Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Kemalgerayan Behzad Art Research Center, has launched a two-month marbling art training workshop for women tailors in Herat, Afghanistan.
The workshop provided marbling art training to 200 women, focusing on applications for headscarves, paper, dresses, shawls and other items.
The marbled products were showcased at the World Tourism Day exhibition, organized in cooperation with TİKA’s Office in Herat and the Herat Culture Directorate, where they garnered significant attention.
The training aims to enhance women’s artistic skills, empower them economically and promote their active participation in social life.
The opening ceremony of the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Bishkek Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship State Hospital, constructed by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Kyrgyzstan, was held with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The modern, 72-bed Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Bishkek Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship State Hospital, built by TİKA in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on a site covering approximately 12,000 square meters, was inaugurated during an official ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The opening ceremony of the hospital was attended by President Erdoğan; President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan; Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy; Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler; Minister of Health, Kemal Memişoğlu; Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat; Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT), Binali Yıldırım; TİKA’s President, Serkan Kayalar; TİKA’s Vice President, Ümit Naci Yorulmaz; and TİKA’s Head of the Department for Central Asia and Caucasus, Ali Özgün Öztürk.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction in bringing the hospital to Kyrgyzstan, stating “We feel nothing but pride in establishing such a hospital.”
Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu noted that the hospital is equipped to perform all types of liver and kidney transplants.
Following the recitation of prayers, President Erdoğan and his delegation cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate the hospital.
After the ceremony, President Erdoğan inspected the facility and received a briefing from the hospital’s officials.
About the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Bishkek Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship State Hospital
The Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Bishkek Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship State Hospital, which began accepting its first patients on October 15, 2021, offers services in various specialties including cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, pulmonary medicine, anesthesiology and critical care, radiology and emergency medicine.
The hospital, which provides advanced diagnostic and treatment services with its two operating rooms, one angiography unit and 22 intensive care beds, conducts over 15,000 examinations, nearly 200 cardiovascular surgeries and approximately 1,800 angiograms each year.
Equipped with high-tech devices including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), mammography, Doppler ultrasonography and interventional radiology equipment, the hospital has seen numerous successful organ transplant surgeries performed by both Kyrgyz and Turkish doctors.
First Lady Emine Erdoğan, accompanying President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on his official visit to Kyrgyzstan, attended the opening ceremony of the Bilim Bişkek Innovation Center, established in Bishkek with support from Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
The opening ceremony of the “Bilim Bişkek Innovation Center” project, established through the collaboration of TİKA, the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3), Kyrgyzpatent and J. Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University, took place in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan with the participation of First Lady Emine Erdoğan.
Alongside Ms. Erdoğan, the ceremony was attended by TİKA’s President, Serkan Kayalar; Vice President, Ümit Naci Yorulmaz; T3 Foundation General Manager, Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır; Kyrgyzpatent Director, Rahat Kerimbayeva; J. Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University Vice President, Alaybek Şamsiye; TİKA’s Head of the Department for Central Asia and Caucasus, Ali Özgün Öztürk and other notable guests.
During the ceremony, which featured a performance of traditional Kyrgyz folk dance, Ms. Erdoğan cut the ribbon of the science center, extending her congratulations.
Following the ribbon-cutting, Ms. Erdoğan toured the center’s workshops, including those for robotics coding, mathematics, design, aviation and astronomy. She observed the students at work and engaged with them individually.
At the conclusion of the program, Ms. Erdoğan was presented with a gift, followed by a group photo to commemorate the event.
The “Bilim Bişkek Innovation Center,” with its equipment and landscaping provided by TİKA, has been designed as a hub for children and young people to explore and engage with science.
The center features workshops in natural sciences, astronomy, aviation and space, design, mathematics and hands-on experiments.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) completed the renovation and repair of Olam Karşigak Secondary School in the Dawlatabad district of Balkh Province. Originally built in 2011, the school sustained damage during recent conflicts. Following its restoration, the school was officially reopened.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Ali Özgün Öztürk, TİKA’s Head of the Department for Central Asia and Caucasus (OAK); Mufti Abdul Şükür Osmani, Balkh Province National Education Director; Mevlevi Zilgey Fayzani, Dawlatabad District National Education Director; Mikail Taşdemir, TİKA’s Program Coordinator in Mazar-i-Sharif; as well as teachers, students, parents and local authorities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Öztürk highlighted that TİKA operates in Afghanistan through three offices and has implemented over 650 projects, primarily in education and healthcare, in Northern Afghanistan since 2005. He emphasized Türkiye’s continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s development and expressed his hope that the newly renovated school would benefit Afghan students and the wider community.
In his remarks, Osmani touched on the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Afghanistan. He conveyed his gratitude to TİKA and the Turkish people for their development projects and initiatives in Northern Afghanistan.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in partnership with the Bir İnsan Dünyaya Bedeldir Health and Education Villages Volunteers Association (BİSEG), has organized a comprehensive healthcare initiative for Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh.
Volunteer health personnel from various provinces in Türkiye, along with representatives from the BİSEG Volunteers Platform, conducted a health initiative at TİKA Multipurpose Education and Culture Center in Sector 16 of the Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Cox’s Bazar.
A mobile clinic, previously donated by TİKA, also played an active role in delivering healthcare services.
In total, 1,937 patients received care at the health camp with 701 treated in the ear, nose and throat department, 1,039 in general medicine and 197 in dental care.
On the final day, services continued at Teknaf Moin Uddin Memorial College.
About the Multipurpose Center
Opened in 2023, the Multipurpose Center offers support to asylum seekers across various fields.
The center provides vocational training in areas such as bamboo craft, woodworking, electronics and sewing as well as a space for cultural activities. Notably, the Burmese book library—the first of its kind in the camps—enables refugees to preserve their cultural identity.
About Bangladesh
With a population exceeding 170 million, Bangladesh is one of the most populous countries in the world. Despite positive developments in recent years, serious challenges persist in the health sector. According to United Nations data, high infant mortality rates, a low healthcare budget and an insufficient number of health professionals remain among the country’s primary health issues.
TİKA continues its humanitarian aid efforts for Rohingya Muslims who sought refuge in Bangladesh following the violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in August 2017.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has supplied essential laboratory equipment to the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Ghana.
TİKA provided binoculars and microscopes to support the department’s hands-on education program, which currently operates with limited resources. Despite having 700 students and three large laboratories, the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences previously had only seven functioning microscopes.
Student community calls for support
The National Health Students Association of Ghana (NAHSAG), a student organization formed by medical students, issued a call for support by communicating the department’s need for microscopes to the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Accra.
In response to this request, TİKA supplied nine binocular microscopes and two digital microscopes to the university’s laboratories, effectively doubling their previous capacity, which had consisted of only seven outdated microscopes. TİKA also provided training to university staff on the use of these new microscopes, which are equipped with high-resolution screens.
Delivery ceremony held on October 29
The equipment delivery ceremony took place at the University of Ghana on October 29, 2024 in celebration of Republic Day. The event was attended by Hüseyin Güngör, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Accra; Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health of Ghana; TİKA’ Coordinator in Niamey, Tanju Polat and representatives from the University of Ghana.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Güngör spoke to guests about the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in honor of Republic Day. He highlighted the significance of bilateral cooperation in advancing social and human development and discussed Turkish investments in Ghana. Güngör expressed his belief that cooperation between the two countries will continue to strengthen.
TİKA Coordinator Polat remarked that Türkiye-Ghana technical cooperation is expanding across various fields, including vocational training, digital design laboratories and media training, and that this cooperation is further enriched with the recent initiative to supply next-generation microscopes.
Mr. Hafiz Adam, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health of Ghana, highlighted Türkiye as a key partner in Ghana’s economic development, noting that Ghana has now become the country with the second-largest commercial investment from Türkiye.
He also acknowledged TİKA’s contributions, expressing gratitude to the Turkish people for the previously established Al-Jazari Digital Production Laboratory and for the next-generation microscopes provided on this occasion.
The project aims to support public hospitals in Ghana with essential microbiology technology by enhancing the technical and technological capacity of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, while also improving research and training opportunities.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided humanitarian aid packages containing dry food items and 5 tons of hygiene materials for public facilities, benefiting 2,500 families in need across Lebanon.
Due to the war in Lebanon, 1.6 million people from the southern cities of Bekaa and Beirut have been forced to leave their homes and migrate to relatively safer areas, primarily in the northern part of the country.
This mass migration has led to rising regional unemployment rates and increasing prices for rent and basic necessities, impacting not only those displaced but also the local populations in the host regions.
In Lebanon, 2,500 families in need, including Turkmen families and compatriots from Mardin, received humanitarian aid packages containing dry food supplies and 5 tonnes of hygiene materials for public facilities. The distribution program, conducted in cooperation with TİKA and the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Beirut, took place in Bekaa, Beirut and other northern provinces of Lebanon.
The opening ceremony of the Department of Turkology at the Faculty of Philology, Hasan Prishtina University, which was renovated and equipped by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), took place recently.
As part of the project, the classrooms and administrative units of the Turkology department at the university in the capital city of Pristina were renovated, significantly enhancing the department’s physical infrastructure.
The opening ceremony was attended by Kosovo’s Minister of Regional Development, Fikrim Damka; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Pristina, Sabri Tunç Angılı; Vice Rector of Hasan Prishtina University, Naim Jerliu; TİKA Vice President, Dr. Mahmut Çevik; MP of the Democratic Turkish Party of Kosovo, Fidan Brina Jılta; Dean of the Faculty of Philology at Hasan Prishtina University, Abdulla Rexhepi; Head of the Turkology Department, Ergin Jable; as well as representatives from Turkish institutions, academics and students.
750 Projects by TİKA in 19 Years
Speaking at the opening ceremony, TİKA Vice President Dr. Çevik stated that the agency has been active in Kosovo across various sectors since 2005, implementing a total of 750 projects to date.
Dr. Çevik remarked, “Since our establishment as TİKA in 1992, we have placed significant emphasis on the development of the Turkish language. Across this region, from Central Asia to the Balkans, we have completed 121 projects dedicated to the Turkish language, culture, Turkology and Turkish studies.”
“Turkish will live on these lands for eternity”
Minister Damka emphasized the importance of preserving the Department of Turkish Language and Literature and ensuring the accurate transmission of the Turkish language to future generations. Highlighting that Turkish in Kosovo represents the language of a people who have historically led in the Balkans, Damka expressed his hope saying, “I hope Turkish will live on these lands for eternity.”
“Kosovo: A Cultural Hub of the Turkic World”
Ambassador Angılı remarked that Kosovo, as a young state, is home to communities with a rich and profound history.
He highlighted that the Department of Turkology, alongside the University of Pristina, brings significant value to the independent and sovereign Republic of Kosovo. Angılı stated, “Kosovo is also one of the cultural centers of the Balkans, Europe and the Turkic World. This was true historically, and I am confident it will remain so today and in the future.”
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Çevik presenting guests with copies of ‘Büyük Türkçe Sözlük’ (the Grand Turkish Dictionary) and a group photo.
This project, which aims to strengthen the presence of Turkish language and culture in Kosovo, stands as a tangible example of cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated the Ali Haşim Muhtaroğlu Astroturf Field in Tuz Khurmatu, a Turkmen region in Iraq.
The astroturf field, originally built by Ali Haşim Muhtaroğlu, Vice President of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, in the town of Yengejeh in 2012, had fallen into neglect and disrepair during the Daesh attacks. Turkmen politician Ali Haşim Muhtaroğlu was martyred in a bombing in 2013. With DAESH present in the area, many residents had to abandon the region. TİKA is now contributing to revitalizing social life and encouraging reverse migration by enriching the community and enabling young people to engage in sports. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Akil Ali Haşim Muhtaroğlu, Vice President of ITF (Iraqi Turkmen Front) Selahaddin; TİKA’s Coordinator, Oğuzhan Dinler; Selahaddin Turkmen Education Director and numerous guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, Akil Ali Haşim, Vice President of the ITF, said “We frequently witness the impactful projects TİKA implements across Iraq, especially in the Türkmeneli regions. Unfortunately, this field had been neglected since 2014. They responded promptly to the request from the people of Yengejeh and restored the field to usability as soon as possible.” Haşim noted that the field was originally built by the late Ali Haşim Muhtaroğlu in 2012, who was martyred a year later, and that no other party had attempted repairs until now. He expressed hope that young people will begin using the field and help contribute to the revitalization of the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, TİKA’s Coordinator in Iraq; Oğuzhan Dinler said, “With this project, we aim to provide a healthy and safe sports field for our young people while also strengthening social bonds. At TİKA, we prioritize friendship, solidarity and development in our projects around the world.” Dinler highlighted that Iraqi Turkmens are a longstanding community that has significantly enriched the country’s cultural heritage. He thanked the project team and the ITF for their support, expressing hope that the astroturf field will benefit the entire community, especially young people. Following the opening, a football match was held between local teams.
The Turkish Language Center, established within Lahore Government College University—the oldest higher education institution in Pakistan—was inaugurated following its renovation by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Ali Erbaş, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Lahore; Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir, Rector of Lahore Government College University; Muhsin Balcı, TİKA’s Coordinator in Islamabad; Dr. Mehmet Toyran, Education Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Islamabad, faculty members and many guests attended the opening ceremony.
Rector Bashir emphasized that with the establishment of the Turkish Language Center, students will gain a closer understanding of Turkish culture, which will strengthen the bond between the people of both countries. She expressed her gratitude to TİKA for its support in bringing this project to fruition.
About Lahore Government College University
Under the framework of the Academic Cooperation Protocol signed between the Education Counsellor’s Office of the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad and Lahore Government College University, interest in Turkish language courses, introduced as electives in the 2023-2024 academic year, is growing steadily.
Currently, around 300 students are enrolled in Turkish language courses, which have drawn considerable interest from university students.
The ‘TALENT for BIZ’ career fair was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, coordinated by the Human Resources Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, with support from Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
At the event held in Sarajevo, Turkish institutions and organizations operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina presented career opportunities to Turkish and Bosniak youth.
TİKA hosted a booth at the ‘TALENT for BIZ’ event, which supports Türkiye’s aim to become a hub for global talent and seeks to inform young people studying or living abroad about Turkish companies working internationally and potential career opportunities. TİKA shared details of its projects and activities with attendees and provided information on career prospects within the organization.
Turkish institutions and organizations, including ASELSAN, Halkbank, the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Turkish Airlines, Türk Telekom, Yunus Emre Institute, Turkish Maarif Foundation, Şişecam, Proyapı Engineering and Consultancy, and Ziraat Bank, also participated in the fair.
Human resources representatives from these companies conducted informational sessions with attendees about job and internship opportunities, while workshops were held for students as well.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided equipment to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University, which continues its educational and research activities in South Africa.
TİKA provided equipment support to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, ranked among the world’s top 200 universities in plant and animal sciences.
Through this project, a centrifuge machine, water purification system, spectrophotometer, plant growth chamber and lyophilizer were provided to support the cultivation of plants under controlled conditions, DNA analysis and the preservation of plants and extracts as required.
South Africa is home to 9,000 endemic plant species
South Africa hosts approximately 9,000 plant species, the majority of which are endemic. These plants, integral to the development of traditional medicine, have been used by local communities for medicinal purposes over centuries.
However, during the apartheid era the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 restricted this usage. Following the repeal of this law in 1994, academic research surged, allowing many native plants to be widely adopted in medicine and cosmetics.
Stellenbosch University is now dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge into academic research. To support this, TİKA provided the university with equipment to study the reactions of local plants to different production conditions, determine optimal cultivation and storage methods and conduct DNA-level analyses.
Handover ceremony organized
The handover ceremony was attended by Yonca Sunel, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Cape Town; Abdulkadir Abukan, TİKA’s Coordinator in Pretoria; Vim de Villiers, Rector of Stellenbosch University; Sibusiso Moyo, Vice Rector; as well as academics and students.
During the ceremony, Rector de Villiers expressed gratitude to TİKA for its contributions. Vice Rector Moyo emphasized the significance of international cooperation in enhancing the university’s research capacity and provided information about the partnerships with universities in Türkiye.
Consul General Sunel noted that this program marked her first official visit since her appointment and expressed her pleasure in collaborating with the esteemed institutions of South Africa.
About Stellenbosch University
Founded in 1918 in the Western Cape region of South Africa, Stellenbosch University is recognized as one of the oldest active universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the university offers educational services to over thirty thousand students across 10 faculties and 139 departments, consistently ranking among the top 500 universities in the world.
