At our workshop titled "The Role of Civil Society in the Syrian Return Process", we evaluated the return process, the role of civil society, and opportunities for joint collaboration alongside esteemed experts in the field.
We would like to express our gratitude to Istanbul Commerce University for contributing to the realization of the program, to the Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek for his hospitality, and to the Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society, the Presidency of Women's Diaspora Communications, and their valuable teams for their support.

The Ankara Asylum Seekers Platform, along with representatives of civil society organizations, attended a consultation meeting held in Istanbul to shape the future of migration management and evaluate the strategic steps planned for the upcoming period.
Hosted by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Mustafa Çiftçi, the meeting comprehensively addressed the current state of migration processes, encountered challenge areas, future policies, and roadmaps.
<h3 data-path-to-node="5">Joint Report Presented to Minister Çiftçi</h3>
Within the scope of the meeting, the work carried out by the Ankara Asylum Seekers Platform—in which the Migration and Diaspora Foundation (GDV) is also a stakeholder—and the joint report prepared as a result of these efforts were presented to the Minister of Interior, Mr. Mustafa Çiftçi. Containing civil society’s field observations, findings, and solution proposals, the report aims to contribute to policy development processes for migration management.
Following the meeting, platform representatives emphasized the importance of common ground in migration policy, stating:
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“We would like to express our gratitude to our Minister of Interior, Mr. Mustafa Çiftçi, and all the participants for this valuable meeting where productive discussions for the future took place, and for their gracious hospitality.”
</blockquote>
These collaborative efforts aim to pave the way for stronger and more coordinated steps in the field of migration management in the coming period.

The workshop titled “The Role of Civil Society in the Syrian Return Process”, organized by the Migration and Diaspora Foundation, will be held in Istanbul on July 1.
At the workshop, which will take place at the Istanbul Commerce University Eminönü Campus, return processes will be addressed in a multidimensional manner in light of the developments in Syria. Within the scope of the program, voluntary return policies, opportunities for cooperation between public institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), economic and social challenges encountered during the return process, as well as cohesion and reintegration issues, will be evaluated.
The workshop, which will be held with the participation of expert academics in their fields, civil society representatives, and relevant stakeholders, aims to share views and recommendations on sustainable and human-oriented return processes.
In a statement made by the Migration and Diaspora Foundation, it was emphasized that the return process must be addressed not only in its humanitarian dimensions but also in its social, economic, and institutional aspects. It was also noted that the roles NGOs can undertake in this process will be comprehensively discussed.
The workshop will be held on July 1 at the Istanbul Commerce University Eminönü Campus.

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<h2 style="color: #2c3e50; text-align: center; border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db; padding-bottom: 10px;">Migration and Diaspora Foundation Organizes the "Perspectives on Safe and Sustainable Return to Syria" Forum</h2>
The Migration and Diaspora Foundation (GDV) will hold the Regional Migration and Return Forum titled "Perspectives on Safe and Sustainable Return to Syria" in Ankara on July 21-23, 2026, where the return processes to Syria will be addressed in their various dimensions. The forum, which will be held at Meyra Palace, will bring together academics, researchers, civil society organization representatives, experts from international organizations, and policymakers. Within the scope of the program, fundamental topics such as safe return, sustainable return policies, regional cooperation, protection of human dignity, and shared future perspectives will be discussed. While current developments regarding the return processes of Syrian refugees are evaluated at the forum, policy recommendations and good practice examples will also be shared to ensure that returns are carried out in a safe, voluntary, and sustainable manner. Participants will also exchange views on migration management, social cohesion, reconstruction processes, and regional cooperation mechanisms. The forum, which will be held with the contributions of experts from different countries, aims to contribute to strengthening constructive dialogue and cooperation regarding return policies. The "Perspectives on Safe and Sustainable Return to Syria" Forum will be held on July 21-23, 2026, at Meyra Palace located in Çankaya, Ankara.
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<h3 style="margin: 5px 0px; color: #333333; text-align: left;">📍 Venue: Meyra Palace / Çankaya, Ankara</h3>
<h3 style="margin: 5px 0px; color: #333333; text-align: left;">📅 Date: July 21–23, 2026</h3>
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You can fill out the registration form below to participate in the program:
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The Migration and Diaspora Foundation carried kindness beyond borders on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The trusts of benevolent donors were successfully delivered to families in need in Kenya.
The sacrificial animals, slaughtered by proxy, were distributed after being processed in designated regions. As the prepared meats were handed over to the families, the abundance of Eid and the culture of sharing were brought to their tables.
Foundation officials stated that the initiative has further strengthened the bond of solidarity and brotherhood.

As the Migration and Diaspora Foundation, we participated in a face-to-face information and training session for NGOs, held as part of the "Access to Justice: Legal Information and Support Project for the Relatives of Foreign Prisoners," carried out by the International Refugee Rights Association (IRRA) with the support of the European Union and Penal Reform International (PRI). The program addressed the legal and social problems faced by the relatives of foreign prisoners, the difficulties experienced in accessing information and support mechanisms, and referral processes. The session also assessed practical examples and opportunities for inter-institutional cooperation. <div id="gtx-trans" style="position: absolute; left: 236px; top: 126px;"> </div>

The sessions to be held as part of the 5th International Symposium on Islamic Culture and Civilization continue to bring together expert figures in the field. On the second day of the symposium, held under the theme "Muslim Minorities," another important figure will meet with the participants. Migration and Diaspora Foundation Chairman Recep Seyyar will be a speaker at the 1st Session, to be held on May 9, 2026, at the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Darıca Balyanoz Social Facilities. In his presentation titled "The Perception of Minorities in the Modern Era," Seyyar will address the transformation of the concept of minority today and the position of Muslim minorities through the phenomenon of migration and diasporic structures. At the session, which is expected to attract keen interest from academics and researchers, the aim is to comprehensively assess current debates on the phenomenon of minorities in the contemporary world.

Workshop On New Approaches In Migration And Integration Policies

Syria Field Observation Report

From Turkey To Syria: Building The Future Education Report

Turkey Migration Mobility Report (2016–2023)

Migration Form

WORKSHOP

EVENTS

MEDİA

DIASPORA

ACADEMY

DIPLOMACY

WOMEN

The application process has begun for the "Roots and Consciousness" Camp, organized by the Migration and Diaspora Foundation Youth Unit in order to contribute to building a youth that is committed to its deep-rooted values, conscious, and able to determine its own direction. The program will be held as a residential program in Ankara on May 1–3. The camp, planned with limited capacity and intended only for male participants, aims to increase young people's awareness both individually and socially, within the framework of the motto "Faith. Identity. Connection." As part of the program, current topics such as the identity crises produced by the modern world, the construction of the self in the digital age, and global responsibilities will be addressed with the contributions of competent figures in the field. <h3 data-section-id="gril26" data-start="828" data-end="856">The Thematic Framework of the Camp</h3> The camp, which aims for participants to gain a multidimensional awareness, is shaped around four main themes: Know Yourself – "Who Am I?" Issues such as the identity crisis in the modern world, the construction of the self in the digital age, loneliness, and the search for meaning will be addressed. Feel Your Roots – "Where Do I Belong?" Assessments will be made on migration, belonging, cultural memory, and shared civilizational consciousness. Know the World – "Where Is My Place in the World?" Global crises, foremost among them Palestine, debates about the post-nation-state world, and the concept of borders in the digital age will be examined. Meet Your Responsibility – "What Falls to Me in This Age?" In-depth sessions will be held around the moral and intellectual responsibilities of youth, global youth consciousness, and the question "to remain silent, or to build?" <h3 data-section-id="wpt6f1" data-start="1685" data-end="1709">Who Can Apply?</h3> Our program is intended for men between the ages of 18 and 25. Applicants will be contacted and given detailed information about the program. <h3 data-section-id="xiwozn" data-start="1969" data-end="1991">Aims and Outcomes</h3> The "Roots and Consciousness" Camp aims to support participants' development not only academically but also from an intellectual, moral, and civilizational perspective. The program aims to contribute to young people getting to know themselves, deepening their sense of belonging, and gaining a sense of responsibility on a global scale. Applications for this program—which offers an important opportunity for young people who wish to develop themselves, gain intellectual depth, and connect with a high-quality circle—will be received through the form. To register, do not forget to fill out the <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK_utMcFZFPIjF8WXp5-VGWnO7EQvsdRYc9oJxhIvc4EH53w/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=106552950062302686115" target="_blank">application form</a>.

A reality that began with the descent of Adam and Eve from paradise to earth and will continue until the end of time: migration. The phenomenon of migration, which has persisted in different forms throughout human history, continues to be one of Türkiye's most important agenda items today. The migration issue, for which solutions have been sought in Türkiye for the past 15 years, directly affects many areas, from demographic structure to economic balances, and from social integration to public policy. So what do the data say? How are political actors managing this process? Migration and Diaspora Foundation Chairman Recep Seyyar made striking assessments about the migration issue on the program in which he took part. Seyyar addressed, from a comprehensive perspective, why Syrian cardiologists prefer Germany, why second-generation migrants born and raised in Türkiye are still defined as "asylum seekers," and the opportunities Türkiye has missed in this process. Drawing attention to the fact that migration is not merely a security or social policy issue but also a matter of strategic human resources and future vision, Seyyar emphasized that Türkiye needs to reconsider its policies in this area. To watch the full program and listen to detailed analyses on the subject, you can visit the link below: 🔗 You can watch the full program <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOfAaNvHhUE">here</a> <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VOfAaNvHhUE" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Our Report From The Workshop On New Approaches In Migration And Integration Policies Has Been Published

Our institution's delegation visited Deputy Interior Minister Mr. Bülent Turan at his office. During the kind reception, assessments were made about the work our institution carries out, its activities in the field of migration and diaspora, and the projects realized within the scope of civil diplomacy. In addition, a mutual exchange of views was held at the meeting on opportunities for cooperation in the relevant fields and on future work. We thank Mr. Bülent Turan for his kind hospitality and valuable assessments at this meeting, which took place in a sincere atmosphere.