6 February 2025, Malatya, Türkiye – In the second anniversary of the devastating February 6 Earthquakes, CIFAL Istanbul, in collaboration with the Bright Futures Foundation, and with the support of Bahçeşehir University and UNITAR, carried out a four-day impactful field visit to Malatya, one of the most affected regions. Between February 3rd and 6th, the CIFAL Istanbul team visited schools and temporary accommodation centers to support the educational and emotional recovery of children affected by the disaster.
Throughout the visit, a wide array of hands-on workshops and interactive activities were conducted to empower children through science, environmental awareness, and creativity. At Beydağı Temporary Accommodation Center, the team spent quality time with Syrian children affected by the earthquake, painting, talking, and organizing art-based activities inside the container homes, offering moments of joy and connection.
On 4 February, CIFAL Istanbul and Bright Futures Foundation, in collaboration with the BilimSenOl Platform, visited Yenice Secondary School in Darende and hosted science workshops introducing children to basic chemistry through natural hand-sanitizer experiments made from essential oils and vinegar. These workshops not only fostered creativity but also demonstrated the practical use of science in daily life, sparking hope and enthusiasm.
On 5 February, CIFAL Istanbul and Bright Futures Foundation visited Şehit Aytaç Altunörs Primary and Secondary School, where they carried out a multifaceted day of support. With the partnership of Bahçeşehir University, books were donated to help enrich the school’s library—offering children expanded access to learning resources, imagination, and healing. On the same day, a Seed Ball Workshop was organized using recycled newspaper, flower seeds, soil, and cinnamon powder. Following this, students planted saplings in the schoolyard, strengthening their bond with the environment and learning about biodiversity, waste reduction, and eco-friendly production methods. These activities reinforced SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting both academic growth and sustainability awareness.
The event series also included team games, sustainability-themed discussions, and meaningful conversations with students and teachers about the road ahead. These collective experiences emphasized the importance of unity, empathy, and shared responsibility in recovery and rebuilding processes.
“The solidarity shown in the face of the February 6 Earthquakes reminds us that building a better future begins with unity, empathy, and shared action—first at the individual level, and then globally.”
CIFAL Istanbul extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, educators, students, and especially to the Bright Futures Foundation, Bahçeşehir University, and UNITAR for their unwavering support. These efforts underline CIFAL Istanbul’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable development and empowering children through education, creativity, and compassion.
This field visit reflected CIFAL Istanbul’s belief in building hope through education, sustainability, and solidarity—planting the seeds of a stronger future, one child at a time.
The New Face of European Far-right: Femonationalism as a Tool for Anti-migration in EU and Beyond article, written by former CIFAL Istanbul teammate İbrahim Ekrem Sarı, CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform Co-President and CIFAL Istanbul Student Assistant Ceren Orhan and CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform Member Aybüke Ceren Çolakoğlu is now online!
Abstract
The European far right has been on the rise in many parts of the continent for a variety of reasons, including migrant crises, economic factors and the war in Ukraine. In many countries, these parties, which once appeared to be on the fringes of the political spectrum, have started to play a role in government following their electoral successes, and have even taken on coalition-building roles after finishing ahead in the elections. This paper aims to demonstrate that femo-nationalism exacerbates epistemic injustice by examining how women leaders and officers of far-right parties in Europe and beyond have used feminist and queer elements in their nationalist discourses. It aims to explain how these discourses are reflected both in the media and in politics through case studies from three EU member states and Turkey, a candidate for EU membership. By critiquing identity politics within feminism, this study provides a basis for future research on femo-nationalism and homo-nationalism, which have been on the rise in Europe with the increasing popularity of the far right wing.
To read the full article follow the link below:
https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4265104
January 2025, Malatya, Türkiye- CIFAL Istanbul team visited Malatya, one of the cities affected by the February 6 earthquakes. During the visit, the team came together with local authorities, gave a speech on sustainability awareness as a part of Heroes of the Nature seminar and they spent time with children in various workshops and activities.
On January 10, CIFAL Istanbul Team and Bright Futures Foundation visited the Head of Malatya Metropolitan Municipality Strategy Development Department in their Office to discuss possible improvements in the region, the sustainable reconstruction of schools and future collaborations that could contibute to education in the region. Later on the team visited Deputy Mayor of Malatya Battalgazi Municipality. During the meeting, the parties received information from the municipal authorities in regards the social services provided, the local needs and the recovery process in the region. Alongside the current issue at hand, possible supports and future collaborations were discussed.
On January 11, 2025, a meaningful event was held in Malatya’s Battalgazi district, offering support and inspiration to children and parents affected by the February 6 earthquake. A seminar was held in Battalgazi Municipality’s Conference Hall titled “Heroes of the Nature: Raising Awareness on Sustainability”. Ms. Aslıcan Açık and Mr. Eren Yalınkaya started their speech by explaining to the children and their parents what the United Nations is, what it stands for and what we all can do individually to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The team then touched upon important issues such as the protection of clean water, the use of renewable energy, sustainable cities, combating climate change and the protection of natural life. They tried to inspire children to become nature heroes by stating that they can create big changes with small steps. Throughout the event, interactive questions and interesting data and examples were used to encourage environment friendly habits and participants made a promise to strive for a more livable world together.
Various presentations took place during the seminar the main focus being educating children and families the importance of sustainability specifically waste reduction and the long-term benefits of adopting eco-friendly practices. At the end of the seminar, CIFAL Istanbul team presented books to the children who participated in the event and came together with the children in the tote bag painting workshop.
Over the three-day visit to Malatya, the CIFAL Istanbul team conducted effective activities to raise environmental awareness and the importance of taking steps for sustainable development in the region, starting from the individual level to the governmental authorities.
CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform was launched in December, 2021 at Bahçeşehir University South Campus with the participation of Mr. Nikhil Seth, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and President of UNITAR at that time. CIFAL Istanbul is the only CIFAL center among all other CIFAL centers in the world that has a special structure for young people with the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform. This platform, which operates under the umbrella of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) at Bahçeşehir University, aims to raise young people’s awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encourage them to develop their ideas and support them in developing projects.
CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform provides a unique environment for young people to realize their innovative ideas and create solutions to global problems, while strengthening knowledge and experience sharing through bridges with national and international stakeholders. By unlocking the leadership potential of young people, the platform paves the way for inspiring projects to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; and by harmonizing the dynamic academic environment of Bahçeşehir University with the global vision of the UN, it equips young people to shape the world of the future.
The platform collaborates with student clubs at the university to ensure the active participation of young people through activities such as social responsibility projects, field trips, seminars and workshops. At the same time, platform members have the opportunity to collaborate with UN agencies and participate in international internship and training programs. Operating as the first and only youth platform among all CIFAL platforms, CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform reinforces CIFAL Istanbul’s pioneering role on a global scale by enabling young people to take concrete steps for a sustainable world.
On January 8, 2025, Prof. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, visited the FAO Türkiye Headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye to engage in productive discussions aimed at identifying potential areas for future collaboration. The meeting served as a platform to explore pressing topics in agriculture and food security, focusing on innovative approaches and strategies to address current global challenges. As the world faces mounting pressures on food systems and sustainable development, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address these challenges through impactful projects and initiatives.
Over the years, CIFAL Istanbul and FAO Türkiye have developed a strong partnership focused on advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the discussions, Prof. Sohodol and FAO representatives explored opportunities to further deepen their collaboration in line with the SDGs, particularly those related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and gender equality. Building on their successful history of working together, the conversation centered on expanding efforts to promote regenerative agriculture practices, which are crucial for long-term sustainability, and supporting initiatives that empower agricultural communities, especially by amplifying women’s roles within this sector.
A particularly significant aspect of the discussions was the shared commitment to fostering inclusive practices in agriculture. Both parties recognized the critical role of gender dynamics in shaping the agricultural landscape and reaffirmed their dedication to supporting women’s agricultural cooperatives. Addressing these challenges aims to empower women in rural communities, enhance their economic opportunities, and promote a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector. The meeting also emphasized the need to protect biodiversity, to promote the concept of Sustainability to all generations starting from primary school level, and that water, soil, environment and food are not only a goal to be supported but also a necessity for sustaining vital activities. The meeting was an important step in creating a future where agricultural practices are sustainable, inclusive and in line with global development goals.
14 January, 2025 İstanbul, Türkiye – With the vision in the field of Education, Sustainable Development Goals and lifelong learning, CIFAL Istanbul, İBB Institute İstanbul ISMEK and İBB Lifelong Learning Division Directorate came together to strengthen their cooperation for the future. The meeting held on 14 January 2025 is considered as a strategic milestone for the productive exchange of ideas between the parties and the implementation of projects that will contribute to both regional and global development.
At the meeting, Prof. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, emphasized the importance of SDGs for the parties and shared her suggestions on the existing potential as well as areas of cooperation that can be developed. Prof. Sohodol elaborated her views by saying; “Such exchanges play a critical role in the realization of projects ranging from individuals to institutions and in supporting sustainable development”.
Furthermore, the parties stated that both institutions are conducting pioneering activities in their fields and that this cooperation has the potential to develop projects that will attract attention not only in the region but also in the international arena. IBB INSTITUTE Representatives of Istanbul ISMEK and IBB Lifelong Learning Division Directorate stated that they believe that the collaborative projects will not only be in the field of education, but will also support social and cultural transformation. It was agreed to strengthen social solidarity through projects involving different segments of society and to support social innovations with the active participation of local stakeholders and civil society organizations.
Additionally, it was decided to share the Equal Opportunity in Technology Education Project, which was implemented in 2023 in partnership with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, Bahçeşehir University and YapıKredi, on IBB Lifelong Learning Platforms completely free of charge. Under the leadership of both institutions, it is envisioned to initiate projects that will support and advance the Sustainable Development Goals by integrating local dynamics with global trends.