We met with 250 American Muslim students who came to Turkey in 3 groups as part of the Youth Bridges II Summer Program organized in collaboration with the TURKEN Foundation, TÜRGEV, Ensar Foundation, and Ibn Khaldun University.

During the 3 separate dinners held at the Sepetçiler Pavilion, we had the opportunity to meet and chat with the students.

The programs were attended by Dr. Fatmanur Altun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TÜRGEV, our Board Members Yasemin Solmaz Gür and Zeynep Feyza Eker, our General Manager Abdulkadir Çay, Behram Turan, Chairman of the TURKEN Foundation, Haluk Gani, Secretary General of TURKEN, and Taşkın Bumin Ayrancı, Turkey Coordinator of the TURKEN Foundation.

Dr. Fatmanur Altun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TÜRGEV, stated that he wanted to build a bridge that brings together geographies and cultures through the TURKEN Foundation, saying, "You will all have the opportunity to get to know Turkey closely during your stay. Through trips, you will witness the natural, historical, and cultural beauty of Turkey. In addition, we believe that with the classes you will attend at Ibn Khaldun University, established by TÜRGEV, you will gain preliminary knowledge about Turkey's recent history, political structure, and culture. We believe that through the TURKEN Foundation, you will have the opportunity to see Turkey's geographical beauty, cultural reserves, and historical riches up close. We want to reach many people from all over the world for the recognition and promotion of this wealth. With the friendship bridge we will build, the malicious perceptions that prevent us from knowing and listening to each other will give way to real thoughts and feelings. Leaving our country as heartfelt ambassadors of our foundation, the place you will reserve for us in your hearts will be the greatest outcome of this program. We believe that investments in girls in TÜRGEV have high social returns. By educating girls, we believe we can transfer the energy of women, which has long been present in the Islamic world, to the public sector and take important steps to ensure the healthy maturation of the new generation. Moreover, by investing in girls, we are not acting against social trends; rather, we are meeting a social demand. We think that this effort will support mechanisms that correct misconceptions about gender roles in the Islamic world and that the positive changes that will occur will reflect positively on society. We know that raising women who will nurture future generations, showcase various virtues in family life, and take on leadership roles in the social arena is a significant goal. It is possible to see TÜRGEV as a challenge to the modern world. As a unique civil society organization in the Islamic world, we are open to any support we can receive. The heartfelt support you all show will make TÜRGEV successful."

In the program that includes education, travel, and activities, American Muslim students who had the opportunity to closely experience Turkey's historical and cultural fabric throughout July visited important cities in Turkey, primarily Istanbul, as well as Ankara, Konya, and Cappadocia.