YTB Youth Camps Bring Together the World’s Youth in İstanbul: “A More Just World Is Possible”

In cooperation with the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, young people from 58 different countries—including Turks living abroad, kinsfolk and related communities, and international students—came together at the İstanbul Marmaracık Youth Camp. During the camp, participants enjoyed unforgettable moments filled with cultural and sports activities in harmony with nature.

As part of the activities, the youth also had the opportunity to explore İstanbul’s historical and cultural richness, taking a Bosphorus tour and visiting significant landmarks such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern.

Joining the camp and meeting the participants, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus delivered an important message in his address to the youth. Emphasizing that the camp was not merely an event but a gathering point carrying the traces of civilization, Turus noted that young people of different languages, religions, and colors were united around a common purpose: “Here, we see the trace and reflection of a civilization. The scene in this camp—which brings together our citizens living abroad, our kinsfolk and related communities, and our valued international students—is the clearest response given in a time when the world is filled with chaos, wars, racism, and mindsets that reject differences. We bring together young people of different languages, religions, and colors around a common goal, and together we say: ‘A more just world is possible!’”

Continuing his remarks, Turus highlighted the importance of the Turkish language. Stating that Turkish is a language of peace and culture, he said:

“Today, we have young brothers and sisters here from 58 different countries. And there is one more important point: We can all come together in a common language, Turkish. Do you know what the most important featureof our language is? Yes, Turkish sounds beautiful. The reason is this: Turkish is a language of peace; a language of culture; a language that stands by conscience, the oppressed, and the rightful. Speaking Turkish is not merely speaking a language. Speaking Turkish means being the voice of conscience, standing with the oppressed, and showing that differences are in fact a richness.”

Turus emphasized that the activities throughout the camp strengthened the youth’s sense of solidarity and brotherhood: “Dear young people, you have experienced so much together throughout this camp. You did not merely come together and meet; through sports activities—from zip-lining to canoeing, from swimming to football, volleyball to table tennis, basketball to the YTB 15th Anniversary Tournaments—you experienced solidarity, teamwork, and shared joy. In cultural and artistic activities—from theater to music, from country presentations to recreational games—you both shared your own cultures and learned new values from one another.” 

Noting that sightseeing programs were organized to allow the youth to see historical and cultural sites firsthand, Turus continued: “And you also became acquainted with the heart of İstanbul. You toured the Bosphorus together, visited Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. You did not merely see Türkiye; you engraved the history, depth, and beauty of this civilization into your hearts. At the core of all these experiences lies a single message: It is possible to come together, to rise above differences, and to build a shared future.”

Drawing attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Turus underscored the importance of the youth taking a clear stance: “Today, with your spirit of unity and brotherhood here, you are giving the greatest response to the genocide taking place in Gaza. Our sole aim is to raise and empower a generation that will embody and carry forward the ideal that ‘a more just world is possible.’ You will be the bearers of this message. When you return to your countries, you will defend this ideal. You will convey Türkiye’s position, multiply the good, and say ‘stop’ to evil. Because today, there are babies being killed before our eyes just because they are Muslim. We will not get used to this. We will not grow numb to evil. We will stand against it. And I believe that your stance will mark the beginning of great goodness in the world. As the President of YTB, I am truly honored to be here with you. God willing, in the future you will build, we will meet again in a world where suffering has ended, where peace prevails, in a free and independent Gaza.”

Concluding his speech, Turus expressed his gratitude to the institutions contributing to the camp’s organization: “First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to our President, who presented this vision to us and to our entire nation, and who has outlined ‘a more just world is possible’ not merely as a phrase but as a roadmap for the world. I also thank our Minister of Culture and Tourism, who carries the cultural depth and civilizational dimension of this vision to the world, and our Minister of Youth and Sports, who places youth at the center and leads many strong initiatives that prepare you for the future.”