Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has successfully completed the restoration of the Nejashi Tomb and Mosque, located in the village of Nejashi in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, widely regarded as the first Muslim settlement in Africa.
The project, carried out with TİKA’s support, enabled the restoration of this historically significant site, which had suffered considerable damage during the recent civil war.
The Nejashi Tomb and Mosque, believed to be the first destination of Muslim migration and a symbol of the hospitality shown by the Abyssinian King Najashi, stands as one of TİKA’s most esteemed restoration efforts. Originally restored in 2019, the complex sustained damage during the civil conflict between 2020 and 2022.
As part of the renewed renovation works led by TİKA, key structural components, including the tomb’s dome, the mosque’s minaret, as well as the walls and wooden elements of the multipurpose hall, were repaired. Additional restoration addressed deterioration caused by time and weather throughout the site.
Thanks to this initiative, the Nejashi Tomb and Mosque, one of the most cherished examples of our shared historical and cultural heritage abroad, has been preserved for future generations. Through this project, TİKA has not only safeguarded an important symbol of Islamic history in Africa but also reinforced bonds of friendship and cultural solidarity.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), a multi-purpose center for women and the elderly has been opened in the town of Aboud, Palestine.
In partnership with the Barbara Women’s Association, TİKA has renovated and repurposed a historic building in the town of Aboud, located in Ramallah, where Christians and Muslims live side by side, into a multi-purpose community center serving women and the elderly.
The two-story, seven-room building, owned by the Barbara Women’s Association, which has been active in supporting women, the elderly, and children since 2013, has been comprehensively restored and converted into both the association’s headquarters and a public women’s club.
Thanks to the project, a welcoming space has been created where women can come together, socialize, engage in meaningful activities, and participate in cultural programs.
The center will host workshops focused on traditional clothing, soap and food production, as well as fairs, meetings, and special events. A seniors’ club has also been established to offer the elderly a comfortable and engaging environment.
With additional support from TİKA, a guesthouse featuring three rooms with a total capacity of nine people has been added to accommodate visitors from outside the region.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), 92 patients in need of eye care in Syria received free surgical treatment through a health initiative in Aleppo.
The health campaign was organized in collaboration with TİKA and Can Veren Eller Derneği (Hands Giving Lives Association) with the aim of strengthening Syria’s health infrastructure and providing care for those in need. Between June 20 and 30, 92 patients underwent surgical procedures at the Eye Diseases Polyclinic of the Aleppo Eye Hospital.
Following the operations carried out by a volunteer medical team from Türkiye, patients were provided with the necessary medications and post-operative care. The initiative also included training sessions for local healthcare professionals on the latest techniques in ophthalmology, fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Throughout the ten-day campaign, the volunteer team worked alongside Syrian medical personnel, offering treatment while also contributing to professional development in the local health sector. At the end of the initiative, local authorities visited the hospital to express their gratitude to TİKA and the Hands Giving Lives Association for their valuable support.
These initiatives, supported by TİKA, aim to expand access to healthcare services while also contributing to the long-term development of local healthcare capacity.
The Family Music Therapy Center, established with the support of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was officially inaugurated with a ceremony.
The event was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut, Murat Lütem; Lebanese Parliament members Said El Asmar and Nazih Matta; the Mayor of Zouk Mosbeh, Elie Saber; and representatives from various non-governmental organizations.
Following the declaration of 2025 as “the Year of the Family” by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, projects aimed at strengthening family structures are being implemented both in Türkiye and in partner countries. Within this framework, the Family Music Therapy Center was founded to enhance family bonds and support the artistic development of children.
As part of the project, spaces were created for music education and small-scale performances. Music therapy activities, known to establish stronger emotional connections within families, support individuals with special needs, and contribute to conflict resolution, will be conducted under the guidance of professionals. The center, equipped with a range of musical instruments, also offers children and young people the opportunity to explore and develop their musical talents.
Speaking at the opening, Ambassador Lütem emphasized that the center is not merely a physical structure but a creative space where families can grow closer and children can express themselves through art. “This center is a reflection of the deep friendship and solidarity between Türkiye and its sister country Lebanon,” he said, thanking all those who contributed to the project.
The opening program featured performances of Turkish and Arabic songs. Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility and visited its music workshops. The Family Music Therapy Center is set to become a new cultural and artistic hub for families and youth in the Zouk Mosbeh area.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the “Magnificent Treasure” calligraphy exhibition, held in Herat, one of Afghanistan’s cultural capitals, brought together art enthusiasts in memory of Master Hasan Çelebi, a prominent figure in the world of calligraphy.
Organized under the auspices of the Turkish Consulate General in Herat and the Herat Directorate of Culture and Information, in collaboration with the Herat Calligraphers Association and TİKA’s Program Coordination Office in Herat, the exhibition drew significant attention.
Reflecting the shared cultural heritage of Türkiye and Afghanistan, the event showcased a total of 110 works created by calligraphers from Herat, as well as Afghan artists residing in Kabul, Iran, and Germany. Through artistic expression, the exhibition paid tribute to Master Hasan Çelebi, a highly esteemed figure in the Islamic world.
The event also highlighted the deepening emotional bond between Afghan calligraphers who had previously participated in the international calligraphy exhibition held in Istanbul in 2018 with the support of TİKA and Master Hasan Çelebi.
Special promotional booklets in Turkish and Farsi, detailing Çelebi’s artistic journey and body of work, were presented to visitors as gifts. The exhibition, which remained open for a week, made a meaningful contribution to both the art world and Turkish-Afghan friendship. TİKA continues its efforts to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen bridges of friendship.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) supported the social and economic reintegration of individuals recovering from psychoactive substance abuse by establishing a vocational training workshop at the Smoluça Psychoactive Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center in Lukavac, a city in the Tuzla Canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Founded in 2004 by the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina and granted public institution status in 2013, the center has provided rehabilitation services to nearly 500 individuals from across the country and surrounding regions. Currently housing around 20 residents, the center follows a holistic rehabilitation model that includes therapy, art, agriculture, and sports.
The vocational training workshop established through this TİKA initiative equips residents with practical skills, supporting their psychological, social, and economic empowerment. The ultimate goal is to prepare individuals to re-enter the labor market and lead independent lives after completing rehabilitation.
In addition, the project is expected to enhance the center’s sustainability and operational capacity through income generated from vocational production activities.
The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki; TİKA’s Coordinator in Sarajevo, Erdinç Işık; Tuzla Mufti, Vahid ef. Fazlović, Secretary of the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Labor, Social Policy and Return, Anto Iljkić; Lukavac Chief Imam, Zijad ef. Vehabović and Center Director, Mevludin Joldić.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Tuzla Mufti Vahid ef. Fazlović emphasized the value of TİKA’s sustainable and people-centered projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating that the initiative offers hope to those seeking a fresh start. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to TİKA for its continued support.
TİKA remains committed to promoting the active participation of individuals in society through its rehabilitation, education, and vocational development projects for disadvantaged groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided media equipment to the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) to strengthen the technical infrastructure of public media organizations operating in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines.
As part of its cooperation with the Bangsamoro Information Office, TİKA enhanced the region’s media capacity by supplying a wide range of modern equipment, including professional cameras, drones, live broadcast systems, and studio gear, to improve the quality and efficiency of news production.
The project aims to boost the capacity of local media organizations to produce timely, high-quality content directly from the field, enabling them to serve as more effective and reliable news sources both regionally and internationally.
BIO Director Ameen Alonto highlighted that the technical equipment provided has directly improved broadcast quality. He noted that the visual and audio standards have significantly risen thanks to the new studio lights, professional microphones, and high-performance computers.
TİKA’s Coordinator in the Philippines, İbrahim Katırcı, emphasized that the support has contributed to the enhanced effectiveness of media institutions in Bangsamoro and to the strengthening of local news networks. He added that one of the key goals of the project is to help establish a healthier and more consistent flow of information to the public.
BIO reporter Benyamen Cabuntalan, who participated in a war reporting training program in Türkiye in 2023, organized in collaboration with TİKA and Anadolu Agency, stated that the equipment provided by TİKA has enabled him to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training more effectively in the field.
TİKA’s support is expected to play a vital role in ensuring the timely and accurate dissemination of information to the public during the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, scheduled for October 13, 2025. It will also contribute to the conduct of the elections in a transparent, trustworthy, and democratic environment.
As part of the “Beekeeping Development Project” carried out by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in villages and towns with a high population of our compatriots in North Macedonia, beekeeping equipment was provided to 30 families.
TİKA supplied equipment to families living in the Yörük region, located at the foot of the Ağlar Mountains (Plačkovica), as well as in the Serta and Belasica mountain areas in the southeastern part of the country. The support reached several villages across various municipalities, including Karbintsi, specifically Radanya, Kılavuzlu, Kutsa, and Pırnalı villages; İştip with Seltse, Lakavitsa, and Penuş villages; Radoviş, including Kocalı, Buçim, and Kılavuzlu villages; Konçe village in Konçe municipality; Yüksek Mahalle village in Vasilevo; and Dedeli, Çalıklı, Bahçebozu, and Koçolu villages in Valandova.
30 families benefit from the project
As part of the project, 30 families engaged in beekeeping were provided with 300 modern beehives, essential tools for beekeeping and honey production, as well as technical training. The equipment was delivered to the farmers during a program held in the Negotin Kuruyer region.
The delivery ceremony was attended by TİKA’s Coordinator in Skopje, F. Şeyma Babayiğit, beekeeping families, and local residents.
The beneficiary families expressed that the support provided by TİKA held great significance for them, highlighting that the materials offered economic empowerment to beekeeping families living in rural areas.
In her statement, TİKA’s Coordinator in Skopje, Babayiğit, noted that the TİKA Skopje Program Coordination Office has been implementing projects in various fields across different regions of North Macedonia since 2005, with agricultural initiatives targeting rural farmers holding particular importance.
Babayiğit continued her remarks by saying: “Through the projects we implement in North Macedonia, we promote agricultural development, contribute to the regional economy, and aim to improve the living standards of families. I would like to thank all the stakeholders involved in these projects and wish everyone a fruitful and prosperous production season.”
About the Beekeeping Development Project
The Beekeeping Development Project contributes to local economic development by increasing the production of honey, royal jelly, propolis, pollen, and other bee products. At the same time, it fosters cooperation and solidarity among different communities by including various ethnic groups and settlements.
TİKA has long been working to support rural development and revitalize the regional economy in North Macedonia, particularly in areas with a high concentration of our compatriots, where agriculture remains a primary economic activity. Within this framework, projects are being implemented to facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing among farmers, provide training, support the production of healthy and high-quality food through agricultural equipment assistance, and promote modern strawberry cultivation, fruit farming, rice cultivation, greenhouse farming, and beekeeping.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated the Turkish Studies Department at Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi, Georgia’s second-largest city.
As part of the project, the department’s classrooms and faculty offices were fully refurbished. All educational furniture was replaced, and the department was equipped with modern teaching technologies, including smart boards and computers.
The opening ceremony following the completion of the project was attended by TİKA Vice President, Dr. Ümit Naci Yorulmaz; Akaki Tsereteli State University Vice Rectors, Dr. Ekaterine Gaçeçiladze, Meki Gachechiladze, and Sergo Svanadze; Turkish Studies Department faculty member, Giga Kamuşadze; other faculty members, students, and university staff.
Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA’s Vice President Yorulmaz emphasized that the Department of Turkish Studies is not merely an academic discipline, but also a vital cultural bridge between Türkiye and Georgia.
University Vice Rector Gaçeçiladze expressed their appreciation for the renovation of the department’s physical infrastructure, noting that the Department of Turkish Studies carries a strategic mission in both cultural and academic terms. They added that, thanks to TİKA’s support, students will now be able to study in more modern conditions, and faculty members will benefit from better-equipped working environments. Gaçeçiladze extended his sincere gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye and TİKA for their continued support.
Serkan Kayalar, President of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was a guest at the “Velhasıl” program organized by the Ankara Representative Office of the Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA). Held in a warm and engaging atmosphere, the event brought together Kayalar and young participants for an insightful session. During the program, he delivered a presentation titled “TİKA’s Role in Türkiye’s International Development Cooperation”.
In his remarks, Kayalar reflected on Türkiye’s growing role in international development in recent years, emphasizing that TİKA’s global projects provide not only technical assistance but also promote a spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.
“As TİKA, we represent Türkiye’s conscience and culture of sharing in every country where we operate. Our development projects are designed not only for immediate impact, but also for long-term social benefit”, Kayalar said, stressing the importance of youth engagement in this mission. He added that TİKA aims to shape the future with the enduring values of the past and underlined the need to raise a generation with a strong sense of international responsibility.
An Interactive Meeting with Young People
During the program, young participants posed questions about TİKA’s field projects. Serkan Kayalar emphasized that development diplomacy extends beyond state institutions, involving civil society and youth as well. He encouraged young people to take on greater responsibility in this important field.
Participants had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Türkiye’s international activities, while also deepening their awareness of public diplomacy, volunteering, and global solidarity.
The event concluded with a group photo taken to commemorate the day.
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.
