Türkiye Gençlik ve Eğitime Hizmet Vakfı (TÜRGEV) gained prominence with its meaningful support for the international project titled "Pusula: The Common Direction of Humanity," which aims to raise awareness among young people in the fields of cultural diplomacy and human rights.

Under the European Union Erasmus+ Program, the project, coordinated by Ibn Haldun University established by TÜRGEV and in collaboration with Al-Quds University based in Jerusalem, was introduced to the public with a special launch program held in Istanbul on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The event in Istanbul was attended by T.C. Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Assoc. Prof. Dr. Safa Koçoğlu, the Palestinian Ambassador to Ankara Dr. Faed Mustafa, academics, diplomatic representatives, and many university students.

The project aims to involve young people selected from Turkey and Palestine in a mutual learning process around themes such as cultural heritage, human rights, international law, and urban awareness through cultural and academic programs that will take place between Istanbul and Jerusalem.

"Every voice rising for Palestine is valuable"

One of the most striking moments of the event was the meaningful opening speech made by TÜRGEV Board Chairwoman Attorney Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz. Yılmaz emphasized the valuable meaning of cultural diplomacy and youth-focused collaborations by drawing attention to the moral responsibilities humanity faces despite the technological opportunities of the age with the following words:

"We live in an age where borders are blurred, information circulates rapidly, and intercultural contact intensifies; a truly global age. However, this same age is also a period marked by levels of suffering and genocides unseen in human history. Witnessing these pains compels every individual with human dignity to take a meaningful stance for Gaza and Palestine."

75% of the diaspora is a humanitarian issue

Pointing out that Palestine is the only country where approximately 75% of its population lives in the diaspora, Yılmaz emphasized that this dramatic reality turns cultural diplomacy into not just a tool but also a universal human responsibility. Yılmaz stated, "Today, we are gathered here for a project that embodies this vision: Pusula: The Common Direction of Humanity. This project aims to bring together Turkish and Palestinian students within the framework of cultural diplomacy and human rights awareness. We aim to address complex issues such as the preservation of cultural heritage, religious freedoms, and the fundamental principles of international law from the perspective of young people. We will promote interdisciplinary collaboration through seminars, workshops, and field research to be conducted in Istanbul and Jerusalem," she said.

"Al-Aqsa Mosque is the first sign of our compass"

Yılmaz also made a special emphasis on the concept of "Pusula" mentioned in the project's name, stating that this symbol is not just a directional tool but also a roadmap shaped by faith, values, and a sense of responsibility with the following expressions:

"Human beings are always in search of direction to survive. For Muslims, what gives life meaning and value is the guidance of the Quran; it is a spiritual compass that directs our existence. The first sign of this compass is Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first qibla of Muslims. In this context, protecting the international legal status of Jerusalem is not only a political obligation but also a responsibility in terms of preserving cultural heritage, religious freedoms, and fundamental human rights."

Stating that TÜRGEV has always provided determined and principled support for Palestine's just struggle with this awareness, Yılmaz concluded her remarks by saying: "We wholeheartedly believe that this educational program will resonate globally and leave a lasting mark in the collective memory of humanity as a call to social responsibility."

Young people as cultural ambassadors in the field

As part of the event, project coordinator Ömer Faruk Yıldırım gave a detailed presentation regarding the scope, objectives, and implementation schedule of the project. Participants were informed about the academic events and field studies to be conducted along the Istanbul-Jerusalem line with visual materials.

Research Assistant Kaan Şentürk, one of the project executors, highlighted the symbolic position of Istanbul and Jerusalem in cultural memory and the diplomatic effects that could be created through media in his presentation titled "The Role of Cultural Diplomacy and Media."

The project "Pusula: The Common Direction of Humanity" is one of the first projects developed specifically for Jerusalem within the framework of Erasmus+ Youth Mobility. The project aims to raise young people not only academically but also as individuals who are sensitive to cultural heritage, universal law, and have a justice-based vision.