Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) sponsored the 2nd Rohingya Football League, organized in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
As the Rohingya people mark their seventh year of displacement after seeking refuge in Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine region in 2017, TİKA continues its efforts to support and normalize life in the camps.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural tournament, which attracted significant interest, this year’s event was structured as a qualifying competition. Sponsored by TİKA, the tournament kicked off on March 13 with an opening match featuring 16 teams, drawing an audience of approximately 20,000 spectators.
The final match took place in the presence of officials and Rohingya refugees residing in the camps.
Tournament expected to raise public awareness
Speaking at the final match, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing the image, traditions, and heritage of the Rohingya community. He stated that the tournament aimed to foster solidarity, support the Rohingya people’s eventual return to their homeland, and raise public awareness. Rahman also encouraged participants to avoid conflicts and crime, expressing his hope that the event would have a positive impact on the community.
He concluded his speech by thanking TİKA for providing sports equipment and supporting the organization of the event.
In the final match, the Naymoy (2) Football Team defeated the Inndin Football Team 1-0, claiming the championship title. Trophies and medals were awarded to the winning team, while the Golden Ball, Golden Gloves, and Golden Boot were presented to their respective recipients.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) continues to share Türkiye’s expertise in advanced technology with partner countries. As part of this effort, the Cezeri Lab was established in the Republic of Maldives, and the first training programs have been successfully conducted.
Two-week training sessions were held in the laboratory, located within the Polytechnic Institute in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. A total of 21 academics and students, primarily from the fields of electrical-electronics and mechanical engineering, participated in the program. The training covered both theoretical and practical lessons on 3D design and printing, robotics applications, and mechatronics projects. Upon completion of the program, participants were awarded certificates.
Cezeri Lab equipped with devices made in Türkiye
TİKA provides young people with access to technology through Cezeri Labs, established in various countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Algeria, and South Africa. Equipped with Türkiye-made 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutting machines, and robotics kits, these laboratories serve as innovation hubs for engineering students and academics.
As part of TİKA’s Science and Technology Education Program (BİTEP), Cezeri Labs aims to foster innovation by bringing together young talents. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills at CezeriFest, a technology festival first held in Ankara in December 2024, which is planned to become an annual event.
The Iyaziye Park and Recreation Area, renovated by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was inaugurated with a ceremony in the town of Iyaziye, located in Tal Afar, Iraq.
The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad, Anıl Bora İnan; Tal Afar District Governor, Khalil Mohsen al-Habish; Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) Mosul Provincial Chairman, Martyr Ganim; Tal Afar Chairman, Cengiz İlyas; regional MPs, and numerous guests.
This project, implemented in Iyaziye—home to approximately 25,000 Turkmens—will provide a safe and peaceful playground for children, as well as new social opportunities for adults.
“Children’s smiles are the guarantee of our future”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad Anıl Bora İnan emphasized that Türkiye has always stood by the Iraqi people and highlighted that such projects further strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
As part of the project, playgrounds were modernized, green spaces were landscaped and seating areas were created to provide families with a comfortable and enjoyable environment. Additionally, all components of the 1,500-square-meter park were sourced from Türkiye and assembled on-site.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided specialized wheelchairs and sports equipment for Paralympic athletes in Herat, Afghanistan. Thanks to this support, the athletes are now able to compete in professional tournaments.
As part of the project aimed at supporting wheelchair basketball players in western Afghanistan, 20 custom-designed wheelchairs tailored to the needs of Paralympic athletes, along with various sports equipment, were delivered. Previously unable to continue their activities due to a lack of resources, the team can now participate in professional competitions thanks to TİKA’s assistance.
As part of this initiative, a basketball tournament was held in memory of Nader Shah Heydari, the former head of the Paralympic Federation, who passed away last year.
Following the match, Masoud Amiri, President of Herat Paralympics, expressed his gratitude for TİKA’s ongoing support for people with disabilities. He also acknowledged TİKA’s previous contributions and expressed hope that the cooperation would continue, emphasizing that such assistance serves as a strong source of motivation for athletes.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Herat Arafat Deniz stated, “TİKA always prioritizes projects that support individuals with disabilities. It brings us great joy to see disabled athletes actively participating in society and showcasing their talents.”
As part of a collaborative project between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), medical equipment was provided to the Georgian National Cancer Screening Center.
Through this initiative, four gynecological examination chairs and a hysteroscopy device, designed for accessibility by individuals with disabilities, were delivered to the center. The chairs aim to enhance access to healthcare services, particularly for women with disabilities, improving both patient comfort and the efficiency of healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, the hysteroscopy device will contribute to the quality of gynecological healthcare by providing a modern solution for diagnosing and treating intrauterine conditions.
The newly delivered equipment has been deployed across the Didube, Saburtalo, Gldani, and Varketili branches of the Cancer Screening Center in Tbilisi.
Distinguished Guests Attend the Ceremony
Melike Yılmaz Özkiper, Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tbilisi; Zeynep Bayrak, TİKA’s Coordinator in Tbilisi; Zurab Chikviladze, Chairman of the Health and Social Problems Commission of the Tbilisi City Council; and Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative in Türkiye, attended the equipment delivery ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Chikviladze, Chairman of the Health and Social Issues Committee of the Tbilisi City Council, stated: “This equipment provided by TİKA will enable us to deliver more comprehensive and higher-quality healthcare services, particularly for our patients with special needs. Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of a healthy life, and we believe our screening services will improve even further thanks to this valuable support.”
Ms. Khan, UNFPA Representative in Türkiye, stated that improving women’s health will have a long-term positive impact on society as a whole. Melike Yılmaz Özkiper, Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tbilisi, emphasized that Türkiye’s cooperation with Georgia in the field of healthcare will continue to grow.
Contribution to Cancer Awareness
Additionally, brochures and specially designed cloth bags aimed at raising cancer awareness were distributed to the people of Tbilisi. This project not only helps educate the public about the fight against cancer and the importance of early diagnosis but also strengthens women’s healthcare in Georgia. Furthermore, it reinforces the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and Georgia in the field of health.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided equipment to the Turkish language classroom at the Foreign Language Center of the Academy of Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense of Albania.
Since 1999, this classroom has offered Turkish language courses to military personnel within the Albanian Ministry of Defense. Recent upgrades have modernized the space with new student desks, chairs, cabinets, curtains, printers, computers, smartboards, and teacher desks.
Brigadier General Bardhyl Nuredinaj, Rector of the Academy of Armed Forces of the Ministry of Defense of Albania; Tayyar Kağan Atay, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tirana; Colonel Tolga Kip, Military Attaché of the Republic of Türkiye to Tirana; Mustafa Ata, TİKA’s Coordinator in Tirana; Metin Bulut, Türkiye’s Education Attaché to Tirana; Oğuzhan Sakoğlu, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Tirana; as well as military personnel and trainees, attended the ceremony marking the opening of the renovated classroom and the commencement of Turkish language courses in 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Atay expressed his belief that the Turkish courses, to be held in the classroom renovated with the support of TİKA, will significantly contribute to the personnel involved in the cooperation between Türkiye and the Republic of Albania in the defense sector.
Brigadier General Nuredinaj, Rector of the Academy of Armed Forces of the Albanian Ministry of Defense, conveyed his gratitude to Türkiye for the renovated classroom and wished success to both the personnel who completed the Turkish language course and those who will begin the course.
Following the speeches, participation certificates were presented to five military personnel who attended the Turkish course in 2024. The ceremony concluded with well wishes for the four personnel who will participate in the Turkish course planned for 2025.
As part of the fifth “Sağlığa Dost Eli-5 Project” organized this year by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in collaboration with the Dost Eli Association, Turkish physicians offered free healthcare services to thousands of Chadian citizens at Nama Hospital in the Ndjari district.
Chad, one of the poorest countries in Africa, continues to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. This year, Nama Hospital in the Ndjari district of the capital, N’Djamena, provided free health services to thousands of Chadian citizens as part of the “Sağlığa Dost Eli-5 Project” led by the Turkish medical team.
Free healthcare for 4,820 people over 9 days
A Turkish medical team of 13, including 10 medical staff from five different specialties, provided free healthcare services to 4,820 people over the course of 9 days. Additionally, medicines, and medical supplies brought from Türkiye were distributed to patients at no charge.
As part of the free services offered by the Turkish medical team, 685 patients were treated in pediatrics, 693 in ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and 470 in surgery. Furthermore, 1,378 patients received dental treatment, and 45 surgeries were performed. The project also included the circumcision of 2,057 boys.
Thanks to this initiative, long-standing health issues were addressed, and access to basic healthcare services was significantly improved for the local population.
Chad’s Ministry of Health thanks Turkish medical team
After the successful completion of the 9-day health project, the Chadian Ministry of Health expressed its gratitude to the Turkish medical team by awarding them certificates of appreciation. The Ministry highlighted that the project provided significant support to the people of Chad and expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue in the future.
The Astana leg of the “Turkish Cuisine from the Ancestral Homeland to Anatolia” events—organized to showcase the rich gastronomic heritage of Turkish cuisine in Astana, Bishkek, and Tashkent—was successfully completed.
As part of the project initiated by the Bursa Maturation Institute and supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), a themed dinner titled “Gastronomic Heritage of the Turks: From Nomads to Gourmets” was held in Astana.
The event brought together diplomats, bureaucrats, business leaders, opinion leaders, researchers, and members of the press.
Strengthening cultural ties through Turkish cuisine
Nilüfer Karakoç, Director of the Bursa Maturation Institute, shared the following remarks in her speech at the event:
“With this project, we aim to highlight the historical evolution of Turkish cuisine and the influence of the nomadic lifestyle on gastronomy. At the same time, we seek to revitalize Turkish culinary traditions across the Turkestan region, revive forgotten dishes, and preserve our shared gastronomic heritage. Strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, while fostering greater interaction between the two nations through gastronomy, remains one of our primary goals.”
A special dinner showcasing Kazakh and Turkish cuisine
As part of the event, guests were treated to a selection of five exquisite dishes inspired by Kazakh and Turkish culinary traditions, prepared by Turkish Chef Korhan Süren and Kazakh Chef Manas Skak. The gastronomic experience concluded with a special concert featuring Kazakh and Turkish music.
Supported by TİKA, this initiative aims to celebrate the culinary heritage of the Turkestan region and preserve it for future generations. The program will continue in Bishkek and Tashkent in the coming months.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan and the Committee for Vocational Education, has established an anatomy laboratory at Hisar State Medical College. The laboratory was inaugurated with a formal ceremony.
Founded in 1986, Hisar State Medical College educates 2,466 students in the fields of midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, and dental technology. With the support of TİKA, the project has created a modern laboratory environment, allowing students to gain hands-on practical training.
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, Gafur Muhsinzoda; Deputy Mayor of Hisar City, Bunafsha Yuldoshzoda; and TİKA’s Coordinator in Dushanbe, İbrahim Ethem Ünal.
“Quality education in healthcare is vital”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, Gafur Muhsinzoda, highlighted the insufficient educational infrastructure in rural areas and underscored the importance of training qualified professionals in the healthcare sector.
Muhsinzoda emphasized that the infrastructure provided by TİKA meets a critical need and expressed his gratitude for the ongoing cooperation.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Dushanbe, İbrahim Ethem Ünal stated that the new laboratory will enhance the quality of education by offering students hands-on practical training. He reaffirmed TİKA’s commitment to supporting projects that contribute to Tajikistan’s healthcare sector.
Training qualified health workers
Thanks to the new laboratory, students in nursing, midwifery, and dental technician departments will benefit from expanded practical training opportunities. This initiative aims to increase employment prospects upon graduation and contribute to providing qualified professionals for Tajikistan’s rapidly growing healthcare sector.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has built three greenhouses for nine young farmers who have completed greenhouse farming training.
As part of the project, implemented in collaboration with the Somali Smart Farms Association (SSFA), nine young individuals with knowledge of greenhouse farming—but lacking a stable income due to financial constraints—were provided with their own greenhouses.
In addition to constructing the greenhouses, TİKA supplied tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper seeds, along with pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation tanks, drip irrigation pipes, and spraying equipment. These resources have enabled the young farmers to complete their first production cycle successfully.
The greenhouses, established on land allocated to young farmers by the SSFA, will receive free water support from the association for five years. The project aims to help young farmers reinvest their earnings in the agricultural sector and contribute to Somalia’s agricultural self-sufficiency.
Halima Abdurahman Mohamud, the mother of Ahmed Abdullahi Nur—one of the young farmers—shared that her son was orphaned and grew up under challenging conditions. She never imagined that he would one day own a greenhouse. She expressed her gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA, noting that her son now has his own greenhouse and that their entire family’s life will improve as a result.
This project, which encourages trained young farmers to actively participate in agriculture, seeks to enhance local production and strengthen Somalia’s agricultural independence through modern greenhouse practices.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established a modern coffee production facility in the village of Sirnajaya, located in the Rawagede district of Bogor, Indonesia. Home to approximately 7,000 people, the village’s economy primarily depends on coffee and paddy production.
Previously, coffee processed using traditional methods was sold below market value, limiting the villagers’ economic gains. With the drying greenhouse built by TİKA and the facility equipped with roasting, grinding, and packaging equipment; locally produced coffee will now be sold at its true market value.
The villagers of Sirnajaya have chosen the name “Memba” as the official brand for their coffee, and a specially designed package has been created. Once the necessary permits are obtained, Memba-branded coffee will soon be available to consumers.
“Our cooperation will continue to grow”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the facility, TİKA’s Vice President Dr. Naci Yorulmaz stated: “Since our establishment in 1992, we have carried out more than 30,000 projects and activities in 170 countries. With 63 offices worldwide, we continue to expand our cooperation projects. We continue to undertake significant initiatives in rural and urban development in Indonesia. Following the recent visit of our President, agreements were signed in various sectors. I hope this new phase will further strengthen our cooperation in all fields.”
Thanks to TİKA’s support, the villagers of Sirnajaya will not only enhance efficiency in their production processes but also become more competitive in the global market.
The “Social Media and Digital Media Journalism Training” program was successfully organized in Cambodia through a collaboration between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT).
As part of the project, Kampuchea Presse, Kampuchea State Radio, the Ministry of Information’s Press and Publication Department, and 54 journalists from Cambodian State Television participated in the training.
During the four-day training program, participants received comprehensive instruction on topics such as digital content creation, digital video storytelling, film production for social media platforms, and combating disinformation.
The program’s opening ceremony was attended by Cambodia’s Minister of Information, Neth Pheaktra; and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Ülkü Kocaefe.
In her speech, Ambassador Kocaefe highlighted TİKA’s initiatives in Cambodia and expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration in the field of media.
Minister Pheaktra expressed his pleasure in organizing the first training of the year in collaboration with TİKA and TRT. Highlighting the importance of accurate information in the media, he emphasized that combating disinformation remains a top priority.
Certificates of participation were presented to journalists who successfully completed the training by Minister Pheaktra and Ambassador Kocaefe.
