosia, near the Lokmacı Border Gate, the Turunçlu Fethiye Mosque was built in Hijri 1240 (AD 1825) by Seyyid Mehmed Aga, the then-Governor of Cyprus. The mosque features a 148-square-meter prayer hall and can accommodate approximately 210 worshippers at a time.
An important monument from the Ottoman era, the mosque draws significant attention from both the local community and tourists due to its architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Featured in visitor brochures, the mosque has been aesthetically and functionally revitalized through the recent restoration and lighting efforts.
With this project, TİKA contributes to the preservation of the Ottoman heritage in the TRNC and ensures that the traces of the past are carried into the future.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has inaugurated a new children’s playground in the garden of a kindergarten located in the Seyidler settlement of Azerbaijan’s Samukh District, where the children of Karabakh martyrs and veterans receive education.
The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General in Ganja, Recep Öztop, Governor of Samukh, Firdovsi Aliyev, TİKA Vice President Dr. Ümit Naci Yorulmaz, TİKA Baku Coordinator Hayrettin Özçelik, kindergarten administrators, children and their families.
Following the opening, TİKA Vice President Yorulmaz stated that TİKA always stands by the families of Azerbaijani martyrs and veterans. Yorulmaz said, “No matter what we do, it will never be enough for our esteemed martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. However, the joy of the children playing in this park today, the happiness in their eyes, tells us that we have carried out a meaningful project.”
Kindergarten administrators and families thanked TİKA and Türkiye for the children’s playground, which met a significant need. For the children playing freely in the park, activities such as animation shows, face painting, and balloon twisting were organized.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has inaugurated a carpentry workshop at the Alux Orphan School in Alux region.
Equipped with technical tools and machinery, the workshop aims to provide orphaned children with vocational skills in carpentry, helping them secure sustainable livelihoods. The new facility offers hands-on training in woodworking, preparing students for careers in the construction and furniture industries. Expert instructors will lead the training to support students’ professional development.
At the opening ceremony, TİKA Kampala Coordinator Murat Çetin emphasized the critical role of vocational education in development processes, highlighting the agency’s priority to prepare youth for the workforce and increase employment opportunities.
Local officials and community leaders attending the ceremony expressed their appreciation for TİKA’s support of education and vocational advancement, stating that the workshop will transform the lives of many young people in the region.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has improved the street lighting infrastructure in Dashkasan by installing 60 LED-equipped light poles throughout the city.
During an official visit to Azerbaijan, TİKA Deputy President Dr. Ümit Naci Yorulmaz, along with Turkish Consul General in Ganja Recep Öztop and TİKA Baku Coordinator Hayrettin Özçelik, met with Dashkasan Governor Orhan Abbasov.
Following the meeting, the delegation inspected the street lighting project implemented by TİKA in Dashkasan. Governor Abbasov expressed his gratitude to TİKA and Türkiye for the initiative.
Commenting on the project, Deputy President Yorulmaz stated, “We are very pleased that Dashkasan residents feel safer walking their streets at night. As TİKA, we focus on projects that have a direct positive impact on people’s lives.”
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) organized a “Culinary Arts and Service Training” program in the capital city Dushanbe.
The two-phase program was held for students of the Tajikistan International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship. The first phase focused on service training, while the second phase provided culinary arts training under the concept of Turkish cuisine.
The four-day training program hosted a total of 35 chefs and 110 service personnel. Participants received instruction in both traditional and modern kitchen techniques, as well as professional service practices. The training also covered a range of theoretical and practical topics, including hygiene standards, kitchen organization, food presentation techniques, and service skills.
Conducted under the guidance of master chefs from Türkiye, the training aimed to enhance the professional skills of the participants and contribute directly to improving service quality in the tourism sector. Through this program, TİKA seeks to support the professionalization of Tajikistan’s culinary sector, raise service standards, and help develop a qualified workforce in the field of gastronomy.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) delivered an ultrasound device to the Gynecology Department of the Dr. Milan – Bane Djordjević Health Center located in the town Velika Plana.
The modern ultrasound device provided by TİKA aims to improve pregnancy monitoring, enable early diagnosis of increasing cancer cases, and enhance the service capacity of the center. The handover ceremony was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Belgrade Ilhan Saygılı, Velika Plana Mayor Strahinija Pavešković, TİKA Serbia Coordinator Hülya Kırmızıgül, and staff members of the health center.
In his speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Saygılı emphasized that Turkey’s activities in the Balkans significantly contribute to peace and stability in the region. He also underlined the importance of supporting healthcare institutions located along the “Sıla Yolu (The Road to the Homeland)”, which is heavily used by expatriates, expressing his satisfaction that such health projects carried out by TİKA will serve the people of both countries.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established the “Cezeri Lab” at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, contributing to young people’s access to technology.
With the project carried out by TİKA, the digital design and production workshop “Cezeri Lab” was established at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, equipped with 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser cutting machines, CNC routers, lathes, computers, robotic training sets, and other mechanical-electronic equipment supplied from Turkey.
Named after Ismail al-Jazari, who lived in the Anatolian Artuqid State and is known as the “Father of Robots,” the laboratory has become a modern innovation center for engineering students and academicians at the university.
To ensure effective use of the laboratory, a two-week training program was organized between May 19-30, 2025, for a group of 22 people consisting of 15 academicians and 7 students. Participants received theoretical and practical training on 3D design and printing, robotics applications, and mechatronics projects.
The certificate ceremony held at the end of the training program was attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to Ulaanbaatar Başak Genç Yüksel, TİKA Ulaanbaatar Coordinator Ali Muslu, Mongolian University of Science and Technology Rector Prof. Dr. Namnan Tumurpurev, academicians, and students.
In her speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Yüksel emphasized that the relations between Türkiye and Mongolia are based on deep historical and cultural ties, highlighted the Cezeri Lab Project as a good example of the multi-dimensional developing cooperation, and congratulated the participants.
Rector Prof. Dr. Tumurpurev thanked TİKA and Türkiye for realizing the project in a short time and stated that the laboratory strengthens cooperation between the two countries in education and science and contributes to the training of future engineers in Mongolia.
So far, TİKA has established a total of 25 Cezeri Laboratories in 22 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Pakistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Algeria, and South Africa, continuing to offer young people access to technology and design opportunities.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established a pasta production facility in Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the humanitarian organization “Merhamet” Muslim Aid Society.
This project aims to enhance the sustainability of the ‘Merhamet’ Muslim Charity Association’s operations, which currently prepares an average of 6,000 hot meals daily for its beneficiaries across Bosnia and Herzegovina through its network of soup kitchens.
The new facility builds on TİKA’s previous support to Merhamet’s Zavidovici complex, where a greenhouse established by TİKA in earlier years already enables the production of an average of 30 tons of vegetables annually. This new project has now created the infrastructure for 10 tons of pasta production per year, prioritizing the country’s most disadvantaged segments. All products cultivated and processed at the farm are used to meet the needs of the soup kitchens.
Beyond increasing food supply, the production facility will operate actively year-round, both in summer and winter, and has also provided employment opportunities for approximately 10 women in need within the region.
The inauguration ceremony of the project was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo Emin Akseki, Zenica-Doboj Canton Minister of Economy Samir Šibonjić, Mayor of Zavidovići Erna Merdić Smailhodžić, President of Merhamet Kenan Vrbanjac, TİKA Sarajevo Coordinator Erdinç Işık, and other officials.
In his address, Ambassador Akseki reiterated the Republic of Türkiye’s commitment to supporting high-impact, human-centered projects across Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasized that the TİKA-backed project is not merely about supporting production, but rather a significant initiative that strengthens social solidarity and offers a sustainable model in this field. Akseki underscored that soup kitchens in societies still bearing the scars of war, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, are not just places for meals, but symbols of compassion, sharing, and social cohesion. He extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project.
About “Merhamet” Muslim Charity Association
The ‘Merhamet’ Muslim Charity Association is a social welfare organization with 110 years of history. It actively works to alleviate the social and economic needs of citizens requiring assistance through various forms of aid, including soup kitchens, support for the elderly and disabled, and scholarships for students from socially disadvantaged families.
