Alija Izetbegović Foundation Delegation Visited the Republic of Turkey

The delegation of the Alija Izetbegović Foundation visited the city of Bursa in the Republic of Turkey from 30^th September to 4^th October 2021.

Members of the Foundation Board, Sabina Berberović, Faris Nanić, Muzaffer Çilek and Zijad Ljevaković, as well as the Secretary General Muhamed Mulahmetović and Secretary Esma Zlatar were in the delegation.

The aim of the visit was to establish connections with the Bosniak associations in the Republic of Turkey, with the goal of improving the relations between the two countries, strengthening the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, preserving the identity and the Bosnian language among the Bosniaks living in Turkey, as well as promoting the intellectual legacy of Alija Izetbegović.

During their stay in Bursa, the delegation of the Alija Izetbegović Foundation was hosted by the Deputy Governor of Bursa, Mr. Mustafa Özsoy, as well as the Mayor of Bursa, Mr. Alinur Aktaş, and the delegation had the opportunity to visit the cultural and historical sights of Bursa and Istanbul.

On Saturday, 2^nd October, 2021, at the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Bursa, a reception was organized for representatives of Bosniak associations in the Republic of Turkey, as well as friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the city of Bursa. Different types of possible cooperation in the future were discussed, from the organization of cultural and educational activities in both countries, to the implementation of summer schools for youth from Bosnia and Herzegovina, diaspora and the Republic of Turkey.

The following day, on 3^rd October, the delegation visited the Bosniak village Turankoy near Bursa, where the members of the delegation met with the village inhabitants whose ancestors had emigrated from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Turkey decades ago, and had a talk with them in a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

The visit to the Republic of Turkey was realized with the support of the Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Muzaffer Çilek.

ALIJA IZETBEGOVIĆ FOUNDATION