Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) continues to support producers through the “Project to Promote and Ensure the Continuity of Sheep Breeding in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)”.
The project, successfully implemented in the İskele Region between 2020 and 2023, aims to increase the number of sheep and goats, support milk production and contribute to rural development. It continues to expand throughout the TRNC.
The program, initiated to provide the ovine milk required for Halloumi registration and to contribute to breed improvement, spread across the entire country in late 2023. As part of this initiative, Assaf sheep and Damascus goats were included in the program.
A total of 100 female and 10 male Assaf sheep, 140 female and 14 male Awassi Chios crossbred sheep, and 20 female and 2 male Damascus goats, procured from the State Breeding Farm, were distributed to young breeders who met the criteria through a lottery held before a notary public.
With contributions from TİKA, a total of 1,100 sheep and goats have been distributed to 38 young breeders in the TRNC so far.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) installed the “Cezeri Lab Digital Design and Production Laboratory” within Kenyatta University, one of the leading higher education institutions in Kenya.
Cezeri Lab, established at Kenyatta University with modern technology infrastructure, is designed to provide training and production in advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D modeling and programming. The installation process included integrating the latest computer hardware, programming kits, robotic components and 3D printers into the laboratory.
As part of the two-week intensive training program held after the laboratory installation, a total of twenty academics from Kenyatta University’s mechanical, electrical, space and computer engineering, as well as technical design and planning departments, received detailed training on topics such as the design and programming of robotic systems, the development of artificial intelligence algorithms and 3D modeling techniques. At the end of the training, the participants had the opportunity to implement their own projects in the laboratory.
The establishment of the Cezeri Lab aims to accelerate research and development in advanced technology at Kenyatta University. By incorporating the laboratory into the practical education curriculum of various engineering and design departments, the project seeks to enhance students’ skills in design, modeling and robotics.
Additionally, the project aims to strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and Kenya and to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience between young scientists and professionals from both countries.
Prof. Caroline Lang’at Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, expressed her gratitude to TİKA and the Turkish people for their support and friendship, stating that the Cezeri Lab has significantly advanced Kenyatta University’s capabilities.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed and inaugurated the Hamidiye Mosque Ornamentation Project in Johannesburg, South Africa. The project aims to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and the South African Muslim community.
The Hamidiye Mosque, built in the mid-19th century, holds historical significance as the site where Mahatma Gandhi launched the civil disobedience movement with the pass burning in 1908. In 1980, the mosque was designated as a cultural heritage site and was renovated by TİKA at the request of Jamiatul Ulama. As part of the project, the mosque’s main ceiling was adorned with the Surahs of Al-Fath and Al-Fatiha, while the women’s prayer space was decorated with traditional Turkish motifs. Sultan Abdulhamid II’s tughra was placed at the entrance of the mosque.
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks; Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, Ayşegül Kandaş; TİKA’s Coordinator in Pretoria, Abdulkadir Abukan; Jamiatul Ulama Secretary General and Hamidiye Mosque Imam, Ebrahim Bham; Muslim MPs, diplomats and representatives from NGOs attended the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kandaş highlighted the significance of collaborating with the South African Muslim community and underscored the value of TİKA’s projects in South Africa.
Hendricks expressed his gratitude to TİKA for the mosque’s ornamentation project and shared his family’s historical connection to the mosque. He noted that his great-grandfather was one of the founding members and had organized a fundraising meeting in front of the mosque during the Tripoli War to support the Ottoman Empire.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Pretoria Abukan stated that TİKA will continue its efforts to preserve shared heritage in South Africa and strengthen existing connections.
Mr. Bham, Secretary General of Jamiatul Ulama and Imam of Hamidiye Mosque, referred to the congratulatory and welcome letter presented by the mosque community to Ottoman Consul General Mehmet Remzi Bey. He emphasized that the mosque has been a symbol of shared heritage for Turkish and South African Muslims since its establishment.
During the opening ceremony, Islamic calligraphy artist Refik Çarıkçı introduced the project to the guests and demonstrated calligraphy techniques.
This project is viewed as a significant step in strengthening the ties between Türkiye and the South African Muslim community, preserving shared cultural heritage and advancing diplomatic relations.
An alpaca house with a capacity for 400 alpacas has been established in the rural area of Huancavelica, Peru at an altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level. The alpaca production facility, supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has been named the “Peru-Türkiye Friendship Ranch.”
As part of the project, a 750 m2 corral was built on a 50-hectare area. Pasture areas were created to optimize food resources, and water tanks were installed to address issues of water access due to extreme drought and cold. Additionally, to prevent lightning strikes at high altitudes, a lightning rod was installed.
The project aims to provide a comprehensive solution to various challenges such as freezing temperatures, falls from height, predator attacks, lightning strikes, regional famine and drought.
The opening ceremony of the ranch, established in cooperation with TİKA and the Huamanrazu Alpaca Producers’ Association, was attended by representatives of the Directorate Regional of South American Camelids Huancavelica, members of the Huamanrazu Alpaca Producers’ Association, faculty members from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at the National University of Huancavelica and TİKA officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ursula Tunque Quispe, President of the Huamanrazu Alpaca Producers’ Association, expressed her gratitude to Türkiye for reviving alpaca breeding in the region, which was on the verge of disappearing, thanks to TİKA’s support.
Quispe said, “Alpaca breeding was on the brink of extinction due to climatic conditions. There is no water in our grazing areas, and the grass does not grow due to drought. Newborn animals were especially vulnerable, often freezing to death in the morning. I remember warming newborn alpaca babies in my own bed to keep them alive.”
Quispe said that they presented the project to many countries but received support only from Türkiye. She added, “We knocked on many doors, but Türkiye was the only country that paid attention to help us establish this ranch. We are grateful to TİKA for providing us the opportunity to carry on this production, which is the most important source of livelihood in our region and a heritage from our ancestors. We hope this will serve as an example for other international organizations and the people of the region.”
Our flag raised at the opening event
This year, Türkiye was the guest of honor at the festivities organized by the Huancavelica Governorship in celebration of National Alpaca Day on August 1. The “Peru-Türkiye Friendship Ranch” project was introduced as part of these festivities.
Huancavelica Governor Leoncio Huayllani Taipe emphasized that TİKA has carried out an exemplary project by addressing the needs of the local people and collaborating with local authorities.
Despite being recently threatened by the effects of climate change and harsh geographical conditions, Peru is considered the homeland of alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, which make up the South American camelid family. Peru is home to 70% of the world’s alpacas, and alpaca production represents the largest volume in the country’s livestock industry.
The project, realized with contributions from TİKA, will receive technical support from the National University of Huancavelica and will serve as an example for other communities.
The cooperation protocol for the establishment of a science center named “Bilim Ülgün” in Montenegro, supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was signed with the participation of the project stakeholders.
A science center named “Bilim Ülgün” will be established in the city of Ulcinj in Montenegro with the support of TİKA, in cooperation with the Turkish Technology Team T3 Foundation, the Montenegro-based XL Labs Foundation and Ulcinj Municipality.
The cooperation protocol for the project was signed with the participation of all stakeholders.
Designed as a science center with workshops in various fields, Bilim Ülgün will feature training and study areas including science, design, mathematics, natural sciences, technology, astronomy, aviation and space.
Additionally, as part of the “Technology Stars of the Future Program” within the DENEYAP Technology Workshops, technology training will be provided under 11 topics. A 36-month training model will be implemented, emphasizing teamwork throughout the program.
The project aims to encourage the participation of young people and individuals of all ages in the technology production process and contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial culture in the field of technology.
In cooperation with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye and the FOREM Association, a vocational training program featuring a “Welding and Metalworking” module has been launched in Algeria.
The opening ceremony held in the capital, Algiers, was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Algeria, M. Mücahit Küçükyılmaz, TİKA Coordinator, representatives from the FOREM Association, managers and several businessmen operating in the sector.
In his speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Küçükyılmaz stated that Türkiye is ready to share its expertise in every field with Algeria, a friendly and brotherly country. He thanked TİKA, the Ministry of National Education and the FOREM Association for their contributions.
The training program, conducted by two trainers from Türkiye, will continue until August 15 and includes 18 participants from various cities across Algeria.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs have signed a memorandum of understanding for development cooperation.
The signing ceremony, held at the Foreign Ministry Building in the capital, Tripoli, was attended by Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohamed Zeidan; Turkish Ambassador to Tripoli, Güven Begeç; TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar and TİKA’s Coordinator in Tripoli, Ali Süha Bacanakgil.
The memorandum of understanding, which establishes a legal framework for TİKA’s activities in Libya, was signed by Ashraf Al-Taeb, Director of the International Cooperation Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Libya, and TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar from Türkiye.
Following the signing ceremony, Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Zeidan expressed his honor at the visit of TİKA officials to Libya.
Noting that the memorandum of understanding was signed in accordance with Prime Ministerial Decree No. 424, which establishes the legal framework for the operations of official international agencies and organizations in Libya, Zeidan said, “This important step was taken to strengthen the joint cooperation between our two countries. This memorandum of understanding enables TİKA to commence its work and present projects in Libya.”
After the signing ceremony, TİKA’s President Kayalar stated that TİKA has been implementing projects for the Libyan people since the early 2010s.
Expressing their desire to increase TİKA projects in Libya, Kayalar said, “This agreement is very important, especially in terms of TİKA gaining legal recognition here and establishing a legal basis for our work. With this development cooperation agreement, we have solidified the legal foundation for our activities in Libya.”
TİKA to restore Turgut Reis Complex in Tripoli’s Old City
During the ceremony, a protocol was signed between TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar and Mahmoud Al-Hashimi En-Neas, Director of the Tripoli Old City Administration, for TİKA to restore the Turgut Reis Complex.
Kayalar stated that TİKA will undertake the restoration of the Turgut Reis Complex, a symbolic site linking the two countries, following the instructions of Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
“Unfortunately, this tomb has suffered various damages in recent years. Today, we signed an important agreement with the Libyan state for the restoration of this tomb,” Kayalar said, noting that TİKA will commence the restoration of the Turgut Reis Complex under the terms of the agreement.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the equipment and machinery needed by the fishermen’s cooperative in Niger were provided, and renovation work was carried out in the cooperative’s building.
In Niger, where agriculture and animal husbandry play a crucial role in the country’s economy, strengthening modern integrated production facilities has become a state policy. However, progress in this area is being impeded by the country’s political, economic and security challenges. Freshwater fisheries projects initiated by the Niger Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment lack sufficient support.
TİKA launched a support project for the Tcharga Fisheries Cooperative under the “Guichet Unique 3A” concept to address the needs of the fish farms managed by the Niger Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment in and around the capital, Niamey.
The cooperative’s center in Niamey has been outfitted with essential production and training equipment following maintenance, repair and renovation work. In addition to a water well and tank powered by solar energy, the center is equipped with portable pools, generators, air pumps, oxygen distribution systems and various other pieces of equipment.
Additionally, a classroom for ongoing training in fishing activities has also been established.
The opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the renovated center was attended by Özgür Çınar, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Niamey; Alassane Makadassou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment of Niger; Tanju Polat, TİKA’s Coordinator in Niamey, and other officials.
The project aims to enhance both the production and consumption of fish, which is commonly eaten in Niger and plays a significant role in the cultural tradition of hospitality. It seeks to increase the country’s animal production capacity and diversify income opportunities.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), two training facilities and social areas were established within the Beirut Fire Brigade Centre in Lebanon.
As part of the project initiated by TİKA to enhance the institutional capacity of the Beirut Fire Brigade Centre, two training facilities to improve the fitness and endurance of firefighters and a social area where personnel can comfortably spend their downtime, were constructed at the Beirut Fire Brigade Centre.
The opening ceremony of the project was attended by Tolga Budak, First Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Beirut; General Maher Al-Ajouz, Commander of the Beirut Fire Brigade; Moughir Sinjaba and Adnan Omeirat, members of the Beirut Municipality Council; 12 Lebanese firefighters who participated in search and rescue operations in Türkiye following the Kahramanmaraş earthquake on February 6, 2023 and members of the media.
On August 4, 2020, an explosion at the Port of Beirut resulted in numerous fatalities and extensive material damage. The Beirut Fire Brigade was the first to respond to the initial fire, but 10 firefighters lost their lives in the subsequent explosion.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated and reopened the patient care ward at the Wassila Bourguiba Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Tunisia.
Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan; Director of Public Health at the Tunisian Ministry of Health, Tarek Ben Nasr; TİKA’s Coordinator in Tunisia, Ali Fuat Cebeci, Tunisian officials and hospital staff attended the opening ceremony at the Wassila Bourguiba Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, the country’s first full-fledged maternity hospital in the capital, Tunis.
After the opening ceremony, Ambassador Demircan expressed his pleasure in contributing to a hospital that primarily serves women and children.
Tunisian Director of Public Health Ben Nasr stated that they are happy to be part of a project that will strengthen relations between the two countries in the field of health and that such initiatives will pave the way for further collaborations in healthcare.
Ben Nasr mentioned that TİKA utilized modern medical equipment in the renovation of the patient care ward, and with the reopening of the renovated departments, the hospital will provide services in a healthier and more efficient manner.
Wassila Bourguiba Maternity and Obstetrics Hospital performs 8,000 births annually
Highlighting that the Wassila Bourguiba Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital is the first and largest maternity hospital in the country, TİKA’s Coordinator in Tunisia Ali Fuat Cebeci mentioned that approximately 20,000 examinations and 8,000 births are performed at the hospital each year.
Cebeci mentioned that TİKA has implemented various projects in Tunisia since 2012 and noted the following:
“A significant part of the hospital’s service rooms, including the ultrasound unit, has been renovated. This project, which increases the hospital’s patient care capacity, will also ensure that hospitalized patients receive comfortable and healthy care.
We have realized many projects in the field of health in Tunisia, and we endeavor to continue our efforts to sustain these projects.”
TİKA started its activities in Tunisia in 2012 and has since implemented nearly 250 development and technical cooperation projects across various sectors such as administrative and civil infrastructure development, education, healthcare, culture and agriculture.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), a service vehicle was provided to the Široka Rijeka Home Care Center in Croatia. This service vehicle will transport local women farmers to markets so they can sell their products, and it will also provide basic services for the elderly and disabled in the region.
The city of Vojnic has a multicultural society with women, children, people with disabilities and elderly orphans making up the majority of the population. Geographical conditions and settlement patterns make it challenging to maintain the continuity of social services in the region.
Široka Rijeka Home Care Center provides a wide range of services, including daily hot meals, medicines, fuel and basic health checks, for 55 disabled, orphaned or otherwise care-dependent individuals living in 22 villages.
The products obtained from the greenhouses established by TİKA for the benefit of women in the region in recent years can now be delivered to markets using the provided service vehicle. This project, which supports the economic empowerment of women, also aims to provide basic services to the elderly and disabled at the care center.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), a 41-member medical team from Türkiye went to Niger, where they provided 2,941 outpatient services and performed 336 surgeries.
In cooperation with TİKA and Bir İnsan Dünyaya Bedeldir Sağlık ve Eğitim Köyleri Volunteering (BİSEG) Association, the 29th health organization event, supported by the Turkish Ministry of Health, Turkish Airlines (THY) and various non-governmental organizations from Türkiye, was held in Niger.
In the organization held in the city of Tessaoua in the Maradi region of Niger, a 41-member medical team conducted screenings and surgeries across various medical specialties. A total of 2,941 outpatient services were provided in internal medicine, gynecology, ENT (ear, nose and throat), ophthalmology and dentistry. Additionally, 336 surgeries were performed in general surgery, urology and gynecology, along with 602 dental treatments, 1,483 ultrasounds, laboratory tests and dressings.
Patients who could not afford treatment due to the high cost of health services expressed their gratitude to the Turkish people and the Republic of Türkiye for the assistance provided to them.
About Niger
In Niger, where nearly half of the population lives below the hunger line according to United Nations data, health services and hospital infrastructure are extremely inadequate to meet the health and treatment needs of the population.
In particular, people living in rural areas far from the capital, Niamey, have difficulty accessing specific surgical procedures as well as routine examinations. In the country, where compulsory health insurance systems and social assistance are inadequate, a significant portion of the population cannot access health services or obtain medicines.
For this reason, deaths due to simple diseases such as malaria, typhoid and cholera as well as malnutrition are frequently observed, especially among children and the elderly.
